High-Rate Anaerobic Bioreactors for Antibiotic-Contaminated Wastewater: An In-Depth Review of Reactor Performance, Efficiency, and Future Prospects

Antibiotics, a class of emerging contaminants, are prevalent in the environment with wastewater treatment plants being a primary source. Their presence in water poses significant risks, including the formation of antibiotic-resistant genes and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This review evaluates the performance of high-rate anaerobic bioreactors, including anaerobic membrane bioreactors (AnMBR), upflow anaerobic sludge blankets (UASB), and anaerobic sequencing batch reactors (ASBR), for the treatment of antibiotic-contaminated wastewater. Through bibliometric and science mapping analyses, key research trends were identified to frame the scope and selection of relevant studies. The outcomes reveal that these systems effectively reduce antibiotic concentrations and organic load with significant chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal and biogas production. However, complete mineralization of antibiotics remains a challenge, highlighting the need for integrated treatment approaches. The review identifies key operational parameters, such as membrane configurations, hydraulic retention time, and organic loading rate, as significant factors affecting treatment outcomes. Additionally, a comparative economic analysis reveals distinct cost profiles, with UASB and ASBR reactors offering lower capital and operational expenditures, while AnMBRs, despite higher initial investments, deliver superior effluent quality and biogas yields. Despite their potential for large-scale treatment, further research is necessary to optimize these systems, address knowledge gaps, and enhance their application efficiency and scalability.