Antibiotic occurrence, environmental risks, and their removal from aquatic environments using microalgae: Advances...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Biotechnology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Antibiotic pollution is increasing antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes (ARGs) in global aquatic ecosystems.
• These contaminants pose significant environmental risks to non-target organisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the prevalence and risks of antibiotics and ARGs in aquatic environments.
• To assess microalgae's potential for removing antibiotics and ARGs, including mechanisms and enhancement strategies.
• To explore the impact of antibiotic stress on microalgal physiology and biomass for commercial applications.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on antibiotic and ARG prevalence in aquatic environments.
• Analysis of microalgal bioremediation potential, mechanisms, and removal strategies.
• Investigation into the effects of antibiotic stress on microalgal growth and biochemical composition.

Main Results:

• Microalgae can degrade antibiotics via extracellular polymeric substances, glutathione-S-transferase, and cytochrome P450.
• Antibiotic stress can negatively impact microalgal gene expression, growth, and biomass composition.
• Algal biomass generated from bioremediation holds potential for value-added products.

Conclusions:

• Algae-based bioremediation is a promising eco-friendly technology for removing antibiotics and ARGs from aquatic environments.
• Understanding and mitigating antibiotic stress effects on microalgae is crucial for optimizing bioremediation and biomass utilization.
• Further research is needed to enhance microalgal removal efficiency and explore commercial applications of the biomass.