Antibiotic waste in water: impact and remediation strategies

As a result of antibiotic overuse and misuse in the environment, human health and development have been seriously harmed. In recent decades, the number of people living in major cities has grown, and the necessity for food production by the agri-food sector has led to an increase in pollution concerns. The influence on air, soil, and water has been shown by the consequences seen in particular regions. For instance, antibiotic usage has increased over the last two decades, even though there have been relatively few restrictions enacted concerning the excessive use of antibiotics and the disposal of their residues resulting from various sources. This chapter's goal was to provide an overview of the sources of antibiotics in aquatic environments, their environmental consequences and trophic chains, as well as the adverse effects on human health due to prolonged exposure to antibiotic waste.