Antibiotics sun exposure
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Impact of Sun Exposure on Antibiotic Efficacy and Resistance
Sunlight Exposure and Antibiotic Degradation
Sunlight exposure significantly affects the efficacy of various antibiotics used in agriculture and wastewater treatment. Studies have shown that oxytetracycline, a commonly used agricultural antibiotic, loses its potency dramatically after 14 days of sunlight exposure, while streptomycin's effectiveness is only moderately impacted . This degradation can reduce the antibiotics' ability to control diseases like citrus greening disease (CGD) effectively.
UV Radiation and Antibiotic Resistance
UV radiation, including UV-B and UV-C, can induce oxidative stress in bacteria, leading to decreased antibiotic susceptibility. For instance, Pseudomonas aeruginosa exposed to UV radiation showed reduced susceptibility to tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, and polymyxin B due to oxidative stress and gene dysregulation. Similarly, UV-B exposure can generate singlet oxygen, leading to the photodegradation of antibiotics like cephaloridine and cephalexin, which can cause DNA damage and reduce their antibacterial activity.
Sunlight and Wastewater Treatment
Sunlight, combined with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), has been explored for removing antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) from urban wastewater. While UV-C/H2O2 processes can fully remove antibiotics like ciprofloxacin and sulfamethoxazole, sunlight/H2O2 is less effective, particularly for sulfamethoxazole. Additionally, solar radiation can inactivate a significant portion of environmental bacteria in wastewater, but it may also increase the relative abundance of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) like ciprofloxacin-resistant and rifampicin-resistant strains.
Photocatalysis and Antibiotic Resistance
Photocatalysis using metal-doped titania under sunlight has shown potential in inactivating bacteria like Klebsiella pneumoniae in wastewater. However, the effectiveness varies, with artificial light being more effective than natural sunlight. Despite reducing bacterial load, the resistance profiles of surviving bacteria often remain unchanged, posing a risk of spreading ARGs.
Solar Photo-Fenton Process
The solar photo-Fenton process, which combines solar light with iron and hydrogen peroxide, has proven effective in eliminating ARB and ARGs from water. This process is equally effective for both antibiotic-susceptible and antibiotic-resistant strains, ensuring comprehensive disinfection and reducing the spread of resistance elements in the environment.
Conclusion
Sunlight and UV radiation significantly impact the efficacy and resistance profiles of antibiotics. While sunlight can degrade certain antibiotics, reducing their effectiveness, it can also inadvertently promote the survival and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Advanced treatment methods like solar photo-Fenton show promise in mitigating these effects, highlighting the need for careful consideration of environmental factors in antibiotic application and wastewater treatment.
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