Recent advancements in antibiotics containing wastewater treatment by integrated bio-electrochemical-constructed wetland systems (BES-CWs)

Recent advances in the integrated bioelectrochemical-constructed wetland systems (BES-CWs) for antibiotics removal are gaining momentum due to having electrode bio-carrier and electro-active bacteria (EAB) that could stimulate degradation via extracellular electron transfer. BES-CWs system performs well in removing antibiotics, and it is proven more competitive in environmental friendly than physicochemical methods. Hence, understanding the reaction features, operation manners, economic and ecological benefits of BES-CWs can provide valuable information for further technological development. In contrast, the successful application of BES-CWs to antibiotics-containing wastewater remediation requires a deeper evaluation of its performance, mechanism, typical attributes and a comprehensive potential evaluation of BES-CWs’ practical application in terms of environmental and economic analysis. In this review, the degradation mechanism, abiotic transformations of antibiotics and involved functional microorganisms in BES-CWs were comprehensively analyzed to draw critical suggestions and new insights. Furthermore, the device configurations, operational conditions, environmental impact, and economic evaluation of the BES-CWs was addressed as follows the principle for practical applications. Overall, this review would provide useful information for developing BES-CW technologies to abate antibiotics in wastewater.