Analysis and behavior of colistin during anaerobic fermentation

•A new LC–MS/MS method for colistin A and B in fermenter samples was developed.•Anaerobic digestion of manure leads to a nearly complete elimination of colistin.•An increase in methane production was observed in fermenters spiked with colistin.•Anaerobic digestion is an efficient way to reduce environmental loads of colistin.

A new analytical method for the determination of colistin in fermenter samples was developed followed by a study on the behavior of this substance during anaerobic fermentation. Analysis of colistin A and B was carried out by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Separation of the analytes was performed on a Security Guard column (4 × 3 mm). Fourteen fermentation tests in batch as well as in continuous reactors were carried out. After 44 days of anaerobic digestion of cattle manure, initially spiked with 500 mg/kg of colistin sulfate, a considerable decrease of the colistin concentration to less than 1 mg/kg could be observed. Furthermore, the daily production of biogas and methane was measured. A correlation between gas production and colistin concentration could not be determined. However, an increase of 10% of the cumulative methane production was observed in those fermenters spiked with an initial bolus of 500 mg/kg colistin.