Impact of Antibiotics on Biogas Production

Abstract

Besides their use in human treatments, antibiotics have been extensively used to control animal diseases and, in some countries, still used to promote animal growth in livestock industry. To attempt human diet necessities, concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) are necessary, increasing antibiotics consumption and manure production. Once antibiotic active agents and its metabolites are excreted in urine and feces, these substances are present in manure and can reach the environment. Around the world, especially in rural areas, manure is the main substrate for biogas production. This chapter presents a review about fate of antibiotics, with special focus on livestock by-products, and effects during the anaerobic digestion (AD). The antibiotic interaction has two important emphases addressed: (a) inhibition on the biogas and methane production process by the presence and action of these compounds and metabolites in the digester and (b) the ability of AD to degrade the molecules of antibiotics and thereby reduce the adverse effect caused by these compounds on the environment.