Abstract
ABSTRACTAntibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have become major health concerns. In this study, three-dimensional biofilm-electrode reactors (3D-BERs) under low current were designed to assess their performance in removing tetracycline (TC) and sulfamethoxazole (SMX) from synthetic wastewater. In addition, the fates of the corresponding ARGs in microbial communities were investigated. The mass removal ratios of TC and SMX by the 3D-BERs were 82.6–97.3% and 72.2–93.2%, respectively. There were obvious increases in the relative abundances of all target genes after ∼2 months. The tet and sul genes were significantly upregulated by high concentrations of antibiotics in the cathode layer, and higher ARG levels were evident in the cathodes than in the anodes. High-throughput sequencing identified Methylotenera, Candidatus Accumulibacter, Limnohabitans, Dechloromonas, Crenothrix, and Caldilinea as the dominant genera in the samples at the end of the experiment, after ∼8 months, and these bacteria potentially exhibited antibiotic resistance. The relative abundances and compositions of the dominant microbial populations changed throughout the course of antibiotic removal in the 3D-BERs.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
