In the shadow of the world’s escalating antibiotic consumption, a silent crisis brews in our wastewater systems. Fluoroquinolone antibiotics, a class of drugs widely used to treat bacterial infections, are increasingly finding their way into our waterways, posing significant threats to both human health and the environment. But a glimmer of hope emerges from the lab of Hasna Befenzi at Cadi Ayyad University in Morocco, where a remarkable fungus is being harnessed to combat this growing problem.
Befenzi and her team have turned to an unlikely ally in the fight against pharmaceutical pollution: the white-rot fungus Bjerkandera adusta TM11. This unassuming organism, known for its powerful oxidative enzymes, has shown an impressive ability to break down persistent fluoroquinolone antibiotics in real wastewater. The study, published in ‘Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety’, investigated the fungus’s effectiveness against three common fluoroquinolones: levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and enrofloxacin.
The results are promising. When these antibiotics were added to wastewater and incubated with the fungus, levofloxacin was completely removed within seven days. Ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin, while not entirely eliminated, were significantly degraded, with degradation efficiencies reaching 82% and 99%, respectively. “The fungus’s ability to degrade these antibiotics is a significant step forward in addressing the environmental impact of pharmaceutical pollution,” Befenzi explains.
The implications for the energy sector, particularly wastewater treatment facilities, are substantial. Traditional methods of removing pharmaceutical contaminants from wastewater can be costly and energy-intensive. The use of white-rot fungi like Bjerkandera adusta TM11 offers a more sustainable and cost-effective solution. By leveraging the natural abilities of these fungi, treatment facilities could reduce their operational costs and environmental footprint.
The research also sheds light on the mechanisms behind the fungus’s degradation capabilities. Proteomic analysis identified 21 fungal heme peroxidases, with versatile peroxidase emerging as a key player in the biotransformation process. This enzyme could be a critical target for future research, potentially leading to the development of more efficient and targeted degradation strategies.
As the world grapples with the challenges of antibiotic resistance and environmental pollution, innovations like this one offer a beacon of hope. The work of Befenzi and her team at Cadi Ayyad University, in collaboration with INRAE and Aix Marseille University, highlights the potential of biotechnology in addressing some of our most pressing environmental issues. By harnessing the power of nature, we can pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future.