Biotransformation of caffeine, cotinine, and nicotine in stream sediments: Implications for use as wastewater indicators

Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
By: , and 

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Abstract

Microbially catalyzed cleavage of the imadazole ring of caffeine was observed in stream sediments collected upstream and downstream of municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) in three geographically separate stream systems. Microbial demethylation of the N-methyl component of cotinine and its metabolic precursor, nicotine, also was observed in these sediments. These findings indicate that stream sediment microorganisms are able to substantially alter the chemical structure and thus the analytical signatures of these candidate waste indicator compounds. The potential for in situ biotransformation must be considered if these compounds are employed as markers to identify the sources and track the fate of wastewater compounds in surface-water systems.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Biotransformation of caffeine, cotinine, and nicotine in stream sediments: Implications for use as wastewater indicators
Series title Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
DOI 10.1897/06-483R.1
Volume 26
Issue 6
Year Published 2007
Language English
Publisher Elsevier
Contributing office(s) Colorado Water Science Center, Iowa Water Science Center, Toxic Substances Hydrology Program
Description 6 p.
First page 1116
Last page 1121
Country United States
State Colorado, Iowa
Other Geospatial Boulder Creek, Fourmile Creek, South Platte River
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
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