Enzymatic cometabolic biotransformation of organic micropollutants in wastewater treatment plants: A review

Biotransformation of trace-level organic micropollutants (OMPs) by complex microbial communities in wastewater treatment facilities is a key process for their detoxification and environmental impact reduction. Therefore, understanding the metabolic activities and mechanisms that contribute to their biotransformation is essential when developing approaches aiming to minimize their discharge. This review addresses the relevance of cometabolic processes and discusses the main enzymatic activities currently known to take part in OMPs removal under different redox environments in the compartments of wastewater treatment plants. Furthermore, the most common methodologies to decipher such enzymes are discussed, including the use of in vitro enzyme assays, enzymatic inhibitors, the analysis of transformation products and the application of several -omic techniques. Finally, perspectives on major challenges and future research requirements to improve OMPs biotransformation are proposed.

Automated summary

This review focuses on the metabolic activities, mechanisms, and enzymatic activities involved in the biotransformation of organic micropollutants in wastewater treatment plants under different redox environments. Common methodologies for studying such enzymes, including in vitro enzyme assays, enzymatic inhibitors, analysis of transformation products, and various -omic techniques, are discussed. Perspectives on major challenges and future research requirements to enhance the biotransformation of organic micropollutants are proposed.