Secondary Effects of Hypochlorite Treatment on the Emerging Pollutant Candesartan: The Formation of Degradation Byproducts and Their Toxicological Profiles

In recent years, many studies have reported the frequent detection of antihypertensive agents such as sartans (olmesartan, valsartan, irbesartan and candesartan) in the influents and effluents of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and in the superficial waters of rivers and lakes in both Europe and North America. In this paper, the degradation pathway for candesartan (CAN) was investigated by simulating the chlorination process that is normally used to reduce microbial contamination in a WWTP. Twelve isolated degradation byproducts (DPs), four of which were isolated for the first time, were separated on a C-18 column by employing a gradient HPLC method, and their structures were identified by combining nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry and comparing the results with commercial standards. On the basis of these results, a mechanism of formation starting from the parent drug is proposed. The ecotoxicity of CAN and its DPs was studied by conducting a battery of ecotoxicity tests; bioassays were performed using Aliivibrio fischeri (bacterium), Daphnia magna (planktonic crustacean) and Raphidocelis subcapitata (alga). The ecotoxicity results shed new light on the increased toxicity of DPs compared with the parent compound.     

Separation and Characterization of New Forced Degradation Products of Macitentan: A Dual Endothelin Receptor Antagonist

Macitentan (MCT) is an endothelin receptor antagonist used for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. In the present study, MCT was subjected to forced degradation as per ICH guidelines. The drug degraded extensively in acidic, basic as well as neutral hydrolytic conditions and seven degradation products (DPs) were formed. All these DPs were selectively separated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a stationary phase of Inertsil C₁₈ column (150 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) and a mobile phase consisting of gradient mixture of 0.02% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and acetonitrile (ACN). The developed HPLC method was transferred to LC–ESI–QTOF–MS/MS for identification of DPs. The final mass spectrometric conditions were optimized for better ionization of drug and DPs with optimum mass signal sensitivity. All the formed DPs were new and well separated with sufficient resolution. The developed HPLC method was validated as per ICH-guidelines and can be used in drug testing labs for determination of quality of MCT in bulk and finished formulations.     

Isolation of Biphenyl and Polychlorinated Biphenyl-Degrading Bacteria and Their Degradation Pathway

Four strains of biphenyl-degrading bacteria were isolated from a sewage and identified from the Rhodococcus genus (SK-1, SK-3, and SK-4) and Aquamicrobium genus (SK-2) by 16S rRNA sequence. Among these strains, strain SK-2 was most suitable for biphenyl degradation. When 0.65, 1.3, 2.6, or 3.9 mM of biphenyl was used, the biphenyl was completely degraded within 24 and 96 h of culture, respectively. However, in the case of 6.5 and 9.75 mM of biphenyl, the biphenyl degradation yields were about 80 % and 46.7 % after 120 h of culture, respectively. The isolated strains could degrade a broad spectrum of aromatic compounds including high-chlorinated polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners in the presence of biphenyl. In addition, strain SK-2 could utilize PCB congeners containing one to six chlorine substituents such as 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl. The PCB utilization rate by the strain SK-2 was increased compared to that of other PCB congener-utilizing bacteria. The four isolates metabolized 4-chlorobiphenyl to 4-chlorobenzoic acid and 2-hydroxy-6-oxo-6-(4′-chlorophenyl)-hexa-2,4-dienoic acid. These results suggest the isolated strains might be good candidates for the bioremediation of PCB-contaminated soil, especially high-saline soils.     

Stability-Indicating LC Method for the Determination of Olmesartan in Bulk Drug and in Pharmaceutical Dosage Form

A novel stability-indicating LC assay method was developed and validated for quantitative determination of olmesartan in bulk drugs and in pharmaceutical dosage form in the presence of degradation products generated from forced degradation studies. An isocratic, reversed phase LC method was developed to separate the drug from the degradation products, using an Ace5-C18 (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) column, and 50 mM ammonium acetate (pH-5.5 by acetic acid) and acetonitrile (70:30 v/v) as a mobile phase. The detection was carried out at the wavelength of 235 nm. The olmesartan was subjected to stress conditions of hydrolysis (acid, base), oxidation, photolysis and thermal degradation. Degradation was observed for olmesartan in acid, base and in 30% H₂O₂ conditions. The drug was found to be stable in the other stress conditions attempted. The degradation products were well resolved from the main peak. The percentage recovery of olmesartan ranged from (99.89 to 100.95%) in pharmaceutical dosage form. The developed method was validated with respect to linearity, accuracy (recovery), precision, specificity and robustness. The forced degradation studies prove the stability-indicating power of the method.

