Insights into antibiotics impacts on long-term nitrogen removal performance of anammox process: Mechanisms and mitigation strategies

Anaerobic ammonia oxidation (Anammox) represents a highly efficient and promising biological process for nitrogen removal from wastewater. It offers substantial economic and environmental benefits, including reduced energy consumption and lower sludge production compared to traditional methods. However, the process is highly sensitive to environmental stressors, particularly emerging pollutants such as antibiotics, which are increasingly prevalent in wastewater due to human activities. Antibiotics pose a substantial threat to the anammox process, impeding microbial activity and serving as a catalyst for the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and their associated genetic determinants. This review comprehensively analyzes the effects of five major classes of antibiotics on anammox bacteria, examining the specific mechanisms involved and exploring innovative mitigation strategies. It also aims to develop robust solutions that ensure the long-term success of Anammox in the face of rising antibiotic contamination, thereby safeguarding environmental health and public safety. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd