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639300.9974A review of the impact of conductive materials on antibiotic resistance genes during the anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge and animal manure. The urgent need to reduce the environmental burden of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) has become even more apparent as concerted efforts are made globally to tackle the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance. Concerning levels of ARGs abound in sewage sludge and animal manure, and their inadequate attenuation during conventional anaerobic digestion (AD) compromises the safety of the digestate, a nutrient-rich by-product of AD commonly recycled to agricultural land for improvement of soil quality. Exogenous ARGs introduced into the natural environment via the land application of digestate can be transferred from innocuous environmental bacteria to clinically relevant bacteria by horizontal gene transfer (HGT) and may eventually reach humans through food, water, and air. This review, therefore, discusses the prospects of using carbon- and iron-based conductive materials (CMs) as additives to mitigate the proliferation of ARGs during the AD of sewage sludge and animal manure. The review spotlights the core mechanisms underpinning the influence of CMs on the resistome profile, the steps to maximize ARG attenuation using CMs, and the current knowledge gaps. Data and information gathered indicate that CMs can profoundly reduce the abundance of ARGs in the digestate by easing selective pressure on ARGs, altering microbial community structure, and diminishing HGT.202336586329
866810.9974Globally Abundant "Candidatus Udaeobacter" Benefits from Release of Antibiotics in Soil and Potentially Performs Trace Gas Scavenging. Verrucomicrobia affiliated with "Candidatus Udaeobacter" belong to the most abundant soil bacteria worldwide. Although the synthesis of antibiotics presumably evolved in soil, and environmental pollution with antimicrobials increases, the impact of these complex molecules on "Ca Udaeobacter" remains to be elucidated. In this study, we demonstrate that "Ca. Udaeobacter" representatives residing in grassland as well as forest soil ecosystems show multidrug resistance and even take advantage of antibiotics release. Soils treated with up to six different antibiotics exhibited a higher "Ca. Udaeobacter" abundance than corresponding controls after 3, 8, and 20 days of incubation. In this context, we provide evidence that "Ca. Udaeobacter" representatives may utilize nutrients which are released due to antibiotic-driven lysis of other soil microbes and thereby reduce energetically expensive synthesis of required biomolecules. Moreover, genomic analysis revealed the presence of genes conferring resistance to multiple classes of antibiotics and indicated that "Ca. Udaeobacter" representatives most likely oxidize the trace gas H(2) to generate energy. This energy might be required for long-term persistence in terrestrial habitats, as already suggested for other dominant soil bacteria. Our study illustrates, for the first time, that globally abundant "Ca. Udaeobacter" benefits from release of antibiotics, which confers advantages over other soil bacteria and represents a so-far overlooked fundamental lifestyle feature of this poorly characterized verrucomicrobial genus. Furthermore, our study suggests that "Ca. Udaeobacter" representatives can utilize H(2) as an alternative electron donor.IMPORTANCE Soil bacteria have been investigated for more than a century, but one of the most dominant terrestrial groups on Earth, "Candidatus Udaeobacter," remains elusive and largely unexplored. Its natural habitat is considered a major reservoir of antibiotics, which directly or indirectly impact phylogenetically diverse microorganisms. Here, we found that "Ca. Udaeobacter" representatives exhibit multidrug resistance and not only evade harmful effects of antimicrobials but even benefit from antibiotic pressure in soil. Therefore, "Ca. Udaeobacter" evidently affects the composition of soil resistomes worldwide and might represent a winner of rising environmental pollution with antimicrobials. In addition, our study indicates that "Ca. Udaeobacter" representatives utilize H(2) and thereby contribute to global hydrogen cycling. The here-reported findings provide insights into elementary lifestyle features of "Ca. Udaeobacter," potentially contributing to its successful global dissemination.202032641424
644020.9973Fate and transport of biological microcontaminants bound to microplastics in the soil environment. Microplastics, fragmented plastic particles with a maximum dimension <5 mm, are an emerging contaminant of concern that can also serve as a vector of other chemical and biological contaminants. Compared to chemical contaminants, the potential of microplastics to adsorb biological microcontaminants such as antibiotic resistance genes, small interference RNAs, and pathogenic viruses is not well understood. Many current microplastic studies are based in the aquatic environment (freshwater, seawater, and wastewater), even though the terrestrial environment is considered both an important sink and source of microplastics. Microplastics co-occur with biological microcontaminants in many terrestrial environments including agricultural soils, where biosolids containing both contaminants are often applied as a soil amendment. Recent