The widespread use of antibiotics in human and veterinary medicine has introduced new contaminants into our environment. This study delves into how veterinary antibiotics enter ecosystems and their potential impacts, particularly the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which is considered as a major health threat by the EU.
May 6, 2025
Veterinary antibiotics enter the environment through improper disposal of drugs, ineffective wastewater treatment, waste streams from antibiotic production, and human and animal excretion. Although environmental concentrations of antibiotics are often very low, their continuous release and persistent presence can increase the abundance of resistant bacteria. Current EU measures aim to reduce antibiotic use in humans and livestock, enhance environmental monitoring, and propose new legislation for risk assessments and eco-friendly products.
The study reviewed 162 studies on the effects of various antibiotics on aquatic life, highlighting certain classes of antibiotics as critical due to their prevalence and impact. These antibiotics not only persist in the environment but also promote bacterial resistance. The findings of the review stress the urgent need to tackle antibiotic contamination in aquatic ecosystems to safeguard environmental and human health. Further research is essential to close knowledge gaps and develop targeted strategies to mitigate these risks.
Dive into the full article “Assessment of ecological risks posed by veterinary antibiotics in European aquatic environments: A comprehensive review and analysis” by Albarona et al. to explore the detailed findings and implications!
Dynamics of PFAS transport in the unsaturated zone: Insight from long-term monitoring of an AFFF-contaminated site
PFAS in the unsaturated zone can remain a long-term source of groundwater contamination. A two-year Danish field study shows that precipitation and infiltration, soil composition and secondary PFAS reservoirs control mobilisation and vertical transport, with distinct behaviour for short- and long-chain PFAS.
Microplastics in groundwater: An updated systematic review of occurrence, hydrogeological controls, methodological challenges, and regulatory gaps
Microplastics are increasingly detected in groundwater, yet their occurrence, transport and environmental relevance remain difficult to assess. A systematic review of 82 field studies from 28 countries demonstrates their presence across a wide range of hydrogeological settings. Large differences in reported concentrations are strongly influenced by inconsistent sampling and analytical methods. Standardised monitoring is therefore essential for developing reliable groundwater quality criteria and future regulatory frameworks.
PFAS and the pollution trap: contested knowledge in environmental justice struggles
PFAS contamination is not only an environmental and health issue, but also a challenge of environmental justice and access to reliable knowledge. Based on 25 documented PFAS conflicts worldwide, this study examines how scientific uncertainty, chemical persistence and information asymmetries shape affected communities. The authors describe how the largely invisible nature of PFAS contamination can delay recognition and regulatory action. The study highlights the importance of combining scientific evidence with the experiences and knowledge of exposed communities.
PFAS remediation across Europe: costs and limited impacts
PFAS contamination is widespread across Europe, but removing these persistent chemicals from the environment is technically difficult and extremely costly. This study estimates the costs and potential impact of large-scale PFAS remediation across the EU. Even extensive treatment of contaminated soil, drinking water, wastewater, sludge and landfill leachate would remove only a small fraction of ongoing emissions. The results demonstrate that remediation must be combined with strong control of PFAS emissions at their source.
Accumulation of PFAS in wine from a contaminated area: perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) as a molecular marker of PFAS groundwater contamination and implications of wine ingestion for human health
PFAS contamination of groundwater can also affect agricultural products and contribute to human exposure through food and beverages. This study investigated PFAS in wines produced within and around a major contaminated area in Northern Italy. Short-chain PFAS, particularly perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), were frequently detected and linked to local groundwater contamination. The results suggest that wine may serve both as a bioindicator of groundwater contamination and as a potential dietary exposure pathway.
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