Insights into the fate and removal of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes using biological wastewater treatment technology

Antibiotics have become a critical concern worldwide due to the severe threats to human health and ecoenvironment. This review summarizes the fate of antibiotics and antibiotics resistance genes (ARGs) by biological treatment technologies and combined processes in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Adsorption and biodegradation are the two major removal pathways for antibiotics. Adsorption is the main mechanism of antibiotics removal for Tetracyclines, Fluoroquinolones and Macrolides, while biodegradation is the pathway of antibiotics removal for Sulfonamides and beta-Lactams. Additionally, the microbial co-metabolism process contributes to the biodegradation of antibiotics. In WWTPs, the antibiotics removal pathway and ARGs accumulation by different biological treatment technologies were provided. The ease of construction and set-up, simplicity of operation, flexibility in adapting to the fluctuations, capital and operating costs were discussed. Overall, the combined technologies should be further investigated as great application prospects in the treatment of antibiotics and alleviation of ARGs risk in the future. (c) 2021 Published by Elsevier B.V.

Automated summary

This review discusses the fate of antibiotics and ARGs in wastewater treatment plants, highlighting the importance of biological treatment technologies and combined processes. It emphasizes that adsorption and biodegradation are the major removal pathways for antibiotics, and suggests further investigation into combined technologies for future application prospects.