Systematic analysis of the scientific-technological production on the use of the UV, H2O2, and/or Cl2 systems in the elimination of bacteria and associated antibiotic resistance genes

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2024 Jan;31(5):6782-6814. doi: 10.1007/s11356-023-31435-2. Epub 2024 Jan 2.

Abstract

This study presents a systematic review of the scientific and technological production related to the use of systems based on UV, H2O2, and Cl2 for the elimination of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and genes associated with antibiotic resistance (ARGs). Using the Pro Know-C (Knowledge Development Process-Constructivist) methodology, a portfolio was created and analyzed that includes 19 articles and 18 patents published between 2011 and 2022. The results show a greater scientific-technological production in UV irradiation systems (8 articles and 5 patents) and the binary combination UV/H2O2 (9 articles and 4 patents). It was emphasized that UV irradiation alone focuses mainly on the removal of ARB, while the addition of H2O2 or Cl2, either individually or in binary combinations with UV, enhances the removal of ARB and ARG. The need for further research on the UV/H2O2/Cl2 system is emphasized, as gaps in the scientific-technological production of this system (0 articles and 2 patents), especially in its electrochemically assisted implementation, have been identified. Despite the gaps identified, there are promising prospects for the use of combined electrochemically assisted UV/H2O2/Cl2 disinfection systems. This is demonstrated by the effective removal of a wide range of contaminants, including ARB, fungi, and viruses, as well as microorganisms resistant to conventional disinfectants, while reducing the formation of toxic by-products.

Keywords: Advanced oxidation process; Chlorine; Disinfection; Hydrogen peroxide; Ultraviolet; Water treatment.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Bacteria / genetics
  • Chlorine
  • Disinfection / methods
  • Drug Resistance, Microbial / genetics
  • Hydrogen Peroxide*
  • Ultraviolet Rays
  • Water Purification* / methods

Substances

  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists
  • Chlorine
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors