Source of antibiotic contamination
Antibiotics have been our superweapon against pathogenic bacteria and play a vital role in human health and agricultural production. However, due to the large-scale abuse, large amounts of antibiotics have been released into the environment especially from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), aquaculture and livestock farms, and pharmaceutical companies[1]. As China is the world's largest producer and user of antibiotics[2], the emission of antibiotics must be taken seriously.
Dangers
- Ecological risks: Antibiotics affect the growth and viability of micro-organisms, produce toxic effects on algae, fleas, fish, and other animals and plants, interfering with the structure and function of the ecosystem.
- Health risks: Antibiotics can enter the human body through the food chain. What’s worse, they can promote antibiotic-resistant bacteria which may leave human beings no medicine to use[3].