Study on the biodegradation of diclofenac by free and immobilized cells of some bacterial strains isolated from different origins

Abstract

Abstract Diclofenac is an important non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is considered to be an environmental micropollutant. The aim of this work was to study its biodegradation (using free and immobilized cells) in order to assess the fate of these phannaceuticals in the environment. Sixteen strains were tested for their capacity to resist diclofenac; whereas only two strains have been identified . This identification shows that the two strains belong to the Genus Acinetobacter. According to HPLC chromatograms, no peaks were observed corresponding to metabolites during biodegradation test. In order to select factors that affect cells growth Plackett-Bunnan design were used. Results showed that pH seems to be the most significant factor affecting cell growth.