Advanced oxidation coupled biodegradation for antibiotic treatment: A review of interaction mechanisms, latest developments and potential challenges

The widespread presence of antibiotics in water poses a challenge to global public health and ecosystem safety. The advanced oxidation coupled biodegradation system (ACBS) is an efficient, environmentally friendly, and sustainable treatment technology. This study provides a comprehensive review of the mechanisms, applications and challenges associated with ACBS to treat antibiotic-containing wastewater. The interaction mechanisms of catalytic oxidation, microbial metabolism and antibiotics are examined, focusing on electron transfer between interfaces to categorize mechanisms into synergistic enhancement, adhesion and interfacial interactions, extracellular polymeric substance regulation, and substrate competition and co-metabolism. Research studies have evolved from early-stage antibiotics degradation to novel roles in promoting intermediates detoxification and resistance control by enhancing mineralization. Additionally, the intermediates and degradation pathways of antibiotics are analyzed, as well as the principles, advantages, and limitations of various ACBS with practical application potential. Several future strategies are proposed, including removing residual pollutants, improving oxidant utilization efficiency, promoting mass transfer, and simplifying processing procedures. Finally, this review discusses the challenges of ACBS, highlighting the need for conditions optimization, green-bioavailable oxidants, efficient-biocompatible catalysts, and environmental microbial technologies. The aim of this review is to deepen understanding and highlight the application prospects of ACBS for sustainable treatment of antibiotic-containing wastewater.