     

Effects of exogenic chloride on oxidative degradation of chlorinated azo dye by UV-activated peroxodisulfate

Recently, the degradation of organic compounds in saline dye wastewater by sulfate radicals (SO₄⁻)-based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have attracted much attention. However, previous studies on these systems have selected non-chlorinated dyes as model compounds, and little is known about the transformation of chlorinated dyes in such systems. In this study, acid yellow 17 (AY-17) was selected as a model of chlorinated contaminants, and the degradation kinetics and evolution of oxidation byproducts were investigated in the UV/PDS system. AY-17 can be efficiently degraded (over 98% decolorization) under 90 min irradiation at pH 2.0–3.0, and the reaction follows pseudo-first order kinetics. Cl^‒ accelerated the degradation of AY-17, but simultaneously led to an undesirable increase of absorbable organic halogen (AOX). Several chlorinated byproducts were identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) in the UV/PDS system. It indicates that endogenic chlorine and exogenic Cl^– reacted with SO₄⁻ to form chloride radicals, which are involved in the dechlorination and rechlorination of AY-17 and intermediates. The possible degradation mechanisms of AY-17 photooxidative degradation are proposed. This work provides valuable information for further studies on the role of exogenic chloride in the degradation of chlorinated azo dyes and the kinetic parameters in the PDS-based oxidation process.     

Characterization of stress degradation products of benazepril by using sophisticated hyphenated techniques

Benazepril, an anti-hypertensive drug, was subjected to forced degradation studies. The drug was unstable under hydrolytic conditions, yielding benazeprilat, which is a known major degradation product (DP) and an active metabolite. It also underwent photochemical degradation in acid and neutral pH conditions, resulting in multiple minor DPs. The products were separated on a reversed phase (C18) column in a gradient mode, and subjected to LC–MS and LC–NMR studies. Initially, comprehensive mass fragmentation pathway of the drug was established through support of high resolution mass spectrometric (HR-MS) and multi stage tandem mass spectrometric (MSⁿ) data. The DPs were also subjected to LC–MS/TOF studies to obtain their accurate masses. Along with, on-line H/D exchange data were obtained to ascertain the number of exchangeable hydrogens in each molecule. LC–¹H NMR and LC–2DNMR data were additionally acquired in a fraction loop mode. The whole information was successfully employed for the characterization of all the DPs. A complete degradation pathway of the drug was also established.     

Efficient Degradation of Iopromide by Using Sulfite Activated with Mackinawite

Iopromide (IOP), an iodinated X-ray contrast medium (ICM), is identified as a precursor to iodide disinfection byproducts that have high genotoxicity and cytotoxicity to mammals. ICM remains persistent through typical wastewater treatment processes and even through some hydroxyl radical-based advanced oxidation processes. The development of new technologies to remove ICMs is needed. In this work, mackinawite (FeS)-activated sulfite autoxidation was employed for the degradation of IOP-containing water. The experiment was performed in a 500 mL self-made temperature-controlled reactor with online monitoring pH and dissolved oxygen in the laboratory. The effects of various parameters, such as initial pH values, sulfite dosages, FeS dosages, dissolved oxygen, and inorganic anions on the performance of the treatment process have been investigated. Eighty percent of IOP could be degraded in 15 min with 1 g L⁻¹ FeS, 400 μmol L⁻¹ sulfite at pH 8, and high efficiency on the removal of total organic carbon (TOC) was achieved, which is 71.8% via a reaction for 1 h. The generated hydroxyl and oxysulfur radicals, which contributed to the oxidation process, were identified through radical quenching experiments. The dissolved oxygen was essential for the degradation of IOP. The presence of Cl⁻ could facilitate IOP degradation, while NO₃⁻ and CO₃²⁻ could inhibit the degradation process. The reaction pathway involving H-abstraction and oxidative decarboxylation was proposed, based on product identification. The current system shows good applicability for the degradation of IOP and may help in developing a new approach for the treatment of ICM-containing water.     

分子筛催化剂-亚硫酸盐体系降解水中对乙酰氨基苯酚

过渡金属诱导亚硫酸盐体系产生硫氧自由基是一种新型的高级氧化技术,比常规的高级氧化过程(基于羟基自由基等)有更优越的性能.我们对过渡金属离子活化过硫酸盐和亚硫酸盐的硫氧自由基生成链式反应过程、自由基用于氧化有机污染物的国内外研究现状进行了大致总结,并以SBA-15介孔分子筛为载体,采用浸渍法制备Co-SBA-15固相催化剂,将此固相催化剂用于活化亚硫酸钠,产生强氧化性自由基,以此来降解制药废水中典型污染物对乙酰氨基酚(APAP).通过正交试验,探讨了pH、温度、钴离子与亚硫酸根的比值(简称钴硫比)、气体含氧量等参数对污染物降解效果的影响.对催化剂进行表征,对体系中产生的自由基类型进行检测,结合实验结果和文献资料对降解产物进行了分析,探究了APAP的降解原理.     

Kinetic Study of the Degradation of PAC-1 and Identification of a Degradation Product in Alkaline Condition

A selective and validated stability-indicating LC method was developed for the kinetic study of the degradation of PAC-1, which was carried out in aqueous solutions at 37, 60, 80 and 100 °C with pH 1.5–9.0. Separation was performed on a Kromasil C₁₈ column with acetonitrile–water–fomic acid (30:70:0.1, v/v/v) as mobile phase with a flow rate of 1.0 mL min^?1 at 281 nm. The degradation rate obtained indicated a first-order reaction law and the activation energy (E _a) was calculated. The results showed that temperature and pH values were significant factors affecting the degradation of PAC-1. An unknown degradation product in alkaline condition was isolated using a reverse-phase semi-preparative LC system. The structure of the degradation product is identified as 2-hydroxy-3-(2-propenyl)-[[2-hydroxy-3-(2-propenyl)phenyl]methylene]hydrazone utilizing the ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, IR and Q-TOF-MS techniques.     

Treatment of pharmaceutical wastewater containing clofibric acid by electron beam irradiation

In this study, clofibric acid (CA) degraded by the electron beam (EB) irradiation was investigated at CA initial concentration of 10 mg L^?1. Results showed that more than 90% CA degradation is achieved at 0.5 kGy. The acid conditions (pH 3.00) and the addition of N₂ remarkably improved the CA degradation efficiency. The addition of CO₃^2?, HCO₃^? anions and H₂O₂ reduced the CA degradation efficiency. It showed that ·H had a primary role to play in the EB degradation of CA. The determination of byproducts showed hydrosilylation reaction of CA molecules. The byproducts were clofibric acid, chlorophenol, phenol, hydroquinone, benzoquinone and dihydroxybenzene. These results suggested that electron beam irradiation (EBI) can be used to eliminate CA.

     

Microbial Degradation of Chlorogenic Acid by a <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sphingomonas</Emphasis> sp. Strain

In order to elucidate the metabolism of chlorogenic acid by environmental microbes, a strain of Sphingomonas sp. isolated from tobacco leaves was cultured under various conditions, and chlorogenic acid degradation and its metabolites were investigated. The strain converting chlorogenic acid was newly isolated and identified as a Sphingomonas sp. strain by 16S rRNA sequencing. The optimal conditions for growth and chlorogenic acid degradation were 37 °C and pH 7.0 with supplementation of 1.5 g/l (NH₄)₂SO₄ as the nitrogen source and 2 g/l chlorogenic acid as the sole carbon source. The maximum chlorogenic acid tolerating capability for the strain was 5 g/l. The main metabolites were identified as caffeic acid, shikimic acid, and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. The analysis reveals the biotransformation mechanism of chlorogenic acid in microbial cells isolated from the environment.     

Development of stability-indicating method for separation and characterization of benidipine forced degradation products using LC–MS/MS

The present study describes forced degradation of benidipine (BEN) as per  Q1A (R2) and Q1B guidelines of the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use. BEN degraded under hydrolysis (neutral, acidic, and alkaline), hydrogen peroxide induced oxidation, and UV light mediated photolytic degradation. A total of 14 degradation products (DPs) were found in all degradation studies, comprising 4 hydrolytic DPs, 8 oxidative DPs, and 4 photolytic DPs. A selective stability-indicating method was developed using an XBridge BEH C18 column with gradient elution program consisting of ammonium acetate (10 mM, 4.8 pH, acetic acid) and acetonitrile. The flow rate was maintained at 1 ml min⁻¹. All DPs were separated well using the developed HPLC method and were characterized using LC–MS/MS data. As this method is effective in identifying and separating BEN and its DPs with sufficient resolution, it can be used in laboratories for quality control of drugs in daily routine analysis and stability studies.     

