A Review of Antibiotic Contamination in Wastewater: Sources, Impacts, and Microbial Bioremediation Techniques

Antibiotic contamination in water sources is a pressing environmental concern, as it fosters the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and disrupts ecological balance. This review explores major sources of antibiotic pollution, including municipal and hospital wastewater, pharmaceutical industry effluents, and livestock farm runoff. It also examines the impacts of antibiotic residues on human health and aquatic ecosystems. Microbial bioremediation using bacteria, fungi, and algae has emerged as a promising solution for degrading or transforming antibiotics into less harmful compounds through enzymatic and metabolic pathways. Additionally, advanced treatment technologies such as activated sludge, moving bed biofilm reactors, membrane bioreactors, sequencing batch reactors, constructed wetlands, and microbial fuel cells, along with genetic tools like engineered microorganisms and CRISPR-Cas9, have shown potential to enhance remediation efficiency. Integrating biological, physical, and chemical processes further improves treatment outcomes. This study provides insights into the mechanisms, environmental impacts, and mitigation strategies related to antibiotic contamination, supporting the development of sustainable technologies and improved wastewater management practices. SUMMARY: The contamination of water sources with antibiotics is a major environmental issue that can impact ecosystems and the health of living organisms. Wastewater from communities, hospitals, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and the livestock sector is a major source of antibiotic contamination in water sources. The contamination of water sources with antibiotics impacts human health and aquatic life, including microorganisms, aquatic animals, and algae. Antibiotic remediation in water sources can be achieved through the bioremediation process, utilizing microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae. Advanced treatment technologies can be integrated with microbial bioremediation processes to enhance the efficiency of antibiotic removal from contaminated water sources.