A Database on Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance in Wastewater and Solid Waste from Pharmaceutical Industry Based on a Systematic Review.

Abstract

Residual antimicrobial agents in wastewater and solid waste from antimicrobial manufacturing facilities can potentially contaminate environments. The World Health Organization has established technical guidelines for managing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in pharmaceutical wastewater and solid waste. However, the scarcity of publicly available data on antimicrobial manufacturing processes impedes the development of effective mitigation strategies. To address this knowledge gap, we developed a comprehensive database documenting antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in actual wastewater and solid waste samples, primarily fermentation residues. Through systematic review methodology, we compiled data from extensive searches of English-language article databases, including Web of Science and PubMed. The database contains data from 270 distinct samples collected across 45 fermentation residue treatment systems and 46 wastewater treatment systems, derived from 70 published English-language articles spanning 2008 to 2024. In operational pharmaceutical facilities, antibiotic concentrations ranged from 82 to 1,663 mg/L in raw wastewater and from 1,000 to 10,182 mg/kg dry matter (DM) in antibiotic fermentation residues. Various treatment technologies demonstrated significant reductions in both antibiotic concentrations and ARG levels within wastes. This database provides the first global perspective on antibiotic and ARG contamination from antibiotic production processes, supporting AMR management initiatives. It establishes a dynamic, continuously updated platform accessible to researchers and industry stakeholders via the link: https://dash.drwater.net/antiboard/.