Toxicity biomonitoring of degradation byproducts using freeze-dried recombinant bioluminescent bacteria

A toxicity biomonitoring system using freeze-dried recombinant bioluminescent bacteria was implemented to diagnose the biotreatment of 2,4,5-trichlorophenol and its degradation byproducts of using a cell-free culture broth of Phanerochaete chrysosporium. The cellular toxicity was measured by the bioluminescence of constitutive bioluminescent bacteria, such as Photobacterium phosphoreum and GC2, while information on the toxicity caused by unknown byproducts was obtained using the specific bioluminescent responses of stress-inducible bioluminescent bacteria, which included DPD2540 (membrane-damage sensitive), TV1061 (protein-damage sensitive), DPD2794 (DNA-damage sensitive), and DPD2511 (oxidative-damage sensitive) strains. An overall decrease in the cellular toxicity was observed as the treatment progressed, i.e. as 2,4,5-trichlorophenol disappeared. On the other hand, bioluminescent responses from DPD2511, DPD2540, and TV1061 increased as degradation progressed, most probably due to the formation of byproducts causing oxidative-, membrane-, and protein-damage. In conclusion, this toxicity biomonitoring method may be applied to evaluate the toxicities of degradation byproducts of the other environmental processes to provide more information about the mode of the byproducts’ toxicity.     

Efficient Degradation of Nitrobenzene Induced by Glow Discharge Plasma in Aqueous Solution

The oxidative degradation of nitrobenzene (NB) induced by gaseous glow discharge plasma in contact with aqueous solution was investigated. The experimental results indicated that NB removal obeyed first-order kinetics under certain applied currents. The major degradation byproducts such as nitrophenols, phenol, 1,3-dinitrobenzene and carboxylic acids have been detected. The distribution of nitrophenols follows the order o- > p- > m- and oxalic, formic and acetic acids are major carboxylic intermediates. The eventual products were nitrate ion and carbon dioxide. During the treatment, a large amount of hydrogen peroxide was produced. Addition of ferrous or ferric ions into the solution greatly enhanced the degradation rate due to Fenton’s reaction. The energy efficiencies of NB removal and hydrogen peroxide formation were compared with those of other discharges. Hydroxyl radicals were shown to be the most likely species responsible for NB degradation     

Degradation of polychloroprene/natural rubber (PCP/NR) blends by photo-Fenton process

The effect of light and FeCl₃·6H₂O on polychloroprene (PCP)/natural rubber (NR) blends in toluene solution were investigated to demonstrate the influence of each polymer on the degradation process. The contributions of total polymer concentration (C_p), temperature (T) and polychromatic light exposure (L) on the degradation process were investigated through a 2³ factorial design approach. Degradation kinetics was examined by solution viscosity time data. FTIR spectroscopy and TGA were used to characterize the degradation. The exposure of the PCP/NR blend solution containing FeCl₃·6H₂O to light induces degradation in the polymers. A decrease of up to 70% in solution efflux time at constant temperature and without aggregation or phase separation was observed. PCP degradation by-products amplify the degradation of NR, as evidenced by the decrease in the PCP/NR 1:99 (w/w) solution efflux time, which was larger than that of the pure NR solution. The film cast from the solution exposed to light was thermally less stable than the one which was cast without FeCl₃·6H₂O.     

Validated Stability-Indicating GC-MS Method for Characterization of Forced Degradation Products of Trans-Caffeic Acid and Trans-Ferulic Acid

When dealing with simple phenols such as caffeic acid (CA) and ferulic acid (FA), found in a variety of plants, it is very important to have control over the most important factors that accelerate their degradation reactions. This is the first report in which the stabilities of these two compounds have been systematically tested by exposure to various different factors. Forced degradation studies were performed on pure standards (trans-CA and trans-FA), dissolved in different solvents and exposed to different oxidative, photolytic and thermal stress conditions. Additionally, a rapid, sensitive, and selective stability-indicating gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric method was developed and validated for determination of trans-CA and trans-FA in the presence of their degradation products. Cis-CA and cis-FA were confirmed as the only degradation products in all the experiments performed. All the compounds were perfectly separated by gas chromatography (GC) and identified using mass spectrometry (MS), a method that additionally elucidated their structures. In general, more protic solvents, higher temperatures, UV radiation and longer storage times led to more significant degradation (isomerization) of both trans-isomers. The most progressive isomerization of both compounds (up to 43%) was observed when the polar solutions were exposed to daylight at room temperature for 1 month. The method was validated for linearity, precision as repeatability, limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ). The method was confirmed as linear over tested concentration ranges from 1−100 mg L⁻¹ (r²s were above 0.999). The LOD and LOQ for trans-FA were 0.15 mg L⁻¹ and 0.50 mg L⁻¹, respectively. The LOD and LOQ for trans-CA were 0.23 mg L⁻¹ and 0.77 mg L⁻¹, respectively.     

