Formation of acid mine drainage (AMD) is a widespread environmental issue that has not subsided throughout decades of continuing research. Highly acidic and highly concentrated metallic streams are characteristics of such streams. Humans, plants and surrounding ecosystems that are in proximity to AMD producing sites face immediate threats. Remediation options include active and passive biological treatments which are markedly different in many aspects. Sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) remove sulfate and heavy metals to generate non-toxic streams. Passive systems are inexpensive to operate but entail fundamental drawbacks such as large land requirements and prolonged treatment period. Active bioreactors offer greater operational predictability and quicker treatment time but require higher investment costs and wide scale usage is limited by lack of expertise. Recent advancements include the use of renewable raw materials for AMD clean up purposes, which will likely achieve much greener mitigation solutions.
The existence of continually increasing concentrations of antibiotics in the environment is a serious potential hazard due to their toxicity and persistence. Unfortunately, conventional treatment techniques, such as those utilized in wastewater treatment plants, are not efficient for the treatment of wastewater containing antibiotic. Recently, algae-based technologies have been found to be a sustainable and promising technique for antibiotic removal. Therefore, this review aims to provide a critical summary of algae-based technologies and their important role in antibiotic wastewater treatment. Algal removal mechanisms including bioadsorption, bioaccumulation, and biodegradation are discussed in detail, with using algae-bacteria consortia for antibiotic treatment, integration of algae with other microorganisms (fungi and multiple algal species), hybrid algae-based treatment and constructed wetlands, and the factors affecting algal antibiotic degradation comprehensively described and assessed. In addition, the use of algae as a precursor for the production of biochar is highlighted, along with the modification of biochar with other materials to improve its antibiotic removal capacity and hybrid algae-based treatment with advanced oxidation processes. Furthermore, recent novel approaches for enhancing antibiotic removal, such as the use of genetic engineering to enhance the antibiotic degradation capacity of algae and the integration of algal antibiotic removal with bioelectrochemical systems are discussed. Finally, some based on the critical review, key future research perspectives are proposed. Overall, this review systematically presents the current progress in algae-mediated antibiotic removal technologies, providing some novel insights for improved alleviation of antibiotic pollution in aquatic environments.
•Dumping of Fukushima's radioactive wastewater raises marine food web concern.•Tritium seems to be the most problematic compound.•Long-lived radioisotopes Biomagnify up to 50,000 folds in marine fish species.•This threatens fragile deep-sea ecosystems requiring immediate action.•Empowered Routine monitoring is crucial to maintain planetary health.
Climate change is driving unprecedented transformations in aquatic ecosystems, where microorganisms play a fundamental role in maintaining ecological balance and human health security. Rising water temperatures, pollution intensification, and extreme weather events are driving significant shifts in microbial community structures. These changes facilitate the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms such as Vibrio cholerae and harmful algae like cyanobacteria, which thrive in warmer, nutrient-enriched environments. The resulting harmful algal blooms release potent toxins, such as microcystins, that contaminate drinking water and food supplies, leading to severe health impacts, including liver diseases and carcinogenesis. Furthermore, antibiotic resistance genes are spreading more rapidly due to climate-induced stressors, increasing the prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens and compounding the challenges for global health systems. This discussion article demonstrates that climate change influences aquatic microbial ecosystems through interconnected mechanisms, including shifts in gene transfer networks, alterations in microbial metabolism, and ecological feedback loops, ultimately increasing waterborne disease risks and antimicrobial resistance. Specific solutions are proposed, such as advancing wastewater treatment technologies to address climate-induced pollution, establishing global microbial monitoring networks leveraging remote sensing and molecular tools, and implementing early warning systems for waterborne disease outbreaks. Additionally, the discussion article emphasizes the critical role of international cooperation in funding and capacity-building efforts, particularly in developing regions with fragile infrastructures. By highlighting these pressing challenges and proposing actionable strategies, this research underscores the urgent need for integrated approaches to safeguard water resources, mitigate microbial hazards, and enhance public health resilience in an era of accelerating climate change.