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Tetracycline pollution is a growing global threat to aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity due to its unprecedented use in aquaculture, livestock, and human disease prevention. The influx of tetracycline may annihilate the microbial ecology structure in the environment and pose a severe threat to humans by disturbing the food chain. Although signifi...
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Microplastics have garnered an infamous reputation as a sorbate for many concerning environmental pollutants and as a delivery vehicle for the aquatic food chain through the ingestion of these contaminated small particulates. While sorption mechanisms have been extensively studied for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic sulfur het...
Tetracycline pollution is a growing global threat to aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity due to its unprecedented use in aquaculture, livestock, and human disease prevention. The influx of tetracycline may annihilate the microbial ecology structure in the environment and pose a severe threat to humans by disturbing the food chain. Although signifi...
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... In this study, drug metabolites and their degradation products were not assessed. However, various environmental degradation pathways have already been discussed previously in the literature for some of the drugs studied [3,17,18], and separate studies need to be conducted to comment on their levels while considering the dynamic changes of the surface and aquafer hydro-currents. ...
The relative contribution of factors responsible for the environmental exposure of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) is of interest for appropriate remedial measures. This study was carried out to evaluate the post-lockdown levels of APIs in water resources, in comparison to our previously published study from 2016. The environmental levels of 28 drugs from different classes were analyzed in surface water (Yamuna River), aquifers, and leachate samples collected from 26 locations in Delhi-NCR using the previously validated liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods. In addition, the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in coliforms isolated from targeted surface water samples was also studied. This study revealed that more than 90% of APIs, including antibiotics, decreased drastically in both surface water and aquifers compared to our previous data. Selected samples subjected to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) analysis revealed the presence of cephalosporin-resistant coliform bacteria. Tracing cephalosporins in the surface and drain water samples revealed the presence of ceftriaxone in the drain and water samples from Yamuna River. Higher levels of ceftriaxone in landfill leachate were also found, which were found to be associated with coliform resistance and indicate the un-segregated disposal of medical waste into landfills. Social restrictions enforced due to COVID-19 resulted in a drastic decrease in antimicrobials and other APIs in aquatic water resources. Increased ceftriaxone and cephalosporin resistance was seen in coliform from surface water and drain, indicating the possibility of hospital waste and treatment-related drugs entering Yamuna River. Enforcement of the regulations for the safe disposal of antibiotics at hospitals and preliminary disinfection of hospital sewage before its inflow into common drains might help minimize the spread of antibiotic resistance in the environment.
... Tetracycline (Scheme 1), a broad-spectrum antibiotic with M w = 444.435 g/mol, extensively used in aquaculture, human and veterinary medicine [17,18], is raising concerns due to its persistence in the environment and potential adverse effects on ecosystems [19,20] and human health [21,22]. Daghrir and Drogui [23] reported that following medication, over 70% of tetracycline antibiotics are excreted and released in an active form into the environment through urine and feces from both humans and animals. ...
... Tetracycline (Scheme 1), a broad-spectrum antibiotic with Mw = 444.435 g/mol, extensively used in aquaculture, human and veterinary medicine [17,18], is raising concerns due to its persistence in the environment and potential adverse effects on ecosystems [19,20] and human health [21,22]. Daghrir and Drogui [23] reported that following medication, over 70% of tetracycline antibiotics are excreted and released in an active form into the environment through urine and feces from both humans and animals. ...
... Daghrir and Drogui [23] reported that following medication, over 70% of tetracycline antibiotics are excreted and released in an active form into the environment through urine and feces from both humans and animals. Furthermore, it has the potential to accumulate within the food chain, leading to toxicity in the microbial community [17], promoting the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance, posing risks to drinking and irrigation water and disturbing the microbial flora in the human intestine [18]. On the contrary, insufficient wastewater systems are a key factor contributing to the increase in antibiotic concentrations in aquatic sources. ...
This study highlights the effectiveness of photocatalytically modified ceramic ultrafiltration (UF) membranes in alleviating two major drawbacks of membrane filtration technologies. These are the generation of a highly concentrated retentate effluent as a waste stream and the gradual degradation of the water flux through the membrane due to the accumulation of organic pollutants on its surface. The development of two types of novel tubular membranes, featuring photocatalytic Mo-BiVO4 inverse opal coatings, demonstrated a negligible impact on water permeance, ensuring consistent filtration and photocatalytic efficiency and suggesting the potential for maintaining membrane integrity and avoiding the formation of highly concentrated retentate effluents. Morphological analysis revealed well-defined coatings with ordered domains and interconnected macropores, confirming successful synthesis of Mo-BiVO4. Raman spectroscopy and optical studies further elucidated the composition and light absorption properties of the coatings, particularly within the visible region, which is vital for photocatalysis driven by vis-light. Evaluation of the tetracycline removal efficiency presented efficient adsorption onto membrane surfaces with enhanced photocatalytic activity observed under both UV and vis-light. Additionally, vis-light irradiation facilitated significant degradation, showcasing the versatility of the membranes. Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analysis corroborated complete solute elimination or photocatalytic degradation without the production of intermediates, highlighting the potential for complete pollutant removal. Overall, these findings emphasize the promising applications of Mo-BiVO4 photocatalytic membranes in sustainable water treatment and wastewater remediation processes, laying the groundwork for further optimization and scalability in practical water treatment systems.
... One particular group of antibiotics, tetracyclines (TC), represent the highest percentage of antibiotics used due to their relatively low cost and varied application for infections such as gastrointestinal infections, pneumonia, and sexually transmitted infections [1,2]. Despite their popularity in treating a wide range of conditions, these organic compounds do not degrade easily after use due to their composition of various methyl, keto, and diethylamino functional groups [3]. Inefficient removal of TCs during the wastewater treatment process combined with excessive use is resulting in frequent pollution of surface water and groundwater systems [4]. ...
This study explores the use of the iron-containing metal–organic framework (MOF), Basolite®F300, as a heterogeneous catalyst for electrochemically-driven Fenton processes. Electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (EAOPs) have shown promise on the abatement of recalcitrant organic pollutants such as pharmaceuticals. Tetracyclines (TC) are a frequently used class of antibiotics that are now polluting surface water and groundwater sources worldwide. Acknowledging the fast capability of EAOPs to treat persistent pharmaceutical pollutants, we propose an electrochemical Fenton treatment process that is catalyzed by the use of a commercially available MOF material to degrade TC. The efficiency of H2O2 generation in the IrO2/carbon felt setup is highlighted. However, electrochemical oxidation with H2O2 production (ECO-H2O2) alone is not enough to achieve complete TC removal, attributed to the formation of weak oxidant species. Incorporating Basolite®F300 in the heterogeneous electro-Fenton (HEF) process results in complete TC removal within 40 min, showcasing its efficacy. Additionally, this study explores the effect of varying MOF concentrations, indicating optimal removal rates at 100 mg L−1 due to a balance of kinetics and limitation of active sites of the catalysts. Furthermore, the impact of the applied current on TC removal is investigated, revealing a proportional relationship between current and removal rates. The analysis of energy efficiency emphasizes 50 mA as the optimal current, however, balancing removal efficiency with electrical energy consumption. This work highlights the potential of Basolite®F300 as an effective catalyst in the HEF process for pollutant abatement, providing valuable insights into optimizing electrified water treatment applications with MOF nanomaterials to treat organic pollutants.
... These resistance profile results, for the environmental E. faecium isolates, are comparable to results obtained by Dos Santos et al. [16], where environmental isolates (n = 40) exhibited susceptibility to ampicillin while resistance towards several antibiotics including tetracycline (n = 10; 25 %), doxycycline (n = 10; 25 %), minocycline (n = 6; 15 %) was recorded. Tetracyclines are widely used in human and animal medicine due to the broad-spectrum activity and lower cost of application [94]. However, tetracyclines are not easily metabolised in the human and animal digestive system leading to 50-80 % excretion in human and animal excrement [94,95]. ...
... Tetracyclines are widely used in human and animal medicine due to the broad-spectrum activity and lower cost of application [94]. However, tetracyclines are not easily metabolised in the human and animal digestive system leading to 50-80 % excretion in human and animal excrement [94,95]. Indiscriminate and excessive use of tetracyclines has also resulted in increased bacterial resistance and significant fluctuations in environmental concentrations. ...