Aspects of Degradation Kinetics of Azithromycin in Aqueous Solution

The chemical stability of azithromycin (AZM) in aqueous solution has been investigated utilizing a stability-indicating LC assay with ultraviolet detection. The degradation kinetics were studied as functions of pH (4–7.2), buffer composition (phosphate, acetate, and citrate), buffer concentration, ionic strength, drug concentration and temperature. The observed rate obtained by measuring the remaining intact AZM was shown to follow pseudo-first-order kinetics. The maximum stability of AZM occured at an approximate pH 6.3 in 0.05 M potassium phosphate. The observed degradation rate increased with ionic strength, buffer concentration and obeyed the Arrhenius equation over the temperature range investigated (70–100 °C). The apparent energy of activation (E _a) for AZM in solution was found to be 96.8 kJ mol^?1 and by application of the Arrhenius equation the stability at 25 °C (k ₂₅) and 40 °C (k ₄₀) had been predicted. Moreover, the degradation rate of AZM was independent on its initial concentration. Trace metal ions are unlikely to be involved in the degradation of AZM in aqueous solution. The major degradation product of AZM in aqueous solution was isolated and identified by LC–MS–MS and ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra.     

Degradation of Triclosan under Aerobic, Anoxic, and Anaerobic Conditions

Triclosan (2, 4, 4??-trichloro-2??-hydroxyl diphenyl ether) is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent present in a number of house hold consumables. Aerobic and anaerobic enrichment cultures tolerating triclosan were developed and 77 bacterial strains tolerating triclosan at different levels were isolated from different inoculum sources. Biodegradation of triclosan under aerobic, anoxic (denitrifying and sulphate reducing conditions), and anaerobic conditions was studied in batch cultures with isolated pure strains and enrichment consortium developed. Under aerobic conditions, the isolated strains tolerated triclosan up to 1?g/L and degraded the compound in inorganic-mineral-broth and agar media. At 10?mg/L level triclosan, 95?±?1.2% was degraded in 5?days, producing phenol, catechol and 2, 4-dichlorophenol as the degradation products. The strains were able to metabolize triclosan and its degradation products in the presence of monooxygenase inhibitor 1-pentyne. Under anoxic/anaerobic conditions highest degradation (87%) was observed in methanogenic system with acetate as co-substrate and phenol, catechol, and 2, 4-dichlorophenol were among the products. Three of the isolated strains tolerating 1?g/L triclosan were identified as Pseudomonas sp. (BDC 1, 2, and 3).     

Stress Degradation Behavior of Desipramine Hydrochloride and Development of Suitable Stability-Indicating LC Method

A simple reverse phase liquid chromatographic method was developed for the quantitative determination of desipramine hydrochloride and its related impurities in bulk drugs which is also stability-indicating. During the forced degradation at hydrolysis, oxidative, photolytic and thermal stressed conditions, the degradation results were only observed in the oxidative stress condition. The blend of the degradation product and potential impurities were used to optimize the method by an YMC Pack Pro C₁₈ stationary phase. The LC method employs a linear gradient elution with the water–acetonitrile–trifluoroacetic acid as mobile phase. The flow rate was 1.0 mL min^?1 and the detection wavelength 215 nm. The stressed samples were quantified against a qualified reference standard and the mass balance was found close to 99.0% (w/w) when the response of the degradant was considered to be equal to the analyte (i.e. desipramine). The developed RP-LC method was validated in agreement with ICH requirements.     

Degradation kinetics of poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid block copolymer cast films in phosphate buffer solution as revealed by infrared and Raman spectroscopies

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) is an important copolymer used in drug delivery platforms where controlled release is required. In this work we investigated the in vitro degradation of four PLGA copolymers with L/G molar compositions of 50/50, 65/35, 75/25 and 95/5. ATR-IR and Raman spectroscopies were used to differentiate and quantify the degradation rates of glycolic and lactic units. Both techniques were used to determine the polymer composition as a function of degradation time and the degradation rate constants for the hydrolysis of glycolic and lactic units were calculated using a 1st order kinetics approach. Our results revealed a two stage process for the degradation of PLGA cast films in PBS in agreement with our previous work. The degradation rate constant for glycolic unit was found to be 1.3 times higher than for lactic units. In addition the degradation rate constants for L and G units were shown to decrease proportionally with increasing initial lactic content of the copolymer used to prepare the films.