Biodegradation of tetrabromobisphenol-A in sludge with spent mushroom compost

The objective of this study was to evaluate the degradation of tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBPA) in sludge with spent mushroom compost (SMC). The TBBPA degradation rates were enhanced by addition of either SMC, SMC extract or extract-containing microcapsule, with SMC showing the highest TBBPA degradation rate in sludge. Bioreactor experiments revealed that the TBBPA removal rates in sludge with SMC were higher than in sludge alone. The TBBPA removal rates were enhanced with SMC when TBBPA was added in two portions. The bacterial composition differed in sludge with and without SMC. Geobacter and Mycobacterium were the major bacteria responsible for TBBPA degradation in sludge. This research offers feasible methods for the removal of TBBPA from sludge.