Advances in microalgae-bacteria consortia for removal of antibiotic from wastewater

The widespread use of antibiotics, coupled with the inadequate removal efficiency of these substances by traditional wastewater treatment methods, has resulted in the global presence of antibiotics at varying concentrations in aquatic ecosystems. The microalgae-bacteria consortia presents a sustainable approach to wastewater treatment,characterized by its high removal capacity, suppression of resistance gene proliferation, and the potential for biomass recovery. This paper provided a comprehensive review of the structure and characteristics of the microalgae-bacteria consortia, while also summarized the effects of antibiotics on this system. The mechanisms of antibiotic removal by microalgae and bacteria were analyzed, and the potential pathways for antibiotic degradation within the symbiotic framework were presented. Furthermore, this paper critically examined the influence of various factors,including the type and concentration of antibiotics, the biochemical composition of the microalgae-bacteria consortia,illumination, temperature, as well as pH on the efficiency and pathways of antibiotic removal. Additionally, innovative microalgae-bacteria consortia currently in development for the purpose of antibiotic remediation was highlighted. Based on the findings, future research directions were proposed, which included investigating the molecular interactions between microalgae and bacteria, optimizing species combinations, and assessing the impact of antibiotics on the microalgae-bacteria consortia within complex aquatic environments.