Progress in studies on aqueous environmental photochemical behavior of antibiotics

Abstract

Antibiotics are emerging pollutants that are ubiquitous in the aqueous environment. They have recently received increasing concerns due to their pseudo-persistence and potential to induce bacterial resistance. Photochemical degradation is a central factor in determining the fate of antibiotics. This paper reviews the current research progress on the aqueous environmental photochemical behavior of antibiotics. Their direct, indirect and self-sensitized photodegradation kinetics are introduced. The effects of pH and aqueous dissolved matter on the photodegradation kinetics of antibiotics are highlighted, and the photodegradation pathways and mechanisms are summarized for some important antibiotic classes. Furthermore, the photoinduced toxicities of some antibiotics are discussed. Finally, the research prospects about the aqueous photochemical behavior of antibiotics are proposed.