Metabolic pathways for biotransformation of benzalkonium compounds in fungal- and bacteria-based biofilm reactors

Benzalkonium compounds (BACs) are quaternary ammonium biocides widely used in healthcare and industrial animal production, resulting in high concentrations in manure and wastewater. While BAC biodegradation has been demonstrated in wastewater and soil, little is known about the relevant biodegradation pathways in multi-species biofilm systems. This study investigated BAC degradation pathways in three aerobic moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) systems: (1) a fungi (Trametes versicolor) inoculated reactor, and heterotrophic bacterial biofilm in (2) water, and (3) manure.