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Antibiotics
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Antibiotics in the Environment and Removal Technology
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Antibiotics in the Environment and Removal Technology

A special issue of Antibiotics (ISSN 2079-6382).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 December 2022) | Viewed by 20967

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Jie Fu

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
Interests: monitoring of antibiotic pollutants; treatment of antibiotic pollutants; antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs)
Prof. Dr. Jianyu Gong

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
Interests: photocatalysis for pollutants degradation; advanced oxidation technologies based on nanomaterials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Chenyuan Dang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
Interests: antibiotics resistance genes

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Antibiotics have been widely used in human therapy and livestock agriculture. Due to their relative stability, antibiotics cannot be fully assimilated by humans and animals during usage. Hence, they are only partially metabolized, and some part is excreted in the urine and feces and can enter wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) or the water environment. Up to 90% of administered antibiotics can be excreted unmetabolized in urine or stools and can enter domestic wastewater systems. Due to ineffective treatment, antibiotics can enter the environment as parent compounds or active metabolites via effluents from WWTPs. Other sources of antibiotics are manufacturing processes, agricultural farms, concentrated animal feeding operations, landfill leachates, and urban run-off. Numerous studies on the occurrence of antibiotics have been performed, and the concentration of antibiotics in wastewater, surface water, and groundwater has been detected as ranging from the ng/L levels to more than μg/L levels.

Antibiotics-contaminated surface water can enter drinking water sources and consequently appear in our drinking water supplies, which pose great threats to human health. Many antibiotics in the environment are reported to have acute or chronic toxicity to fish and invertebrates. Moreover, persistent exposure of antibiotics can result in the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria strains with public health risks. Conventional wastewater treatment techniques such as biological processes, activated carbon adsorption, ozonation, UV photolysis/photocatalysis, and wetlands treatment are commonly employed to remove antibiotics from waters. However, these methods are limited due to shortcomings of low efficiency or high cost. Therefore, new technologies are required to overcome these limits and effectively remove antibiotics pollutants.

This Special Issue aims to provide a platform for recent advances in the area of antibiotics pollution and treatment technology. Various submission types, such as original research manuscripts, short communications, reviews, and case reports are welcome. Potential topics include but are not limited to:

  • Occurrence of antibiotics in multiple environmental media;
  • Ecotoxicology of antibiotics in aquatic environment;
  • Health risks of antibiotics in drinking water;
  • Environmental behavior and fate of antibiotics in the environment;
  • Biological treatment for antibiotics;
  • Physical and chemical treatment for antibiotics;
  • Nanotechnology for treatment of antibiotics;
  • Antibiotics resistance genes (ARGs).

Dr. Jie Fu
Dr. Jianyu Gong
Dr. Chenyuan Dang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Antibiotics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Antibiotics pollution
  • Antibiotics resistance genes
  • Ecotoxicology of antibiotics
  • Drinking water
  • Water treatment
  • Nanotechnology
  • Wastewater treatment plant

