title: Fluoroquinolone antibiotics in the environment.
abstract: Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are used in large amounts for human and animal medical care. They are excreted as parent compound, as conjugates, or as oxidation, hydroxylation, dealkylation, or decarboxylation products of the parent compound. A considerable amount of FQs and their metabolites may reach the soil as constituents of urine, feces, or manure. The residues of FQs in foods of animal origin may pose hazards to consumers through emergence of drug-resistant bacteria. FQs bind strongly to topsoil, reducing the threat of surface water and groundwater contamination. The strong binding of FQs to soil and sediments delays their biodegradation and explains the recalcitrance of FQs. Wastewater treatment is an efficient elimination step (79%-87% removal) for FQs before they enter rivers. FQs are susceptible to photodegradation in aqueous medium, involving oxidation, dealkylation, and cleavage of the piperazine ring.
authors: Institute of Environmental Research (INFU), Otto-Hahn-Strasse 6, University of Dortmund, 44221 Dortmund, Germany.
authors: Premasis
authors: P
authors: Sukul
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Spiteller
mesh_terms: D000327:Adsorption; D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D001711:Biotransformation; D024841:Fluoroquinolones / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012722:Sewage; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D024841:Fluoroquinolones; D012722:Sewage; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical