This
work is a first approach to demonstrate the viability of a
quantitative biotechnological removal of choline chloride from aqueous
effluents. Despite the much vaunted biocompatibility of this ammonium-based
ionic liquid, it was demonstrated (both by an ad-hoc F test recommended
by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development and
flask assays) that different microorganisms able to degrade persistent
chemicals were not able to metabolize it. Only a halophilic bacterium,
recently isolated in our research group (Halomonas sp.), exhibits the enzymatic mechanism to catalyze the cleavage
of the ionic liquid cation. The biotechnological process was optimized
by carefully cherry-picking the carbon source and proposing an adaptation
strategy. In this way, a complete choline removal was attained in
less than 24 h when the surfactant Tween 80 was added to the ionic
liquid-containing aqueous effluent