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 4873 KiB  
Article
Outstanding Enrofloxacin Removal Using an Unmodified Low-Cost Sorbent Prepared from the Leaves of Pyracantha koidzumii
by Rubén Martínez-Escutia, Abraham Méndez-Albores and Alma Vázquez-Durán
Antibiotics 2022, 11(11), 1563; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics11111563 - 6 Nov 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2027
Abstract
Increasing discharges of synthetic antimicrobial agents from industrial and municipal sewage, as well as from agricultural runoffs into water bodies, is still a global challenge. Here, an unmodified low-cost sorbent was prepared in an ecofriendly manner from Pyracantha koidzumii leaves for the removal [...] Read more.
Increasing discharges of synthetic antimicrobial agents from industrial and municipal sewage, as well as from agricultural runoffs into water bodies, is still a global challenge. Here, an unmodified low-cost sorbent was prepared in an ecofriendly manner from Pyracantha koidzumii leaves for the removal of enrofloxacin (ENR). Sorbent characterization was accomplished using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), BET surface area, zeta potential, and point of zero charge. Biosorption assays were carried out via batch mode concerning the impact of adsorbent dosage, contact time, solution pH, solution ionic strength, adsorbate concentration, and temperature. In general, ENR adsorption was significantly correlated with pH and ionic strength. At a neutral pH, the sorbent had a theoretical maximal ENR uptake of 138.89 mg/g. However, the adsorption capacity was significantly affected by the presence of high concentrations of divalent cations (Ca2+ and Mg2+). The findings from the kinetics and isotherms showed that the pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models best fit the experimental data. Electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and π-π stacking were the most important mechanisms of adsorption of ENR onto the P. koidzumii sorbent. Overall, this study suggests the promising application of this agricultural residue for the efficient removal of ENR from water. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibiotics in the Environment and Removal Technology)
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11 pages, 1776 KiB  
Article
Effects of Enrofloxacin on the Epiphytic Algal Communities Growing on the Leaf Surface of Vallisneria natans
by Qi Chen, Luqi Jin, Yuan Zhong and Gaohua Ji
Antibiotics 2022, 11(8), 1020; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics11081020 - 29 Jul 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2007
Abstract
Enrofloxacin (ENR) is a member of quinolones, which are extensively used in livestock farming and aquaculture to fight various bacterial diseases, but its residues are partially transferred to surface water and affect the local aquatic ecosystem. There are many studies on the effect [...] Read more.
Enrofloxacin (ENR) is a member of quinolones, which are extensively used in livestock farming and aquaculture to fight various bacterial diseases, but its residues are partially transferred to surface water and affect the local aquatic ecosystem. There are many studies on the effect of ENR on the growth of a single aquatic species, but few on the level of the aquatic community. Epiphytic algae, which are organisms attached to the surface of submerged plants, play an important role in the absorption of nitrogen and phosphorus in the ecological purification pond which are mainly constructed by submerged plants, and are commonly used in aquaculture effluent treatment. Enrofloxacin (ENR) is frequently detected in aquaculture ponds and possibly discharged into the purification pond, thus imposing stress on the pond ecosystem. Here, we performed a microcosm experiment to evaluate the short-term effects of pulsed ENR in different concentrations on the epiphytic algal communities growing on Vallisneria natans. Our results showed an overall pattern of “low-dose-promotion and high-dose-inhibition”, which means under low and median ENR concentrations, the epiphytic algal biomass was promoted, while under high ENR concentrations, the biomass was inhibited. This pattern was mainly attributed to the high tolerance of filamentous green algae and yellow-green algae to ENR. Very low concentrations of ENR also favored the growth of diatoms and cyanobacteria. These results demonstrate a significant alteration of epiphytic algal communities by ENR and also spark further research on the potential use of filamentous green algae for the removal of ENR in contaminated waters because of its high tolerance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibiotics in the Environment and Removal Technology)
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14 pages, 2891 KiB  
Article
Sesuvium portulacastrum-Mediated Removal of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Affected by Sulfadiazine in Aquaculture Wastewater
by Chaoyue Zhang, Dan Wang, Weihong He, Hong Liu, Jianjun Chen, Xiangying Wei and Jingli Mu