research suggests that microplastics in these environments can increase gene persistence and flow, which could have unintended downstream consequences for environmental microbiome health and resilience. Antibiotic resistance genes and silencing RNAs bound to microplastics, for example, have the potential to increase resistance and alter gene expression in environmental bacteria, respectively. This review evaluates the sources and pathways of microplastics and biological microcontaminants in the terrestrial environment as well as potential sorption mechanisms that can encourage long-range transport and persistence. Novel sources of biological microcontaminants are considered, and the role of microplastics in promoting the persistence and flow of biological microcontaminants evaluated. Finally, future research directions are suggested to increase understanding of the mechanisms that drive the fate and transport of microplastic-biological microcontaminant complexes in the terrestrial environment and better inform risk management.202337247742
647330.9973The potential implications of reclaimed wastewater reuse for irrigation on the agricultural environment: The knowns and unknowns of the fate of antibiotics and antibiotic resistant bacteria and resistance genes - A review. The use of reclaimed wastewater (RWW) for the irrigation of crops may result in the continuous exposure of the agricultural environment to antibiotics, antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). In recent years, certain evidence indicate that antibiotics and resistance genes may become disseminated in agricultural soils as a result of the amendment with manure and biosolids and irrigation with RWW. Antibiotic residues and other contaminants may undergo sorption/desorption and transformation processes (both biotic and abiotic), and have the potential to affect the soil microbiota. Antibiotics found in the soil pore water (bioavailable fraction) as a result of RWW irrigation may be taken up by crop plants, bioaccumulate within plant tissues and subsequently enter the food webs; potentially resulting in detrimental public health implications. It can be also hypothesized that ARGs can spread among soil and plant-associated bacteria, a fact that may have serious human health implications. The majority of studies dealing with these environmental and social challenges related with the use of RWW for irrigation were conducted under laboratory or using, somehow, controlled conditions. This critical review discusses the state of the art on the fate of antibiotics, ARB and ARGs in agricultural environment where RWW is applied for irrigation. The implications associated with the uptake of antibiotics by plants (uptake mechanisms) and the potential risks to public health are highlighted. Additionally, knowledge gaps as well as challenges and opportunities are addressed, with the aim of boosting future research towards an enhanced understanding of the fate and implications of these contaminants of emerging concern in the agricultural environment. These are key issues in a world where the increasing water scarcity and the continuous appeal of circular economy demand answers for a long-term safe use of RWW for irrigation.201728689129
860940.9972Nano-biochar regulates phage-host interactions, reducing antibiotic resistance genes in vermicomposting systems. Biochar amendment reshapes microbial community dynamics in vermicomposting, but the mechanism of how phages respond to this anthropogenic intervention and regulate the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) remains unclear. In this study, we used metagenomics, viromics, and laboratory validation to explore how nano-biochar affects phage-host interactions and ARGs dissemination in vermicomposting. Our results revealed distinct niche-specific phage life strategies. In vermicompost, lytic phages dominated and used a "kill-the-winner" strategy to suppress antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB). In contrast, lysogenic phages prevailed in the earthworm gut, adopting a "piggyback-the-winner" strategy that promoted ARGs transduction through mutualistic host interactions. Nano-biochar induced the conversion of lysogenic to lytic phages in the earthworm gut, while concurrently reducing the abundance of lysogenic phages and their encoded auxiliary metabolic genes carried by ARB. This shift disrupted phage-host mutualism and inhibited ARGs transmission via a "phage shunting" mechanism. In vitro validation with batch culture experiments further confirmed that lysogenic phages increased transduction of ARGs in the earthworm gut, while nano-biochar reduced the spread of ARGs by enhancing lysis infectivity. Our study constructs a mechanistic framework linking nano-biochar induced shifts in phage lifestyles that suppress ARG spread, offering insights into phage-host coadaptation and resistance mitigation strategies in organic waste treatment ecosystems.202540838886
