[Advances in biodegradation of pharmaceuticals and personal care products]

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are a group of emerging environmental micropollutants, including prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs (e.g., antibiotics, synthetic musk, painkiller, depressor, contraceptive drugs, soporific and weight-loss drug), and personal care products (e.g., cosmetics, synthetic perfume, sunscreen, hair spray, tint and fungicide). Extensive attention has been paid to PPCPs because of their potential negative effects on the environments and human health. Abundant researches have focused on the biodegradation of PPCPs. This review summarizes and discusses the biodegradation method, the diversity of PPCPs-degrading microorganisms, the degradation ability, metabolites and proposed pathways as well as the mechanisms of PPCPs' biodegradation. In addition, prospects for further research on biodegradation of PPCPs are also discussed.