Influence of microbial adaption and supplementation of nutrients on the biodegradation of ionic liquids in sewage sludge treatment processes

► Biodegradation tests were performed on 1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium chloride. ► The bacteria were found to adapt to the ionic liquid after 14 days. ► Rates of biodegradation increased with each subsequent addition of ionic liquid. ► Supplementary nutrients were found to decrease biodegradation of the ionic liquid.