This project is a one-year "proof of concept" approach to evaluate a novel method to remove bio-active organic contaminants, such as pharmaceuticals and hormones, from wastewater and drinking water supplies. The approach involves adsorption to of the contaminant compounds to antibodies synthesized by genetically modified yeast cells and attached to the outer cell surface. The yeast cells then will be removed by flocculation. By targeting specific compounds, this approach avoids the need to remove significant amounts of non-target organic compounds that do not pose a significant risk. Preliminary data based on a surrogate trace contaminant show impressive removal rates within the timeframe typical for water and wastewater clarifiers.
