Bioprocessing for elimination antibiotics and hormones from swine wastewater

Abstract

Antibiotics and hormones in swine wastewater have become a critical concern worldwide due to the severe threats to human health and the eco-environment. Removal of most detectable antibiotics and hormones, such as sulfonamides (SAs), SMs, tetracyclines (TCs), macrolides, and estrogenic hormones from swine wastewater utilizing various biological processes were summarized and compared. In biological processes, biosorption and biodegradation are the two major removal mechanisms for antibiotics and hormones. The residuals in treated effluents and sludge of conventional activated sludge and anaerobic digestion processes can still pose risks to the surrounding environment, and the anaerobic processes' removal efficiencies were inferior to those of aerobic processes. In contrast, membrane bioreactors (MBRs), constructed wetlands (CWs) and modified processes performed better because of their higher biodegradation of toxicants. Process modification on activated sludge, anaerobic digestion and conventional MBRs could also enhance the performance (e.g. removing up to 98% SMs, 88.9% TCs, and 99.6% hormones from wastewater). The hybrid process combining MBRs with biological or physical technology also led to better removal efficiency. As such, modified conventional biological processes, advanced biological technologies and MBR hybrid systems are considered as a promising technology for removing toxicants from swine wastewater.

Chinese herb feed additives improved the growth performance, meat quality, and nutrient digestibility parameters of pigs

“…Antibiotics as in‐feed supplements affect all stages of pork production, including the gestation, nursing, growing, and terminal stage, although the effects show stage‐dependent differences . However, the use of antibiotics in animal feed has become a critical concern worldwide due to the severe threats to human health and the environment . Therefore, many researchers have investigated alternative feed additives or supplements, such as probiotics, enzymes, minerals, organic acids, and herbs .…”

Effects of Sulfamethoxazole on the Microbial Community Dynamics During the Anaerobic Digestion Process

“…Other research demonstrates that SMX can be degraded during AD, depending on the specific experimental conditions and its initial concentration ( Mohring et al, 2009 ; Cetecioglu et al, 2015 ; Cheng et al, 2018 ). Feng et al (2017) report that antibiotic residues (e.g., SMX 1 μg L –1 ) were effectively removed during the AD of sludge and manure.…”

Anaerobic membrane bioreactors for antibiotic wastewater treatment: Performance and membrane fouling issues

“…Anaerobic biological treatment is an advisable option for treating high-strength wastewater containing antibiotics in comparison with aerobic treatment. The former treatment method has certain advantages, for example, biogas production, less waste sludge production and lower energy costs (Angelidaki et al, 2003, Chen et al, 2011, Cheng et al, 2018b. Conversely, biodegradation of antibiotics in conventional anaerobic digestion processes -even other modern high-rate anaerobic reactors like up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) and anaerobic sequencing batch reactor (ASBR) is limited.…”

“…Conversely, biodegradation of antibiotics in conventional anaerobic digestion processes -even other modern high-rate anaerobic reactors like up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) and anaerobic sequencing batch reactor (ASBR) is limited. This is because the biosorption of antibiotics onto sludge results in high levels of antibiotics and ARGs being released into the environment (Cheng et al, 2018b). The persistence of ARGs through wastewater treatment processes not only presents a serious ecological risk in natural environments, but also has a negative influence on public perceptions of wastewater reuse and its economic viability (Zhu et al, 2018).…”

“…Anaerobic membrane bioreactors (AnMBRs) are an available alternative for the treatment of wastewater containing antibiotics owing to their advantages over conventional anaerobic processes, which include a high degradation capacity of anaerobic microorganisms, longer SRT, and better effluent qualities (Cheng et al, 2018b, Ozgun et al, 2013. Previous reports have indicated that AnMBRs are promising technologies for degrading common organic pollutants and emerging antibiotics in wastewater under optimal conditions.…”