Tetracycline antibiotics applications in agricultural practices and their effects on the environment : a review

Abstract EN

Medical applications of tetracycline antibiotics to animals, plants, and people helped the well-being of living organisms protected them from several diseases.

However, large quantities of tetracycline antibiotics can be secreted with animal dungs and contaminate the environment (soils, surface waters, and ground waters).

These antibiotics also exert selection pressure on soil/water bacteria and promote development of antibiotic resistance.

This review article shows the side effects of using tetracycline antibiotics on soil, surface and ground waters, human health, and the influence on worldwide economy.

It is recommended to reduce the use of antibiotics as well as apply antibiotics waste management strategies in order to minimize their environmental risks