Removal of Antibiotics by Algae: Elucidating the Removal Mechanisms, Treatment Systems and Post-Treatment Antibiotic Resistance

Pharmaceuticals, particularly antibiotics, have been increasingly detected in surface and groundwater in recent years. Antibiotics are a contaminant of emerging concern (CEC) due to their role in inducing antibiotic resistance in several bacterial species. This analysis examines the effective elimination of antibiotics via algae-based technologies. The primary ways for eliminating antibiotics using microalgae are bioaccumulation, biodegradation, and bioadsorption. By optimizing the process and including other treatments like UV irradiation, enhanced oxidation, and co-cultivation with bacteria/fungi, a practical antibiotic elimination strategy can be developed. This article discusses the main factors that affect algal bioremediation of antibiotics and explores innovative methods to enhance removal effectiveness, such as hybrid systems combining microalgae-based technology with classic activated sludge and AOPs. Microalgae have shown the ability to biodegrade many classes of antibiotics. The review emphasizes the necessity for more research focused on enhancing microalgae-based technology, particularly in terms of performance improvement, capacity scaling, field implementation, environmental sustainability, and economic viability. This paper addresses the advanced microalgae-based technology for antibiotic elimination and suggests prospective areas for future research.