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!