Algae-induced photodegradation of antibiotics: A review. (1st March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wei, Lianxue; Li, Haixiao; Lu, Jinfeng
• Is Part Of: Environmental pollution. Volume 272(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-03-01
• Subjects: Antibiotics -- Photodegradation -- Algae -- Extracellular organic matters -- Photosensitizers; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Effets physiologiques -- Périodiques; Pollution; Pollution -- Environmental aspects; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.73
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115589
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-7491

Abstract

Abstract: Antibiotics are a typical group of pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) with emerging pollutant effects. The presence of residual antibiotics in the environment is a prominent issue owing to their potential hazards, toxic effects, and persistence. Several treatments have been carried out in aquatic environments in order to eliminate antibiotic residues. Among these, photodegradation is regarded as an environmentally-friendly and efficient option. Indirect photodegradation is the main pathway for the degradation of residual antibiotics in natural water, as opposed to direct photodegradation. Algae, working as photosensitizers, play an important role in the indirect photolysis of residual antibiotics in natural water bodies. They promote this reaction by secreting extracellular organic matters (EOMs) and inducing the generation of active species. In order to provide a thorough understanding of the effects of algae on residual antibiotic degradation in the environment, this paper comprehensively reviews the latest research regarding algae-induced antibiotic photodegradation. The summary of the different pathways and photosensitive mechanisms involved in this process show that EOMs are indispensable to antibiotic photodegradation. The influencing factors of algae-induced photodegradation are also discussed here: these include algae species, antibiotic types, and environmental variables such as light source, ferric ion presence, temperature, and ultrasound treatment. Based on the review of existing literature, this paper also considers several pathways for the future study of algae-induced antibiotic photodegradation. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: The degradation of antibiotics in natural water depends on indirect photodegradation induced by algae. 3 EOM∗ plays the dominant role in the indirect photodegradation of antibiotics. The degradation efficiency of antibiotics is related to algae species, antibiotic types and their interactions. The combination of algae and Fe 3+ is a feasible and alternative method of promoting the degradation of antibiotics.