Application of earthworm can enhance biological power generation and accelerate sulfamethoxazole removal in agricultural soils.

Microbial degradation plays a crucial role in removing sulfonamides from soil, enhancing sulfamethoxazole (SMX) remediation. To further augment SMX removal efficiency and mitigate the transmission risk associated with antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), this study proposes a novel approach that integrates micro-animals, microorganisms, and microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology. The results showed that earthworm-MFC synergy substantially reduces SMX content and ARGs abundance in soil.