Molecularly imprinted nanofiber membranes enhanced biodegradation of trace bisphenol A by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract

Molecularly imprinted nanofiber membranes (MIM) were used to enhance the degradation of trace bisphenol A (BPA) by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. MIM were prepared by encapsulating BPA-imprinted polymeric nanoparticles (MIPs) into biocompatible polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibers using electrospinning. MIPs inside MIM could enrich BPA and its intermediate metabolites 4-hydroxyacetophenone (HAP) selectively. At the same time, BPA degrading-bacteria P. aeruginosa could be attached and immobilized on the biocompatible MIM. BPA and HAP enriched by the MIM increased the substrates’ concentration in the vicinity of the immobilized bacteria, which enhanced the degradation efficiencies. The increased BPA level and the amounts of immobilized bacteria on the membranes were strongly correlated to BPA biodegradation rate (r=0.90 and 0.87, respectively). The enhancement of MIM on biodegradation was significant in water containing interferences as well as in environmental water. The MIM could continuously enhance the degradation of trace BPA (2μg/L) in waste water during a 10-day experiment. After 24h of hydraulic retention time, BPA level in the effluent was below the limit of detection (<0.026μg/L). The combination of MIM with BPA-degrading bacteria provided a simple and practical method for in situ biodegradation of trace BPA in water.