Nexus between anaerobic digestion of animal waste and antibiotic-related pollutants: A critical review

Mahmoud M. Ali, Leli Zhang, Yongdong Xu, Mohamed S. Gaballah, Eid S. Gaballah, M. Samer and Zhidan Liu

Applied Energy, 2025, vol. 382, issue C, No S0306261925000145

Abstract: Anaerobic digestion (AD) of animal waste is a sustainable technology for renewable energy production. However, antibiotics widely used in livestock are often excreted in significant amounts (17–90 %), affecting biogas production and promoting the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) which pose serious public health risks. This review critically discusses the intricate interplay among AD, antibiotics, ARGs, and MGEs focusing on mechanisms, microorganisms, and enzymes involved. Antibiotics exhibit contrasting effects on methane production, from inhibition to non-effect or even stimulation. Moreover, the removal efficiency of antibiotics, ARGs, and MGEs varies based on the antibiotic's type, concentration, and characteristic and AD parameters. Key antibiotic removal pathways include dechlorination, hydrolysis, demethylation, and various modifications of functional groups such as amino, formyl, acetyl, and hydroxyl groups. Enzymes like acetate kinase, laccase, esterase, acetyltransferases, and dehydrogenases play crucial roles in antibiotic biodegradation. Genera like Methanomethylovorans, Methanothrix, Desulfomonile, and Syntrophaceae could biodegrade antibiotics like erythromycin, sulfamethoxazole, and ampicillin at concentrations 10–250 μg l−1. Strategies like pretreatment, post-treatment, co-digestion, and carbonaceous material supplementation are proposed to enhance pollutant removal efficiency and energy recovery. Finally, challenges and future research directions are outlined to enhance AD's effectiveness in managing antibiotic pollutants and advancing waste-to-energy sustainability.

Keywords: Anaerobic digestion; Livestock waste; Antibiotic residue; Antibiotic resistance genes; Mobile genetic elements (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2025.125284

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