SMX (Fig. 1s) is a broad-spectrum biostatic sulfanilamide
which has become a point of interest because of its prevalence
in contaminated wastewaters at concentrations correlated
to bacterial resistance and genetic mutations in organisms
(Ghauch et al., 2013). Although SMX is therapeutically active
by itself, it is often paired with trimethoprim (TMP), creating
a synthetic antibacterial combination drug that affects
the biosynthesis of nucleic acids and proteins in bacteria. The
SMX-TMP drug is one of the most highly prescribed antibiotics
for treating bladder, lung, and ear infections. Sulfa allergies
and liver toxicity are posed as common side effects in consumers
of this antibiotic. The human body does not fully
metabolize the compound, causing about 30% to be excreted
in its original pharmaceutically active form