Various strategies applied for the removal of emerging micropollutant sulfamethazine: a systematic review

Pharmaceutical active drug(s) especially sulfamethazine (SMZ) is considered as one of the major emerging microcontaminants due its long-term existence in the environmental system and that can influence on the developmental of antibacterial resistance genes. Because of this region it has a great concern in the aquatic system. Moreover, the vast utilization of SMZ, excretion of undigested portion by animals and also through dumping or mishandling, SMZ is frequently detected in various samples (including water) of different places and its surroundings. Additionally, reports shown it has toxic effect against microalgae and mice. Thus, that can lead to several investigators, focusing on removal of SMZ alone or in combination of other drugs in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) either by abiotic and/or biotic treatment methods. The present review provides an overview of the toxic effect of SMZ and SMZ degradation/removal in abiotic and biotic processes. Finally, reveals the need of further implication of integrated treatments (including engineered biological mediators) to understand ideal biological approaches for the mineralization of SMZ.

Automated summary

Pharmaceutical active drug, particularly sulfamethazine (SMZ), is considered as a major emerging microcontaminant that can affect the development of antibacterial resistance genes due to its long-term presence in the environment. The widespread use of SMZ and its detection in various samples, including water, along with its toxic effects on microalgae and mice, has raised concerns. Therefore, further research is needed to investigate the removal and degradation of SMZ in wastewater treatment plants, including the use of engineered biological mediators.