Prioritization of Nine Antimicrobial Compounds Based on Persistence-Mobility-Toxicity (PMT) Criteria: An Application to the City of Santos Airton Zogaib Rodrigues, Vinicius Roveri

Abstract

 This study aimed to prioritize nine antimicrobials based on persistence, mobility, and toxicity, using in silico models and consumption data from the city of Santos in 2021, to predict their environmental behavior and removal efficiency in wastewater treatment plants. Sulfamethoxazole stood out for its high persistence and toxicity, while Azithromycin, though less persistent, exhibited high mobility. Amoxicillin and Cephalexin followed, requiring attention due to their prioritization and high consumption. The research was limited to data from a specific location and estimates generated by in silico models. The high consumption of these drugs is directly linked to their environmental presence, highlighting the need for improved waste management and soil and water treatment.