Biotransformation of citalopram: Insights from identification of transformation products by LC-QToF-MS

Biodegradation is considered to be the key process for the elimination of the majority of pharmaceuticals in the environment. During wastewater treatment or once they are disposed in the aquatic environment, pharmaceuticals may transformed to new, structurally-related compounds which are called transformation products (TPs). Since most of these compounds are unknowns, their identification is essential not only to provide a comprehensive risk assessment on micropollutants in the environment, but also to design improved removal technologies for (pseudo)persistent trace contaminants. In this study, batch reactors seeded with activated sludge from the WWTP of Athens were set up to assess biotic, abiotic and sorption losses of a SSRI drug, citalopram. TPs were identified by reversed-phase liquid chromatography quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (RPLC-QToF-MS). Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) was also used as a complementary, orthogonal, technique for the identified TPs, instead of NMR. A workflow for suspect and non-target screening was developed. A suspect list of possible TPs was compiled by literature and in silico prediction tools (EAWAG-BBD Pathway Prediction System and Bruker’s Metabolite Predict). Structure elucidation of TPs was based on accurate mass and isotopic pattern measurements and interpretation of MS/MS spectra by the observed fragmentation pattern and library-spectrum match. In total, thirteen TPs were identified. Four out of them were fully identified and confirmed by reference standards (desmethylcitalopram, citalopram amide, citalopram carboxylic acid and 3-oxo-citalopram). A probable structure based on diagnostic evidence and tentative candidates were proposed for the additional five and four TPs, respectively. Finally, a transformation pathway based on the identified compounds was presented

Sustainable wastewater reuse for agriculture

International audienceEffective management of water resources is crucial for global food security and sustainable development. In this Review, we explore the potential benefits and challenges associated with treated wastewater (TW) reuse for irrigation. Currently, 400 km(3) yr(-1) of wastewater is generated globally, but <20% is treated, and of that TW, only 2-15% is reused for irrigation depending on region. The main limitation of TW for irrigation is the inability of current treatment technologies to completely remove all micropollutants and contaminants of emerging concern, some of which have unknown impacts on crops, environment and health. However, advanced water treatment and reuse schemes, supported by water quality monitoring and regulations, can provide a stable water supply for agricultural production, as demonstrated in regions such as the USA and Israel. Such schemes could potentially serve a net energy source, as the embedded energy in wastewater exceeds treatment needs by 9 to 10 times. Agriculturally useful nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium could be also recovered and reused. TW reuse for irrigation could act as a major contributor to a circular economy and sustainable development, but the first steps will be funding and implementation of advanced and sustainable treatment technologies and social acceptance