861350.9972Insights into the role of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in the spread of antibiotic resistance genes. Antibiotic resistance genes (ARG) are prevalent in aquatic environments. Discharge from wastewater treatment plants is an important point source of ARG release into the environment. It has been reported that biological treatment processes may enhance rather than remove ARG because of their presence in sludge. Attenuation of ARG in biotechnological processes has been studied in depth, showing that many microorganisms can secrete complex extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). These EPS can serve as multifunctional elements of microbial communities, involving aspects, such as protection, structure, recognition, adhesion, and physiology. These aspects can influence the interaction between microbial cells and extracellular ARG, as well as the uptake of extracellular ARG by microbial cells, thus changing the transformative capability of extracellular ARG. However, it remains unclear whether EPS can affect horizontal ARG transfer, which is one of the main processes of ARG dissemination. In light of this knowledge gap, this review provides insight into the role of EPS in the transmission of ARGs; furthermore, the mechanism of ARG spread is analyzed, and the molecular compositions and functional properties of EPS are summarized; also, how EPS influence ARG mitigation is addressed, and factors impacting how EPS facilitate ARG during wastewater treatment are summarized. This review provides comprehensive insights into the role of EPS in controlling the transport and fate of ARG during biodegradation processes at the mechanistic level.202438169168
857760.9972Viral and thermal lysis facilitates transmission of antibiotic resistance genes during composting. While the distribution of extracellular ARGs (eARGs) in the environment has been widely reported, the factors governing their release remain poorly understood. Here, we combined multi-omics and direct experimentation to test whether the release and transmission of eARGs are associated with viral lysis and heat during cow manure composting. Our results reveal that the proportion of eARGs increased 2.7-fold during composting, despite a significant and concomitant reduction in intracellular ARG abundances. This relative increase of eARGs was driven by composting temperature and viral lysis of ARG-carrying bacteria based on metagenome-assembled genome (MAG) analysis. Notably, thermal lysis of mesophilic bacteria carrying ARGs was a key factor in releasing eARGs at the thermophilic phase, while viral lysis played a relatively stronger role during the non-thermal phase of composting. Furthermore, MAG-based tracking of ARGs in combination with direct transformation experiments demonstrated that eARGs released during composting pose a potential transmission risk. Our study provides bioinformatic and experimental evidence of the undiscovered role of temperature and viral lysis in co-driving the spread of ARGs in compost microbiomes via the horizontal transfer of environmentally released DNA. IMPORTANCE: The spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) is a critical global health concern. Understanding the factors influencing the release of extracellular ARGs (eARGs) is essential for developing effective strategies. In this study, we investigated the association between viral lysis, heat, and eARG release during composting. Our findings revealed a substantial increase in eARGs despite reduced intracellular ARG abundance. Composting temperature and viral lysis were identified as key drivers, with thermal lysis predominant during the thermophilic phase and viral lysis during non-thermal phases. Moreover, eARGs released during composting posed a transmission risk through horizontal gene transfer. This study highlights the significance of temperature and phage lysis in ARG spread, providing valuable insights for mitigating antibiotic resistance threats.202439078126
863070.9972Environmental fate and behaviour of antibiotic resistance genes and small interference RNAs released from genetically modified crops. Rising global populations have amplified food scarcity across the world and ushered in the development of genetically modified (GM) crops to overcome these challenges. Cultivation of major crops such as corn and soy has favoured GM crops over conventional varieties to meet crop production and resilience needs. Modern GM crops containing small interference RNA molecules and antibiotic resistance genes have become increasingly common in the United States. However, the use of these crops remains controversial due to the uncertainty regarding the unintended release of its genetic material into the environment and possible downstream effects on human and environmental health. DNA or RNA transgenes may be exuded from crop tissues during cultivation or released during plant decomposition and adsorbed by soil. This can contribute to the persistence and bioavailability in soil or water environment and possible uptake by soil microbial communities and further passing of this information to neighbouring bacteria, disrupting microbial ecosystem services such as nutrient cycling and soil fertility. In this review, transgene mechanisms of action, uses in crops, and knowledge regarding their environmental fate and impact to microbes are evaluated. This aims to encapsulate the current knowledge and promote further research regarding unintended effects transgenes may cause.202235892194
