Remedial potential of electroactive bacteria for antibiotic compounds treatment

Abstract

This paper aims to deepen our understanding of the contaminant removal process using electroactive bacteria (EAB), focusing on their recent application in antibiotic degradation and its implications for environmental sustainability. To achieve this, a systematic literature review was conducted using databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to identify relevant scientific articles. This review comprehensively explores the antibiotic degradation process mediated by EAB, examining critical aspects such as electron transfer, biochemical mechanisms, enzymatic pathways, redox processes, and other contributing factors. Unlike previous studies that often focus on isolated mechanisms, this work offers an integrative perspective on the role of microorganisms such as Geobacter sulfurreducens and Shewanella oneidensis, which can transfer electrons to electrodes, enabling electricity generation while degrading pollutants. Major degradation mechanisms identified include biosorption, bioreduction, biomineralisation, hydrolysis, denitrification, and hydroxylation. The findings suggest that leveraging EAB for contaminant removal enhances the efficiency of wastewater treatment processes and provides a dual benefit by reducing pollution and generating energy. The novelty of the study lies in integrating antibiotic degradation through electroactive bacteria with electricity generation, offering a holistic view of bioelectrochemical processes for sustainable wastewater treatment.