Occurrence, Removal, and Risk Assessment of Antimicrobials and Their Transformation Products in Effluent from Australian Wastewater Treatment Plants

The study reveals that Australia’s wastewater treatment plants release a significant amount of antimicrobial substances and transformation products into natural waters. The study found that 102 antimicrobial substances and 13 transformation products were detected in wastewater effluent, with high concentrations of certain substances. The study also found that 7 antimicrobials exerted selection risk for resistant bacteria, with ciprofloxacin posing a medium/high risk. The findings highlight the need for improved treatment processes and regional climate to protect public health and ecosystems.