Antibiotics 2022, 11(1), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics11010068 - 7 Jan 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2558
Abstract
Plant-based removal of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from water bodies is an important method for remediation of aquaculture wastewater. In order to acquire knowledge as to how antibiotic residues in wastewater might affect the microbial community and plant uptake of N and [...] Read more.
Plant-based removal of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from water bodies is an important method for remediation of aquaculture wastewater. In order to acquire knowledge as to how antibiotic residues in wastewater might affect the microbial community and plant uptake of N and P, this study investigated N and P removal by a coastal plant Sesuvium portulacastrum L. grown in aquaculture wastewater treated with 0, 1, 5, or 50 mg/L sulfonamide antibiotics (sulfadiazine, SD) for 28 days and compared the microbial community structure between the water and rhizosphere. Results showed that SD significantly decreased N removal rates from 87.5% to 22.1% and total P removal rates from 99.6% to 85.5%. Plant fresh weights, root numbers, and moisture contents as well as activities of some enzymes in leaves were also reduced. SD changed the microbial community structure in water, but the microbial community structure in the rhizosphere was less affected by SD. The microbial diversity in water was higher than that in the rhizosphere, indicating microbial community differences. Our results showed that the commonly used antibiotic, SD, in aquaculture can inhibit plant growth, change the structure of microbial community, and reduce the capacity of S. portulacastrum plants to remove N and P from wastewater, and also raised alarm about detrimental effects of antibiotic residues in phytoremediation of wastewater. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibiotics in the Environment and Removal Technology)
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12 pages, 2821 KiB  
Article
Bi/mZVI Combined with Citric Acid and Sodium Citrate to Mineralize Multiple Sulfa Antibiotics: Performance and Mechanism
by Xiaoming Su, Hao Lv, Jianyu Gong and Man Zhou
Antibiotics 2022, 11(1), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics11010051 - 1 Jan 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1911
Abstract
The oxidative mineralization of sulfanilamide drugs (SAs) using micro-size zero-valent iron (mZVI) cooperated with a citric acid buffer solution was evaluated. In this study SM2, SMX, and SD could be removed at 66%, 89%, and 83%, respectively, in a 0.5% Bi/mZVI+CA+NaCA system within [...] Read more.
The oxidative mineralization of sulfanilamide drugs (SAs) using micro-size zero-valent iron (mZVI) cooperated with a citric acid buffer solution was evaluated. In this study SM2, SMX, and SD could be removed at 66%, 89%, and 83%, respectively, in a 0.5% Bi/mZVI+CA+NaCA system within 2 h. Based on our analysis, the produced ·OH could be ascribed from the complexation between citrate iron (Fe(II)[Cit]−) and the generated H2O2 resulting from the activation of O2 on the mZVI surface in the Bi/mZVI+CA+NaCA system, further inducing the mineralization of antibiotics. The related possible degradation pathways were proposed. Two similar degradation pathways of SM2, SMX, and SD in the mixed liquid, including hydroxylation and SO2 extrusion, were solved. Meanwhile, there was an additional proposed degradation pathway for SMX to be degraded more effectively, as reflected in the opening of the N-O bond on the benzene ring. Therefore, this work provides an experimental basis and theoretical support for the efficient treatment of antibiotic wastewater in real industry by using an iron-based method. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibiotics in the Environment and Removal Technology)
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16 pages, 2171 KiB  
Article
Different Inhibitory Effects of Erythromycin and Chlortetracycline on Early Growth of Brassica campestris Seedlings
by Mi Sun Cheong, Hyeonji Choe, Myeong Seon Jeong, Young-Eun Yoon, Hyun Suk Jung and Yong Bok Lee
Antibiotics 2021, 10(10), 1273; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10101273 - 19 Oct 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2235
Abstract
Veterinary antibiotics, including erythromycin (Ery) and chlortetracycline (CTC), are often detected in agricultural land. Although these contaminants affect plant growth and development, their effects on crops remain elusive. In this study, the effects of Ery and CTC on plant growth were investigated and [...] Read more.
