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Abstract

The global surge in antibiotic use has resulted in their accumulation in soils, where they persist as emerging pollutants that threaten essential soil microbial communities. Agriculture activities, domestic sewages and industrial sectors introduce large quantities of these compounds into the soil environment. Previous studies indicate that tetracyclines, sulfonamides, quinolones, and beta-lactams are the most frequently detected antibiotics classes in soil environments. Soil properties such as pH, texture, organic matter, cation exchange capacity, clay content, temperature, acidity, and organic carbon significantly affect the affinity and mobility of antibiotics. Their contamination in soils significantly alters bacterial abundance, diversity, community composition, phylogeny, shifting diversity indices, suppressing critical soil functions, and promoting the enrichment and horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes. They also impact fungal communities by altering hyphal growth, spore germination, and community diversity, while disrupting beneficial mycorrhizal associations essential for nutrient uptake and plant health. Their residues in soil inhibit essential enzymes and disrupt nutrient cycles, diminishing soil health and plant nutrient availability, while promoting antibiotic resistance genes. Advancing knowledge of antibiotic degradation and microbial adaptations, alongside monitoring resistance genes and promoting sustainable practices, is essential for reducing long-term soil ecosystem risks from antibiotic contamination.

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