Sulfonamides in the environment as veterinary drugs
Premasis Sukul1, Michael Spiteller
1Institute of Environmental Research, University of Dortmund, Otto Hahn Strasse 6, 44221 Dortmund, Germany.
Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology
|June 29, 2006
Summary
Sulfonamides (SAs) are antibiotics used widely in medicine and agriculture. Environmental release leads to their transport into water, with soil properties influencing their fate and potential contamination of water sources.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Sulfonamides (SAs) are a class of antibiotics with a 4-aminobenzene sulfonamide structure.
- SAs are utilized in human medicine, agriculture, aquaculture, and animal husbandry.
- They function by inhibiting bacterial dihydrofolic acid synthesis, thus impeding growth and reproduction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the environmental distribution and fate of sulfonamides (SAs).
- To understand the factors influencing SA transport and persistence in various environmental compartments.
- To identify mechanisms of SA contamination in surface water and groundwater.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of SA physicochemical properties governing environmental behavior.
- Assessment of SA biodegradability and adsorption characteristics in soil.
- Identification of transport mechanisms, such as preferential flow in clay soils.
Main Results:
- SAs are generally less sorptive, less persistent, and more leachable in the environment.
- They are not readily biodegradable.
- Adsorption to soil is influenced by the aromaticity and electronegativity of functional groups on the SA core.
- Preferential flow in clay soils facilitates SA transport to surface water.
Conclusions:
- Sulfonamides exhibit mobility in the environment, posing a risk of water contamination.
- Soil properties significantly impact the fate and transport of SAs.
- Understanding these processes is crucial for managing SA environmental impact and mitigating water pollution.
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