Remediation of antibiotics-contaminated wastewater through photocatalytic techniques: Implications for SDGs that support a more sustainable future and a healthy planet

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper aims to provide information on the remediation of various antibiotics from contaminated wastewater by photocatalytic treatment techniques. The review includes the mechanism of action of pharmaceuticals, pharmaceuticals as environmental pollutants, antibiotics and their metabolites, toxicity and health implication of antibiotics-contaminated wastewater, measures to manage antibiotics in the environment, the different wastewater treatment technologies, the degradation and mechanism of antibiotics via photocatalysis, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) relating to the treatment of antibiotics-contaminated wastewater. Photocatalysis has more advantages than other treatment techniques due to its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and higher percentage degradation of antibiotics in wastewater. The use of photocatalytic methods to purify antibiotic-contaminated wastewater has substantial ramifications for several SDGs, hence promoting a healthier world and a more sustainable future. This paper is presumed to offer some insight on the treatment technique that is more efficient and suitable for antibiotics-contaminated wastewater that can be explored on an industrial scale.