Chapter twelve - Effects of veterinary antibiotics on the soil properties

Abstract

It is well documented that veterinary antibiotics can affect the vital processes of soil organisms and the biological properties of soils in general after entering terrestrial ecosystems. The purpose of the current study is to explore the effects of veterinary antibiotics on soil properties. A review of the available literature shows that transformation and/or degradation are the most important processes that determine the fate of antibiotics in soils and that soil microorganisms play an important role in these processes. The effect of antibiotics on the biological properties of soils depends on the physicochemical parameters of the soil, antibiotic type and group, dosage, as well as the time of exposure. High concentrations of antibiotics often have a negative effect on both plants and microorganisms, as a consequence affecting the enzymatic activity that has negative influences on the biological properties of the soils.