A review on triclosan in wastewater: Mechanism of action, resistance phenomenon, environmental risks, and sustainable removal techniques

Abstract Triclosan, belonging to the bisphenols, is a known antiseptic broad‐spectrum biocide. It has a very wide range of applications, both in health care and in the household. Triclosan enters the environment, both water bodies and soil, because of its high prevalence and the ability to accumulation. Excessive use of antimicrobial formulations may cause the generation of resistance among microorganisms. Reduced susceptibility to triclosan is observed more frequently and in an expanded group of microorganisms and is conditioned by a number of different mechanisms occurring on the molecular level. Conventional wastewater treatment processes are not always able to provide a reliable barrier to triclosan. Therefore, additional advanced treatment technologies are being considered in areas, where a triclosan contamination problem has been identified. Removal of triclosan from wastewater is carried out using different biological and chemical techniques; however, it should be pointed out that physico‐chemical methods often generate toxic by‐products. Toxicity of triclosan and its degradation products, bacterial resistance to this compound, and evident problems with triclosan elimination from wastewater are currently the main problems faced by companies creating products containing triclosan. Practitioner Points Triclosan is an emerging pollutant in the environment because of its ability to accumulation and high prevalence. Reduced susceptibility to triclosan is being observed more frequently. Conventional wastewater treatment processes are not always able to provide a reliable barrier to triclosan. Additional advanced treatment technologies should be implemented to remove triclosan from wastewater.