Utilization of cross-linked laccase aggregates in a perfusion basket reactor for the continuous elimination of endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

A perfusion basket reactor (BR) was developed for the continuous utilization of insolubilized laccase as cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEAs). The BR consisted of an unbaffled basket made of a metallic filtration module filled with CLEAs and continuously agitated by a 3-blade marine propeller. The agitation conditions influenced both the apparent laccase activity in the reactor and the stability of the biocatalyst. Optimal laccase activity was obtained at a rotational speed of 12.5 rps and the highest stability was reached at speeds of 1.7 rps or lower. The activity and stability of the biocatalyst were affected drastically upon the appearance of vortices in the reaction medium. This reactor was used for the continuous elimination of the endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) nonylphenol (NP), bisphenol A (BPA), and triclosan (TCS). Optimization of EDC elimination by laccase CLEAs as a function of temperature and pH was achieved by response surface methodology using a central composite factorial design. The optimal conditions of pH and temperature were, respectively, 4.8 and 40.3 degrees C for the elimination of p353NP (a branched isomer of NP), 4.7 and 48.0 degrees C for BPA, and 4.9 and 41.2 degrees C for TCS. Finally, the BR was used for the continuous elimination of these EDCs from a 5 mg L(-1) aqueous solution using 1 mg of CLEAs at pH 5 and room temperature. Our results showed that at least 85% of these EDCs could be eliminated with a hydraulic retention time of 325 min. The performances of the BR were quite stable over a 7-day period of continuous treatment. Furthermore, this system could eliminate the same EDCs from a 100 mg L(-1) solution. Finally, a mathematical model combining the Michaelis-Menten kinetics of the laccase CLEAs and the continuous stirred tank reactor behavior of the BR was developed to predict the elimination of these xenobiotics. 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.