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Remediation of tetracycline pollution using microplastics, green materials, membranes and sonocatalysts: a review
Summary
This review evaluates remediation methods for tetracycline antibiotic pollution, including adsorption onto aged microplastics, membrane filtration, sonocatalysis, and green composites, finding that combinations achieve complete removal while eco-friendly green composites offer sustainable wastewater treatment options. Notably, aged microplastics can act as tetracycline adsorbents, illustrating the dual role of microplastic pollution as both a contaminant carrier and a potential remediation medium with complex environmental trade-offs.
Tetracyclines are broad-spectrum antibiotics used as human and veterinary ailments, anticancer and antiviral agents, and for treating inflammations including arthritis and the Huntington’s disease. However, their inappropriate usage and disposal induce environmental pollution due to their persistency, hydrophilicity and limited volatility, requiring advanced remediation methods. Here, we review techniques for tetracycline removal, including adsorption, advanced oxidation and filtration. Materials to treat tetracycline pollution include aged microplastics, green materials, chemical compounds, sonocatalysts and membranes. Complete tetracycline removal is achieved by using membranes, sonocatalysis and composites. Green composites appear eco-friendly for wastewater treatment. Chemically-synthesized composites are mainly used in photocatalysis, oxidative and enzymatic degradation.