Recent advancement in remediation of synthetic organic antibiotics from environmental matrices: Challenges and perspective

Continuous discharge and persistence of antibiotics in aquatic ecosystem is identified as emerging environment health hazard. Partial degradation and inappropriate disposal induce appearance of diverse antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) and bacteria, hence their execution is imperative. Conventional methods including waste water treatment plants (WWTPs) are found ineffective for the removal of recalcitrant antibiotics. Therefore, constructive removal of antibiotics from environmental matrices and other alternatives have been discussed. This review summarizes present scenario and removal of micro-pollutants, antibiotics from environment. Various strategies including physicochemical, bioremediation, use of bioreactor, and biocatalysts are recognized as potent antibiotic removal strategies. Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) and biochar have emerged as promising biodegradation processes due to low cost, energy efficient and environmental benignity. With higher removal rate (20-50%) combined/ hybrid processes seems to be more efficient for permanent and sustainable elimination of reluctant antibiotics.

Automated summary

Continuous discharge and persistence of antibiotics in aquatic ecosystems pose emerging environmental health hazards, requiring imperative actions for removal. Conventional methods like waste water treatment plants are found ineffective for recalcitrant antibiotics, necessitating consideration of alternative solutions such as bioreactors and biochar.