Biodegradability Features of Fluoxetine as a Reference Compound for Monitoring the Activity of Activated Sludges in Drug Biodegradation Studies

Biodegradability assays are designed to test a chemical substance as the sole carbon source in a mixed inoculum [3]. The OECD ready biodegradability tests (RBTs) are used as screening methods to provide information about of the potential persistence of chemicals under most environmental conditions [4]. This risk parameter depends on the chemical structure of the compound as well as on the conditions under which the degradation process takes place. Drugs biodegradability studies are currently a priority in environmental studies [5-10]. This is due to their extensive use with a continuous release into the environment and the subsequent impact.