Veterinary antibiotics, including erythromycin (Ery) and chlortetracycline (CTC), are often detected in agricultural land. Although these contaminants affect plant growth and development, their effects on crops remain elusive. In this study, the effects of Ery and CTC on plant growth were investigated and compared by analyzing transcript abundance in Brassica campestris seedlings. Treatment with Ery and/or CTC reduced chlorophyll content in leaves and photosynthetic efficiency. Examination of the chloroplast ultrastructure revealed the presence of abnormally shaped plastids in response to Ery and CTC treatments. The antibiotics produced similar phenotypes of lower accumulation of photosynthetic genes, including RBCL and LHCB1.1. Analysis of the transcript levels revealed that Ery and CTC differentially down-regulated genes involved in the tetrapyrrole biosynthetic pathway and primary root growth. In the presence of Ery and CTC, chloroplasts were undeveloped and photosynthesis efficiency was reduced. These results suggest that both Ery and CTC individually affect gene expression and influence plant physiological activity, independently of one another. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibiotics in the Environment and Removal Technology)
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11 pages, 1732 KiB  
Article
Combined Effects of Sulfamethoxazole and Erythromycin on a Freshwater Microalga, Raphidocelis subcapitata: Toxicity and Oxidative Stress
by Yibo Zhang, Da He, Fang Chang, Chenyuan Dang and Jie Fu
Antibiotics 2021, 10(5), 576; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10050576 - 13 May 2021
Cited by 52 | Viewed by 4448
Abstract
This study investigated the environmental effects of two familiar emerging contaminants, sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and erythromycin (ERY), and their mixture (10:1 w/w) using a green microalga, R. subcapitata. The cell density, pigment content, and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), [...] Read more.
This study investigated the environmental effects of two familiar emerging contaminants, sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and erythromycin (ERY), and their mixture (10:1 w/w) using a green microalga, R. subcapitata. The cell density, pigment content, and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) were analyzed. The calculated EC50 values of SMX, ERY, and their mixture after 96 h were 0.49, 0.044, and 0.06 mg/L, respectively. High concentrations of antibiotics lead to a decrease in chlorophyll a and total carotenoid content, affecting the ability to photosynthesize ROS scavenging capacity. This may be a factor leading to the inhibition of algal growth. When R. subcapitata was exposed to SMX and the mixture, SOD and CAT increased to resist oxidative damage, while the activities of GSH and GST decreased, suggesting that this algae’s antioxidant system was unbalanced due to oxidative stress. R. subcapitata reduced the ERY-induced ROS by increasing the activities of SOD, GSH, and GST. The difference in the contents of nonenzymatic antioxidants and enzyme antioxidants in R. subcapitata indicated the antioxidant mechanisms to SMX and ERY were not identical. This study provides insights into the oxidative stress process in R. subcapitata under different antibiotics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibiotics in the Environment and Removal Technology)
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16 pages, 3018 KiB  
Article
Activated Porous Carbon Derived from Tea and Plane Tree Leaves Biomass for the Removal of Pharmaceutical Compounds from Wastewaters
by Efstathios V. Liakos, Kyriazis Rekos, Dimitrios A. Giannakoudakis, Athanasios C. Mitropoulos, Jie Fu and George Z. Kyzas
Antibiotics 2021, 10(1), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics10010065 - 11 Jan 2021
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4328
Abstract
The aim of the present study is the synthesis of activated carbon (AC) from different agricultural wastes such as tea and plane tree leaves in order to use them for the removal of pramipexole dihydrochloride (PRM) from aqueous solutions. Two different carbonization and [...] Read more.
The aim of the present study is the synthesis of activated carbon (AC) from different agricultural wastes such as tea and plane tree leaves in order to use them for the removal of pramipexole dihydrochloride (PRM) from aqueous solutions. Two different carbonization and synthetic activation protocols were followed, with the herein-proposed ultrasound-assisted two-step protocol leading to better-performing carbon, especially for the tea-leaf-derived material (TEA(char)-AC). Physicochemical characterizations were performed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), N2 physisorption, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). TEA(char)-AC presented the highest surface area (1151 m2/g) and volume of micro and small mesopores. Maximum capacity was found at 112 mg/g for TEA(char)-AC at an optimum pH equal to 3, with the Langmuir isotherm model presenting a better fitting. The removal efficiency of TEA(char)-AC is higher than other biomass-derived carbons and closer to benchmark commercial carbons. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibiotics in the Environment and Removal Technology)
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