Antibiotic resistance and virulence profiles of Enterococcus faecium, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, isolated from water sources collected in informal settlements, were compared to clinical counterparts. Cluster analysis using repetitive extragenic palindromic sequence-based polymerase chain reaction (REP-PCR) indicated that, for each respective species, low genetic relatedness was observed between most of the clinical and environmental isolates, with only one clinical P. aeruginosa (PAO1) and one clinical K. pneumoniae (P2) exhibiting high genetic similarity to the environmental strains. Based on the antibiograms, the clinical E. faecium Ef CD1 was extensively drug resistant (XDR); all K. pneumoniae isolates (n = 12) (except K. pneumoniae ATCC 13883) were multidrug resistant (MDR), while the P. aeruginosa (n = 16) isolates exhibited higher susceptibility profiles. The tetM gene (tetracycline resistance) was identified in 47.4 % (n = 6 environmental; n = 3 clinical) of the E. faecium isolates, while the blaKPC gene (carbapenem resistance) was detected in 52.6 % (n = 7 environmental; n = 3 clinical) and 15.4 % (n = 2 environmental) of the E. faecium and K. pneumoniae isolates, respectively. The E. faecium isolates were predominantly poor biofilm formers, the K. pneumoniae isolates were moderate biofilm formers, while the P. aeruginosa isolates were strong biofilm formers. All E. faecium and K. pneumoniae isolates were gamma (γ)-haemolytic, non-gelatinase producing (E. faecium only), and non-hypermucoviscous (K. pneumoniae only), while the P. aeruginosa isolates exhibited beta (β)-haemolysis and produced gelatinase. The fimH (type 1 fimbriae adhesion) and ugE (uridine diphosphate galacturonate 4-epimerase synthesis) virulence genes were detected in the K. pneumoniae isolates, while the P. aeruginosa isolates possessed the phzM (phenazine production) and algD (alginate biosynthesis) genes. Similarities in antibiotic resistance and virulence profiles of environmental and clinical E. faecium, K. pneumoniae, and P. aeruginosa, thus highlights the potential health risks posed by using environmental water sources for daily water needs in low-and-middle-income countries.
... Tetracycline is widely used in aquaculture, livestock production, and human therapeutics, etc. Because tetracycline is difficult to metabolize in humans and animals, up to 80 % of tetracycline are discharged into wastewater, and the existing wastewater treatment plants do not effectively treat tetracycline, resulting in large quantities of tetracycline entering the ecosystem and causing great ecotoxicity to organisms and humans [2][3][4]. ...
Tetracycline has received a great deal of interest for the harmful effects of substance abuse on ecosystems and humanity. The effects of different processes on the degradation of tetracycline were compared, with dual-frequency ultrasound (DFUS) in combination with peroxymonosulfate (PMS) being the most effective for the tetracycline degradation. Free radical scavenging experiments showed that O2∙-,SO4∙- and •OH were the main reactive radicals in the degradation of tetracycline. According to the major intermediates of tetracycline degradation identified, three possible degradation pathways were proposed, which are of significance for translational studies of tetracycline degradation. Notably, these intermediates were found to be significantly less toxicity. The number of active bubbles in the degradation vessel was calculated using a semi-empirical formula, and a higher value of 1.44 × 10⁸ L⁻¹s⁻¹ of bubbles was obtained when using dual-frequency ultrasound at 20 kHz (210 W/L) and 80 kHz (85.4 W/L). Therefore, compared to 20 kHz, although the yield of strong oxidizing substances from individual active bubbles decreased slightly, a significant increment of the number of active bubbles still resulted in a higher synergistic effect, and the combination of DFUS and PMS should be effective in promoting the generation of reactive free radicals and mass transfer processes within the degradation vessel, which provides a method for efficient removal of tetracycline from wastewater.
... Therefore, it is necessary to remove DXC from the contaminated environment in order to mitigate the negative impacts on the ecosystem and public health. However, it is tricky to remove DXC from wastewater using conventional treatment methods due to its permanent chemical structure and non-biodegradability (Ahmad et al., 2021). ...
... Tetracycline hydrochloride (TC-HCl) is a typical antibiotic that has been intensively used to treat infections caused by bacteria. 1 However, these complex molecules are difficult to degrade in the environment, and the TC-HCl-contained wastewater from hospital and pharmaceutical industries would cause severe environmental and ecological pollution. Among the various techniques used for TC-HCl removal from wastewater, the photodegradation technique is of great interest due to its sustainable and cost-effective features. ...
The correlation between structure and properties in the photodegradation reaction of bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) was explored in this work. Three BiOCl samples with different sizes, morphological structures, and defects were prepared through a hydrothermal method with experimental manipulation. Their structural properties were comprehensively characterized using Xray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, electron spin resonance, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet−visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and photoluminescence. Taking the photodegradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TC-HCl) as the probe reaction, we found that high activity could be achieved by decreasing their crystal size and thickness, introducing proper defects in the structure, and assembling the nanosheets to get microball structure. Combined with radical-scavenge experiments and electron spin resonance (ESR) spin-trap spectra, we conclude that Ȯ 2
− was the dominant reactive oxygen species for the degradation reaction. The degradation detailed pathway of TC-HCl was further analyzed using liquid chromatography−mass spectrometry. This work explores the structure−property correlation of BiOCl and provides strategies for the rational design of active photocatalysts for water remediation.
... These variations in the antibiotic distribution in the same environmental media may be attributed to differences in their structure and physical and chemical properties [13,50]. During the adsorption process, antibiotics can form low-soluble and stable complexes by neutralizing metal ions (Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , Fe 3+ ) in the environmental media, which limits their distribution in the water phase [51,52]. However, as a type of TCs detected in all feed samples and added at relatively high levels, OTC exhibited similar distribution proportions in both the water and sediments. ...
