Enhancing aquaculture management: Utilizing cu-doped ZnO/graphene nanocomposite for effective reduction of antibiotics and antibiotic-resistant Bacteria in shrimp culturing ponds

This study focuses on synthesizing a ternary nanocomposite photocatalyst using Cu-doped ZnO and reduced graphene oxide to effectively eliminate antibiotics and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARBs) from aquaculture water. The composite showed potent antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative antibiotic-resistant strains under light exposure. Its photocatalytic properties enhanced bacterial inhibition, with E. coli growth inhibited by 78% and E. faecium growth suppressed by 92%. The composite’s efficacy was notable in both ultrapure water and real wastewater matrices, highlighting its potential for improving aquaculture management practices and mitigating antibiotic proliferation.