UCLA

Important classes of antibiotics that are used to treat bacterial infections in humans are also being used in food-producing animals. The overuse of antibiotics for animal food production is becoming an issue of growing concern as it promotes antibacterial resistance, compromising their efficacy and effectiveness. Low concentrations of antibiotics from feedlot runoff and wastewater discharges have been reported in surface waters and groundwaters used as drinking water sources. The presence of antibiotics in drinking water sources has implications for potable reuse. Since direct potable reuse is receiving significant interest in water stressed or arid regions, many studies are now focusing on understanding the fate and removal of emerging contaminants, including antibiotics, from wastewater treatment plant effluents. This thesis provides a review of conventional and advanced treatment for the removal of antibiotics in wastewater treatment plants.