Scientists from South China Agricultural University have developed a new enzyme called FerTiG that can effectively remove antibiotics from contaminated water with innovative biotechnology.
Tetracycline antibiotics are widely used medicines that often end up in rivers, lakes, and groundwater through farming runoff and factory waste. These pollutants pose serious threats to aquatic life, harming fish and plants, and can also make bacteria resistant to antibiotics.
Current water treatment methods struggle to completely remove these antibiotics, leaving behind harmful residues that contaminate ecosystems.
FerTiG is a specially engineered biotech enzyme made of multiple parts, which makes it more efficient at breaking down tetracycline molecules. This design allows scientists to customize the enzyme’s structure to target different pollutants or medicines if needed.
Researchers tested FerTiG in real-world water samples, including river water and wastewater, to see how well it worked outside the lab. They found that FerTiG could quickly reduce the levels of tetracycline to below detectable amounts, meaning the water became safer. The enzyme works well in different water conditions, such as varying pH levels and temperatures, making it practical for real use.
Safety testing showed that the products formed when FerTiG breaks down tetracycline do not harm aquatic animals or plants.
Adding FerTiG to water treatment processes could help clean water more effectively than current methods alone. It could be used directly in polluted water bodies or incorporated into filters and treatment plants for continuous cleaning.
This new enzyme demonstrates how biotechnology can create tools to fight environmental pollution and support healthy ecosystems.
Scientists note that before widespread use, it is important to carefully assess safety, environmental impact, and cost-effectiveness. Future biotech research will focus on improving how fast FerTiG works and expanding its ability to target other dangerous chemicals.
