Abstract:Antibiotics are very important drugs that have been widely used in preventing and treating humans and animals′ diseases. In recent years, antibiotic residues in the environment become an emerging environmental issue with increasing public concern mainly due to presence of antibiotic resistant bacteria and spread of corresponding resistant genes. Many studies have been conducted on the environmental occurrence, fate and behavior as well as eco-toxicity of various antibiotics. This paper reviewed the exposure levels, degradation behavior and ecological impact of antibiotics and pointed out future research needs. More research is needed in China to investigate antibiotics in the environment and their potential effects on environment and human health.