Author(s)

ZhiJiang Nan

Affiliation(s)

Qinghai Institute of Technology, Xining 810016, Qinghai, China.

Corresponding Author

ZhiJiang Nan

ABSTRACT

The widespread detection of antibiotics in aquatic environments has become a global environmental issue, posing huge potential threats to ecosystems and human health. This paper systematically reviews research progress on antibiotic pollution in aquatic environments, focusing on its environmental behavior, ecotoxicological effects, and comprehensive prevention and control strategies. Firstly, an overview of the global and Chinese pollution status, major sources, and occurrence characteristics of antibiotics in aquatic environments is provided. Secondly, the migration and transformation laws, environmental fate, and ecological risk assessment methods of antibiotics in aquatic environments are explored in depth. Then, the ecotoxicological effects of antibiotics on aquatic organisms are elaborated in detail, including impacts on microbial community structures, the generation and spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), toxic effects on aquatic animals and plants, and potential risks to human health. Finally, comprehensive prevention and control strategies are proposed from four levels: source control, process interception, end-of-pipe treatment, and system management. Future research directions are also outlined to provide a scientific basis for the risk management of antibiotic pollution in aquatic environments.

KEYWORDS

Antibiotic pollution; Aquatic environment; Environmental risk; Ecotoxicology; Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs); Comprehensive prevention and control

CITE THIS PAPER

ZhiJiang Nan. Environmental risks and ecotoxicology of antibiotic pollution in water environments and comprehensive prevention and control strategies. Frontiers in Environmental Research. 2025, 3(3): 52-61. DOI: https://doi.org/10.61784/fer3040.

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