J* E* C* N* U* N* S* ›› 2026, Vol. 2026 ›› Issue (1): 25-42.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1000-5641.2026.01.003

• Distribution and Ecological Risk of Emerging Pollutants in Watersheds • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Research progress on the interaction mechanisms and combined toxicity of microplastics and antibiotics in aquatic environments

Yongle ZHAO, Yan ZHANG*()   

  1. College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an 710127, China
  • Received:2025-10-15 Accepted:2025-12-05 Online:2026-01-25 Published:2026-01-29
  • Contact: Yan ZHANG E-mail:yanz@nwu.edu.cn

Abstract:

Microplastics and antibiotics are emerging contaminants that have become a major focus of current research. Data from Chinese and English databases were compiled to assess their distribution, adsorption mechanisms, and biological hazards in aquatic environments across China. Microplastic levels were highest in reservoirs (4.70~27.5 items/L, average 12.08 items/L), followed by rivers (average 8.83 items/L), and lowest in lakes (average 6.19 items/L). Average antibiotic concentrations were greatest in rivers (102.93 ng/L), exceeding those in lakes (34.37 ng/L) and reservoirs (43.91 ng/L). Van der Waals forces consistently occur between microplastics and antibiotics, while higher polarity MPs readily form hydrogen bonds. Functional groups facilitated π-π interactions and aging microplastics expose more oxygen-containing functional groups that significantly enhance adsorption. Once ingested, microplastic-antibiotic complexes can accumulate in organs, inhibit growth, alter biological structures under prolonged exposure, and promote the spread of antibiotic resistance genes. Effective mitigation requires strengthening control of emission sources, improved recycling systems, adoption of biodegradable plastics, and strengthening research on adsorption processes and combined toxicity under real-world conditions.

Key words: microplastics, antibiotics, distribution characteristics, combined toxicity

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