When antibiotics encounter microplastics in aquatic environments: Interaction, combined toxicity, and risk
Yibo Zhang1, Xin Xu1, Jing Xu2
1Hubei Key Laboratory of Multi-media Pollution Cooperative Control in Yangtze Basin, School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China.
Abstract:
Antibiotics and microplastics (MPs), known as emerging pollutants, are bound to coexist in aquatic environments due to their widespread distribution and prolonged persistence. To date, few systematic summaries are available for the interaction between MPs and antibiotics in aquatic ecosystems, and a comprehensive reanalysis of their combined toxicity is also needed. Based on the collected published data, we have analyzed the source and distribution of MPs and antibiotics in global aquatic environments, finding their coexistence occurs in a lot of study sites. Accordingly, the presence of MPs can directly alter the environmental behavior of antibiotics. The main influencing factors of interaction between antibiotics and MPs have been summarized in terms of the characteristics of MPs and antibiotics, as well as the environmental factors. Then, we have conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the combined toxicity of antibiotics and MPs on aquatic organisms and the related toxicity indicators, suggesting a significant adverse effect on algae, and inapparent on fish and daphnia. Finally, the environmental risk assessments for antibiotics and MPs were discussed, but unfortunately the standardized methodology for the risk assessment of MPs is still challenging, let alone assessment for their combined toxicity. This review provides insights into the interactions and environment risks of antibiotics and MPs in the aquatic environment, and suggests perspectives for future research.
Insights
Microplastics (MPs) and antibiotics coexist in aquatic environments, altering antibiotic behavior. Their combined toxicity significantly impacts algae but shows minimal effects on fish and daphnia, highlighting environmental risks.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Ecotoxicology
- Chemical Pollution
Background:
- Antibiotics and microplastics (MPs) are prevalent emerging pollutants in aquatic ecosystems.
- Their coexistence is widespread, yet systematic summaries of their interactions and combined toxicity are scarce.
- Understanding these interactions is crucial for assessing environmental risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the global distribution and sources of MPs and antibiotics.
- To investigate how MPs influence the environmental behavior of antibiotics.
- To evaluate the combined toxicity of MPs and antibiotics on aquatic organisms.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of published data on MP-antibiotic interactions and toxicity.
- Analysis of MP and antibiotic sources and distribution in global aquatic environments.
- Evaluation of combined toxicity on algae, fish, and daphnia.
Main Results:
- Coexistence of MPs and antibiotics confirmed across numerous global study sites.
- MPs were found to directly alter the environmental behavior of antibiotics.
- Meta-analysis revealed significant adverse effects on algae, but inapparent effects on fish and daphnia.
Conclusions:
- The interaction between MPs and antibiotics in aquatic environments poses significant risks, particularly to algae.
- Standardized risk assessment methodologies for MPs and their combined toxicity remain challenging.
- Further research is needed to fully understand and mitigate the environmental risks of these co-occurring pollutants.
