Exploring the environmental pathways and challenges of fluoroquinolone antibiotics: A state-of-the-art review

• Published in: The Science of the total environment Vol. 926; p. 171944
• Main Authors: Masud, Md Abdullah Al, Shin, Won Sik, Septian, Ardie, Samaraweera, Hasara, Khan, Israt Jahan, Mohamed, Mohamed Mostafa, Billah, Md Masum, López-Maldonado, Eduardo Alberto, Rahman, Md. Mostafizur, Islam, Abu Reza Md Towfiqul, Rahman, Saidur
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 20.05.2024
• Subjects: Attributes; Ecotoxicity; Fluoroquinolones; Prevalence; Remediation approaches; Soil and groundwater; Fluoroquinolones; Attributes; Remediation approaches; Prevalence; Ecotoxicity; Soil and groundwater
• ISSN: 0048-9697; 1879-1026
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171944

Fluoroquinolone (FQ) antibiotics have become a subject of growing concern due to their increasing presence in the environment, particularly in the soil and groundwater. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the attributes, prevalence, ecotoxicity, and remediation approaches associated with FQs in environmental matrices. The paper discusses the physicochemical properties that influence the fate and transport of FQs in soil and groundwater, exploring the factors contributing to their prevalence in these environments. Furthermore, the ecotoxicological implications of FQ contamination in soil and aquatic ecosystems are reviewed, shedding light on the potential risks to environmental and human health. The latter part of the review is dedicated to an extensive analysis of remediation approaches, encompassing both in-situ and ex-situ methods employed to mitigate FQ contamination. The critical evaluation of these remediation strategies provides insights into their efficacy, limitations, and environmental implications. In this investigation, a correlation between FQ antibiotics and climate change is established, underlining its significance in addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study further identifies and delineates multiple research gaps, proposing them as key areas for future investigational directions. Overall, this review aims to consolidate current knowledge on FQs in soil and groundwater, offering a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners engaged in environmental management and public health. [Display omitted] •FQ antibiotics exhibit unique properties that influence their environmental fate.•Environmental occurrence and ecotoxicological effects of FQs are outlined.•Detection and remediation of FQs are limited by their trace environmental concentrations.•Multiple remediation mechanisms of FQs are discussed.•The challenges of FQs and future approaches are highlighted