Insight into antibiotic removal by advanced oxidation processes (AOPs): Performance, mechanism, degradation pathways, and ecotoxicity assessment

Abstract

The widespread use of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture has raised global concerns about their residues in the environment. These residues pose serious threats to ecosystems and human health, leading to the growing problem of microbial resistance. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are efficient and environmentally friendly wastewater treatment methods, and they can effectively degrade antibiotics by producing strong oxidizing free radicals such as OH, ${\bullet SO}_{\text{4}}^{\text{-}}$, and ${\bullet O}_2^{-}$. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the application of AOPs in the degradation of antibiotics. The principles, advantages, limitations, and key factors influencing the performance of various AOPs are comprehensively examined, including photocatalysis, ozone oxidation, electrochemical oxidation, persulfate oxidation, and Fenton reaction. The promotion mechanisms of the physical field in AOPs are summarized. The assessment of their appropriateness and the challenges encountered in practical wastewater treatment is provided. The mechanisms of antibiotic removal by AOPs are thoroughly discussed, focusing on the pathway involving free radicals, non-free radicals, electron transfer, and high-valent metals. The intermediate products and degradation path of antibiotics are analyzed to enhance the understanding of the degradation process. Furthermore, this paper emphasizes the significance of evaluating the ecotoxicity of treated solutions to ensure safety and environmental sustainability, and it provides a comprehensive assessment of the ecological toxicity of degradation intermediates. Finally, this paper discusses the future development directions of AOPs, highlighting the need for efficient, cost-effective and environmentally sustainable solutions. Additionally, it provides a comprehensive assessment of the ecological toxicity of degradation intermediates.