This study specifically focused on Litopenaeus vannamei and examined the distribution of residual antibiotics in various components of shrimp ponds throughout an aquaculture cycle. The findings revealed that aquaculture feed served as the primary source of antibiotics, continuously introducing them into the ponds throughout the entire production cycle. A multimedia distribution model for antibiotics in the ponds was established based on the principle of mass balance. The distribution characteristics of six antibiotics with higher levels in the feed, namely, sulfamethoxazole (SMX), norfloxacin (NOF), levofloxacin (LEOF), tetracycline (TC), oxytetracycline (OTC), and chlortetracycline (CTC), were investigated in the pond water, sediment, and shrimp. At the end of the cultivation period, the total antibiotic residues accounted for 65~80% in various media, with the sediment containing 50~60% of the distribution proportion (p < 0.01), which was identified as the primary reservoir for most antibiotics, with LEOF and NOF accounting for the highest proportions (45.78% and 50.29%, respectively). Based on the model’s findings and the allowable daily dosage of antibiotics, recommendations were made for the effective control of antibiotic residues in shrimp farming management. To address the significant net loss of sulfonamides (SAs) and tetracyclines (TCs) in aquaculture production, it is crucial to carefully regulate their dosages and administration methods. Implementing eco-friendly additives and regularly cleaning surface sediments can aid in reducing antibiotic residue levels in various environmental media, thereby mitigating the environmental impact on aquaculture production activities.
... The main cause of water and soil pollution is the negligent disposal of effluents containing dyes, chemical and pharmaceutical products, metal ions, pesticides, and antibiotics (Damian et al. 2019;Nawaz et al. 2022;Rajput et al. 2017;Zhong et al. 2023). Antibiotics are a worrying threat to the environment due to various factors, such as ecological imbalance due to the inefficiency of current treatment processes (Ahmad et al. 2021;Li et al. 2021;Oliveira et al. 2020). ...
Tetracycline (TC) is a widely used antibiotic, and evaluating its interaction with humic substances (HS) that act as a complexing agent in the environment is essential to understanding the availability of this contaminant in the environment. This study evaluated the interaction between HS and TC using different spectroscopic techniques, theoretical studies, and biological assays simulating environmental conditions. TC interacts with HS, preferably by electrostatic forces, with a binding constant of 9.2 × 10³ M⁻¹ (30 °C). This process induces conformational changes in the superstructure, preferably in the HS, like protein fraction. Besides, studies using the 8-anilino-1-naphthalene sulfonate (ANS) probe indicated that the antibiotic alters the hydrophobicity degree on HS’s surface. Synchronized fluorescence shows that the TC interaction occurs preferentially with the protein-like fraction of soil organic matter (KSV = 26.28 ± 1.03 M⁻¹). The TC epitope was evaluated by ¹H NMR and varied according to the pH (4.8 and 9.0) of the medium, as well as the main forces responsible for the stabilization of the HS-TC complex. The molecular docking studies showed that the formation of the HS-TC complex is carried out spontaneously (ΔG = −7.1 kcal mol⁻¹) and is stabilized by hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions, as observed in the experimental spectroscopic results. Finally, biological assays indicated that HS influenced the antimicrobial activity of TC. Thus, this study contributed to understanding the dynamics and distribution of TC in the environment and HS’s potential in the remediation of antibiotics of this class in natural systems, as these can have adverse effects on ecosystems and human health.
Graphical Abstract
... Tetracycline antibiotics (e.g. tetracycline (TET), oxytetracycline (OTC), chlortetracycline (CTC), and doxycycline (DOX)) are widely used in the field of livestock husbandry, and when they are misused, their residues are often found in animal-derived foods such as milk, honey, and pork [138]. The buildup in the human body can lead to serious diseases such as liver damage, tooth yellowing, allergic disorders, intestinal flora disorders, and bacterial resistance. ...
The burden of food contamination and food wastage has significantly contributed to the increased prevalence of foodborne disease and food insecurity all over the world. Due to this, there is an urgent need to develop a smarter food traceability system. Recent advancements in biosensors that are easy-to-use, rapid yet selective, sensitive, and cost-effective have shown great promise to meet the critical demand for onsite and immediate diagnosis and treatment of food safety and quality control (i.e. point-of-care technology). This review article focuses on the recent development of different biosensors for food safety and quality monitoring. In general, the application of biosensors in agriculture (i.e. pre-harvest stage) for early detection and routine control of plant infections or stress is discussed. Afterward, a more detailed advancement of biosensors in the past five years within the food supply chain (i.e. post-harvest stage) to detect different types of food contaminants and smart food packaging is highlighted. A section that discusses perspectives for the development of biosensors in the future is also mentioned.
