Shandong Science

   

Research progress on pollutant transformation and biochar enhancement in anaerobic digestion of livestock manure

HUANGFU Xiaoxuan1,2, DUAN Tongyuan3, SUN Maosen4, ZHAO Qingqing1,2, ZHANG Xinjian1,2, FU Xiaowen1,2, SONG Fanyong1,2, LI Tianyuan1,2*   

  1. 1. Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250353, China;  2. Ecology Institute of Shandong Academy of Sciences (China‑Japanese Friendly Biotechnology Research Center, Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250100, China;  3. Shandong Yellow River Information Center, Yellow River Shandong Bureau, YRCC, Jinan 250013, China;  4. Shandong Yanwo Environmental Consulting Co., Ltd., Jinan 250300, China
  • Received:2026-04-16 Accepted:2026-05-20 Online:2026-09-17
  • Contact: LI Tianyuan E-mail:tianyuan198712@163.com

Abstract: Anaerobic digestion is a widely used technology for the resource recovery, detoxification, and volume reduction of livestock manure. Heavy metals, antibiotics, and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are major pollutants commonly present in this waste. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of heavy metal passivation, antibiotic degradation, and the dynamic fate of ARGs during anaerobic digestion. It further examines the mechanisms through which heavy metals promote the dissemination of ARGs and discusses the role of biochar in enhancing pollutant removal. Current studies indicate that heavy metal passivation is primarily achieved through sulfide precipitation and adsorption. Antibiotic degradation occurs via two main pathways: abiotic transformation (e.g., hydroxyl radical–mediated oxidation) and biodegradation (e.g., co-metabolism and enzymatic catalysis). ARGs persist through the dynamic transformation of intracellular and extracellular DNA and spread via both vertical and horizontal gene transfer. Importantly, heavy metals facilitate ARGs propagation through co-selection mechanisms, including co-resistance, cross-resistance, and co-regulation. Biochar can substantially reduce the bioavailability of heavy metals, enhance antibiotic degradation, and effectively mitigate ARGs dissemination through mechanisms such as adsorption, electron transfer, and reactive oxygen species–mediated processes. Future research should focus on developing novel passivation materials and technologies, elucidating ARGs migration and transmission pathways, and promoting circular agricultural economy models. These efforts are essential for improving livestock manure treatment efficiency and minimizing environmental risks.

Key words: livestock manure, anaerobic digestion, antibiotic, heavy metal, resistance genes

CLC Number: 

  • P41

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