Interpretation of the WHO Guidance on wastewater and solid waste management for manufacturing of antibiotics
The World Health Organization(WHO)and the United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP)have jointly published the Guidance on wastewater and solid waste management for manufacturing of antibiotics on 3 September 2024(hereafter referred to as the Guidance).This marks the first time that the United Nations has issued a guiding document specifically addressing antibiotic contamination in the manufacturing process,aiming to curb the spread of environmental antimicrobial resistance(AMR)from antibiotic production.Two Chinese experts,as part of the expert group that contributed to the Guidance,have long been focusing on mechanism and control technologies for environmental AMR transmission in the pharmaceutical industry.Based on their research,they provided key technologies and engineering cases related to AMR control in the treatment of antibiotic production wastewater and solid waste,positioning China's AMR prevention technologies at the forefront of the global pharmaceutical industry.This study systematically introduces the background,scope,and application of the Guidance,examines its potential impacts,and discusses the WHO's follow-up actions.Additionally,it presents a summary and outlook on the sustainable development of China's pharmaceutical industry in light of these advancements.
pharmaceutical wastewaterpharmaceutical fermentation residuesantibiotic resistanceharmless and resource utilizationOne Health