642680.9972Deciphering the pathogenic risks of microplastics as emerging particulate organic matter in aquatic ecosystem. Microplastics are accumulating rapidly in aquatic ecosystems, providing habitats for pathogens and vectors for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), potentially increasing pathogenic risks. However, few studies have considered microplastics as particulate organic matter (POM) to elucidate their pathogenic risks and underlying mechanisms. Here, we performed microcosm experiments with microplastics and natural POM (leaves, algae, soil), thoroughly investigating their distinct effects on the community compositions, functional profiles, opportunistic pathogens, and ARGs in Particle-Associated (PA) and Free-Living (FL) bacterial communities. We found that both microplastics and leaves have comparable impacts on microbial community structures and functions, enriching opportunistic pathogens and ARGs, which may pose potential environmental risks. These effects are likely driven by their influences on water properties, including dissolved organic carbon, nitrate, DO, and pH. However, microplastics uniquely promoted pathogens as keystone species and further amplified their capacity as hosts for ARGs, potentially posing a higher pathogenic risk than natural POM. Our research also emphasized the importance of considering both PA and FL bacteria when assessing microplastic impacts, as they exhibited different responses. Overall, our study elucidates the role and underlying mechanism of microplastics as an emerging POM in intensifying pathogenic risks of aquatic ecosystems in comparison with conventional natural POM.202438805824
643790.9972Algae blooms with resistance in fresh water: Potential interplay between Microcystis and antibiotic resistance genes. Microcystis, a type of cyanobacteria known for producing microcystins (MCs), is experiencing a global increase in blooms. They have been recently recognized as potential contributors to the widespread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). By reviewing approximately 150 pieces of recent studies, a hypothesis has been formulated suggesting that significant fluctuations in MCs concentrations and microbial community structure during Microcystis blooms could influence the dynamics of waterborne ARGs. Among all MCs, microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is the most widely distributed worldwide, notably abundant in reservoirs during summer. MCs inhibit protein phosphatases or increase reactive oxygen species (ROS), inducing oxidative stresses, enhancing membrane permeability, and causing DNA damage. This further enhances selective pressures and horizontal gene transfer (HGT) chances of ARGs. The mechanisms by which Microcystis regulates ARG dissemination have been systematically organized for the first time, focusing on the secretion of MCs and the alterations of bacterial community structure. However, several knowledge gaps remain, particularly concerning how MCs interfere with the electron transport chain and how Microcystis facilitates HGT of ARGs. Concurrently, the predominance of Microcystis forming the algal microbial aggregates is considered a hotspot for preserving and transferring ARGs. Yet, Microcystis can deplete the nutrients from other taxa within these aggregates, thereby reducing the density of ARG-carrying bacteria. Therefore, further studies are needed to explore the 'symbiotic - competitive' relationships between Microcystis and ARG-hosting bacteria under varied nutrient conditions. Addressing these knowledge gaps is crucial to understand the impacts of the algal aggregates on dynamics of waterborne antibiotic resistome, and underscores the need for effective control of Microcystis to curb the spread of antibiotic resistance. Constructed wetlands and photocatalysis represent advantageous strategies for halting the spread of ARGs from the perspective of Microcystis blooms, as they can effectively control Microcystis and MCs while maintaining the stability of aquatic ecosystem.202438802023
8549100.9971Current perspectives on microalgae and extracellular polymers for reducing antibiotic resistance genes in livestock wastewater. Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in livestock wastewater resulting from excessive antibiotics used in animal farming pose significant environmental and public health risks. Conventional treatment methods are often costly, inefficient, and may inadvertently promote ARG transmission. Microalgae, with their long genetic distance from bacteria and strong ability to utilize wastewater nutrients, offer a sustainable solution for ARG mitigation. This review studied the abundance and characterization of ARGs in livestock wastewater, highlighted microalgal-based removal mechanisms of ARGs, including phagocytosis, competition, and absorption by extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), and explored factors influencing their efficacy. Notably, the microalgae-EPS system reduced ARGs by 0.62-3.00 log, demonstrating significant potential in wastewater treatment. Key challenges, such as optimizing algal species, understanding EPS-ARG interactions, targeted reduction of host bacteria, and scaling technologies, were discussed. This work provides critical insights for advancing microalgal-based strategies for ARG removal, promoting environmentally friendly and efficient wastewater management.202540324729
