Electrocoagulation for the Removal of Antibiotics and Resistant Bacteria: Advances and Synergistic Technologies

The persistence of antibiotics and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) in aquatic environments poses a significant risk to both the environment and public health. Conventional wastewater treatment systems are often inefficient in completely removing these emerging contaminants, highlighting the need for advanced and integrative treatment approaches. Electrocoagulation (EC) has emerged as a promising electrochemical method due to its operational simplicity, low chemical demand, and versatility in treating a wide range of wastewater types. This review critically analyzes the efficiency of EC, both as a standalone process and in combination with complementary technologies such as electrooxidation, membrane filtration, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), and biological treatments. Emphasis is placed on the removal mechanisms, influencing parameters (pH, current density, electrode material), and the synergistic effects that enhance the degradation of antibiotics and the inactivation of ARB. Additionally, the review discusses the limitations of EC, including electrode passivation and energy consumption. The integration of EC with other technologies demonstrates improved pollutant removal and process robustness, offering a viable alternative for treating complex wastewater streams. This work provides a perspective on the current state and future potential of EC-based hybrid systems in mitigating the environmental impact of antibiotic pollutants and antimicrobial resistance.