Emerging technologies for detecting antibiotics in aquaculture wastewater: A critical review

Abstract

Antibiotic release and transfer within environmental systems significantly impact ecological stability and human health, posing considerable safety risks. Consequently, accurate and efficient detection methods for antibiotics, particularly within complex environmental matrices, are essential. A growing body of research is focusing on antibiotic pollution in wastewater and other environmental settings. Nevertheless, pervasive matrix interferences in complex water matrices and the inherent limitations of standalone analytical approaches in sensitivity, detection range, and other performance metrics underscore the demand for more robust and versatile detection platforms. Here we show a comprehensive overview and critical assessment of antibiotic contaminants, examining their sources, environmental distribution, and current detection methods. We focus on emerging antibiotic detection technologies, comparing their performance and highlighting suitable application contexts. Furthermore, we discuss fundamental principles and historical advancements in antibiotic detection and analytical methodologies. Finally, we identify significant challenges for antibiotic detection in complex environments, suggest viable strategies for future improvements, and outline promising research directions. This review not only provides essential guidance for advancing environmental antibiotic monitoring but also sheds light on the development of a strategic framework for robust, integrated platforms enabling multiplexed antibiotic monitoring in challenging environmental water matrices.

Keywords: Analytical methods; Antibiotics; Detection; Environmental samples; Wastewater.

Fig. 1

Overview of methods used for antibiotic detection [29,30,95].

Fig. 2

Types and concentrations of antibiotics in pig (a) and shrimp farming (b) wastewater in Hainan Province, China.

Fig. 3

Typical analysis and detection methods for azithromycin and erythromycin. a, Electrochemical method. MIP: molecularly imprinted polymer; GCE: glassy carbon electrode. Adapted from Ref. [131]. Copyright 2020, Elsevier. b, Fluorescence method. AIE: aggregation-induced emission. Adapted from Ref. [135]. Copyright 2023, Elsevier.

Fig. 4

Typical analysis and detection methods for sulfonamide antibiotics. a, Fluorescence method. PDANs: polydopamine nanospheres; AuNPs: gold nanoparticles; SMZ: sulfamethazine; BSA: bovine serum albumin; AIEFM: aggregation-induced emission fluorescent microsphere; QB: quantum dot bead; FM: fluorescent microsphere; mAb: monoclonal antibody; sAb: secondary antibody. Adapted from Ref. [137]. Copyright 2022, Elsevier. b, Surface-enhanced Raman scattering method. PDMS: polydimethylsiloxane; AgNPs: silver nanoparticles. Adapted from Ref. [147]. Copyright 2024, Royal Society of Chemistry. c, Electrochemical method. DMSP: dimethyl sulfoxide; HAc: acetic acid; SDZ: sulfadiazine. Adapted from Ref. [151]. Copyright 2024, Springer.

Fig. 5

Typical analysis and detection methods for ofloxacin. a, Fluorescence/colorimetric method. Adapted from Ref. [159]. Copyright 2023, Elsevier. b, Electrochemical method. CS: chitosan; BVZIS: BiVO₄@Ni-ZnIn₂S₄/Bi₂S₃; SILAR: successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction; PVP: polyvinyl pyrrolidone; GA: glutaraldehyde; BSA: bovine serum albumin; OFL: ofloxacin. Adapted from Ref. [160]. Copyright 2023, American Chemical Society.

Fig. 6

Typical analysis and detection methods for ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin. a, Fluorescence method. CDs: carbon dots; TEOs: tetraethoxysilane; APTEs: 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane; CIP: ciprofloxacin. Adapted from Ref. [167]. Copyright 2019, Elsevier. b, Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) method. AuNPs: gold nanoparticle. Adapted from Ref. [169]. Copyright 2022, Elsevier. c, Fluorescence method. PAN: polyacrylonitrile; ATP: adenosine triphosphate; NOR: norfloxacin. Adapted from Ref. [179]. Copyright 2023, Elsevier.

Fig. 7

Typical analysis and detection methods for β-lactams and erythromycin. a, Surface-enhanced Raman scattering method. Adapted from Ref. [184]. Copyright 2021, Elsevier. b, Electrochemical method. MOF: metal–organic framework; LOD: Limit of detection. Adapted from Ref. [188]. Copyright 2020, Elsevier.

Fig. 8

Potential strategies for detecting antibiotics in various complex environments.