Antibiotic removal by microalgae-bacteria consortium: Metabolic pathways and microbial responses

The proliferation of antibiotic-resistance genes is a result of the rise in the discharge of residual antibiotics into waterbodies from a variety of sources. Antibiotic removal by microalgae-bacteria consortium has been shown to be effective, therefore, there is a need to understand the involved microbial processes. This review summarizes the microbiological removal mechanisms of antibiotics by the microalgae-bacteria consortium, such as biosorption, bioaccumulation, and biodegradation. Factors that influence antibiotic removal are discussed. Co-metabolism of nutrients and antibiotics in the microalgae-bacteria consortium and the metabolic pathways revealed by omics technologies are also highlighted. Furthermore, the responses of microalgae and bacteria to antibiotic stress are elaborated, including reactive oxidizing species (ROS) generation and its effects on photosynthesis machinery, antibiotic stress tolerance, microbial community shift, and the emergence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Finally, we offer a prospective solutions for the optimization and applications of microalgae-bacteria symbiotic systems for antibiotic removal.