RECENT ADVANCES IN AZITHROMYCIN REMOVAL THROUGH THE BIOCHAR

Azithromycin contamination is one of the environmental concerns worldwide and it has been included in the EU's watch list for emerging contaminants in the aquatic environment. It is imperative to decrease azithromycin's environmental footprint from the environment in sustainable ways. Azithromycin remediation can be carried out either by adsorption through biochar or microbial degradation. Biochar-based adsorbents are produced using various feedstocks, including waste products. The use of biochar for contaminants removal is an economic and environmentally sustainable approach. Biochar adsorption mechanism involves surface complexation, weak van der Waals’ forces, π-π bonding, electrostatic interactions, and H-bonding. Physico-chemical properties of biochar affect the adsorption and removal of azithromycin. Several chemical, thermal, electrochemical, and microwave-aided regeneration methods being used for recycling biochar those are essential for the cost-effectiveness of the process. This also fits with worldwide tendencies toward sustainable development and a circular economy. The latest research on the elimination of azithromycin by using biochars has been discussed in this review.