Microbial interactions with pharmaceutical pollutants: Implications for biodegradation and antibiotic resistance
S Karishma1, S Shyam Kumar2, V C Deivayanai3
1Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, 602105, India.
Microbial Pathogenesis
|May 7, 2026
Summary
Microorganisms can degrade pharmaceutical pollutants like antibiotics in aquatic systems, offering a sustainable solution. This microbial action is crucial for mitigating environmental risks and combating the rise of antibiotic resistance.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
- Environmental Chemistry
Background:
- Pharmaceutical pollutants (antibiotics, analgesics, steroids, endocrine disruptors) are persistent in aquatic systems.
- Discharge via wastewater and effluents raises environmental and health concerns, notably promoting antibiotic resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review microbial degradation of pharmaceutical pollutants.
- To explore the link between pharmaceutical exposure and antibiotic resistance.
- To assess eco-toxicological impacts and outline future prospects for microbial remediation.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review on microbial degradation pathways and enzymes.
- Analysis of microbial strain responses to pharmaceutical pollutants.
- Evaluation of environmental parameters, microbial synergism, and co-metabolic strategies.
Main Results:
- Microorganisms possess metabolic pathways and enzymes for pharmaceutical pollutant mineralization and transformation.
- Pharmaceutical exposure is linked to the selection of antibiotic resistance genes.
- Environmental factors and microbial interactions influence bioremediation efficiency.
Conclusions:
- Microbial degradation offers a sustainable approach to pharmaceutical pollution remediation.
- Understanding microbial responses and optimizing conditions are key to enhancing bioremediation.
- Further research is needed to address challenges and advance sustainable microbial solutions.
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