8568110.9971Bioremediation potential of sulfadiazine-degrading bacteria: Impacts on ryegrass growth and soil functionality. The extensive use of antibiotics, particularly sulfadiazine (SDZ), has led to significant environmental contamination and the proliferation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). This study investigates the bioremediation potential of two SDZ-degrading bacterial strains, Acinetobacter sp. M9 and Enterobacter sp. H1, and their impact on ryegrass (Lolium perenne) growth and the inter-root microenvironment in SDZ-contaminated soils. A pot experiment combined with amplicon and metagenomic sequencing revealed that inoculation with M9 and H1 significantly enhanced ryegrass growth by alleviating oxidative stress, increasing chlorophyll content, and improving soil nutrient availability. The strains also promoted SDZ degradation efficiency and improved carbon and nitrogen cycling through the upregulation of key functional genes. Furthermore, microbial community analysis demonstrated increased alpha diversity, shifts in dominant taxa, and functional enrichment in pollutant degradation pathways. The dynamics of ARGs revealed a decrease in aminoglycoside, rifamycin, and streptomycin resistance genes, while sulfonamide resistance genes increased due to the residual SDZ stress. These findings highlight the potential of M9 and H1 as sustainable bioremediation agents to mitigate antibiotic contamination, improve soil health, and support plant growth in polluted environments.202540122011
6439120.9971A review: Marine aquaculture impacts marine microbial communities. Marine aquaculture is key for protein production but disrupts marine ecosystems by releasing excess feed and pharmaceuticals, thus affecting marine microbes. Though vital, its environmental impact often remains overlooked. This article delves into mariculture's effects on marine microbes, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and antibiotic-resistance genes in seawater and sediments. It highlights how different mariculture practices-open, pond, and cage culture-affect these microbial communities. Mariculture's release of nutrients, antibiotics, and heavy metals alters the microbial composition, diversity, and functions. Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture, a promising sustainable approach, is still developing and needs refinement. A deep understanding of mariculture's impact on microbial ecosystems is crucial to minimize pollution and foster sustainable practices, paving the way for the industry's sustainable advancement.202438919720
8648130.9971Host-specific assembly of phycosphere microbiome and enrichment of the associated antibiotic resistance genes: Integrating species of microalgae hosts, developmental stages and water contamination. Phytoplankton-bacteria interactions profoundly impact ecosystem function and biogeochemical cycling, while their substantial potential to carry and disseminate antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) poses a significant threat to global One Health. However, the ecological paradigm behind the phycosphere assembly of microbiomes and the carrying antibiotic resistomes remains unclear. Our field investigation across various freshwater ecosystems revealed a substantial enrichment of bacteria and ARGs within microalgal niches. Taking account of the influence for species of microalgae hosts, their developmental stages and the stress of water pollution, we characterized the ecological processes governing phycosphere assembly of bacterial consortia and enrichment of the associated ARGs. By inoculating 6 axenic algal hosts with two distinct bacterial consortia from a natural river and the phycosphere of Scenedesmus acuminatus, we observed distinct phycosphere bacteria recruitment among different algal species, yet consistency within the same species. Notably, a convergent bacterial composition was established for the same algae species for two independent inoculations, demonstrating host specificity in phycosphere microbiome assembly. Host-specific signature was discernible as early as the algal lag phase and more pronounced as the algae developed, indicating species types of algae determined mutualism between the bacterial taxa and hosts. The bacteria community dominated the shaping of ARG profiles within the phycosphere and the host-specific phycosphere ARG enrichment was intensified with the algae development. The polluted water significantly stimulated host's directional selection on phycosphere bacterial consortia and increased the proliferation antibiotic resistome. These consortia manifested heightened beneficial functionality, enhancing microalgal adaptability to contamination stress.202540349825
8553140.9971Unveiling the power of nanotechnology: a novel approach to eliminating antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes from municipal effluent. The increasing global population and declining freshwater resources have heightened the urgency of ensuring safe and accessible water supplies.Query The persistence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs) in municipal effluents poses a significant public health threat, exacerbated by the widespread use of antibiotics and the inadequate removal of contaminants in wastewater treatment facilities. Conventional treatment methods often fail to eliminate these emerging pollutants, facilitating their entry into agricultural systems and natural water bodies, thereby accelerating the spread of antimicrobial resistance. To address these challenges, interdisciplinary strategies in water treatment are essential. Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising approach due to its unique physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, and high efficiency in detecting and removing biological and chemical contaminants. Various nanomaterials, including graphene-based structures, Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), noble metal nanoparticles (gold (Au) and silver (Ag)), silicon and chitosan-based nanomaterials, as well as titanium and Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanomaterials, demonstrate potent antimicrobial effects. Moreover, nanosensors and photocatalysts utilizing these nanomaterials enable precise detection and effective degradation of ARB and ARGs in wastewater. This review examines the mechanisms by which nanotechnology-based materials can mitigate the risks associated with antibiotic resistance in urban effluents, focusing on their applications in pathogen detection, pollutant removal, and wastewater treatment. By integrating nanotechnology into existing treatment frameworks, we can significantly enhance the efficiency of water purification processes, ultimately contributing to global water security and the protection of public health.202540512401
6503150.9971The role of operating parameters and oxidative damage mechanisms of advanced chemical oxidation processes in the combat against antibiotic-resistant bacteria and resistance genes present in urban wastewater. An upsurge in the study of antibiotic resistance in the environment has been observed in the last decade. Nowadays, it is becoming increasingly clear that urban wastewater is a key source of antibiotic resistance determinants, i.e. antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes (ARB&ARGs). Urban wastewater reuse has arisen as an important component of water resources management in the European Union and worldwide to address prolonged water scarcity issues. Especially, biological wastewater treatment processes (i.e. conventional activated sludge), which are widely applied in urban wastewater treatment plants, have been shown to provide an ideal environment for the evolution and spread of antibiotic resistance. The ability of advanced chemical oxidation processes (AOPs), e.g. light-driven oxidation in the presence of H(2)O(2), ozonation, homogeneous and heterogeneous photocatalysis, to inactivate ARB and remove ARGs in wastewater effluents has not been yet evaluated through a systematic and integrated approach. Consequently, this review seeks to provide an extensive and critical appraisal on the assessment of the efficiency of these processes in inactivating ARB and removing ARGs in wastewater effluents, based on recent available scientific literature. It tries to elucidate how the key operating conditions may affect the process efficiency, while pinpointing potential areas for further research and major knowledge gaps which need to be addressed. Also, this review aims at shedding light on the main oxidative damage pathways involved in the inactivation of ARB and removal of ARGs by these processes. In general, the lack and/or heterogeneity of the available scientific data, as well as the different methodological approaches applied in the various studies, make difficult the accurate evaluation of the efficiency of the processes applied. Besides the operating conditions, the variable behavior observed by the various examined genetic constituents of the microbial community, may be directed by the process distinct oxidative damage mechanisms in place during the application of each treatment technology. For example, it was shown in various studies that the majority of cellular damage by advanced chemical oxidation may be on cell wall and membrane structures of the targeted bacteria, leaving the internal components of the cells relatively intact/able to repair damage. As a result, further in-depth mechanistic studies are required, to establish the optimum operating conditions under which oxidative mechanisms target internal cell components such as genetic material and ribosomal structures more intensively, thus conferring permanent damage and/or death and preventing potential post-treatment re-growth.201829153875
8629160.9971Antibiotic resistance in plant growth promoting bacteria: A comprehensive review and future perspectives to mitigate potential gene invasion risks. Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) are endowed with several attributes that can be beneficial for host plants. They opened myriad doors toward green technology approach to reduce the use of chemical inputs, improve soil fertility, and promote plants' health. However, many of these PGPB harbor antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Less attention has been given to multi-resistant bacterial bioinoculants which may transfer their ARGs to native soil microbial communities and other environmental reservoirs including animals, waters, and humans. Therefore, large-scale inoculation of crops by ARGs-harboring bacteria could worsen the evolution and dissemination of antibiotic resistance and aggravate the negative impacts on such ecosystem and ultimately public health. Their introduction into the soil could serve as ARGs invasion which may inter into the food chain. In this review, we underscore the antibiotic resistance of plant-associated bacteria, criticize the lack of consideration for this phenomenon in the screening and application processes, and provide some recommendations as well as a regulation framework relating to the development of bacteria-based biofertilizers to aid maximizing their value and applications in crop improvement while reducing the risks of ARGs invasion.202236204627
6398170.9971The interplay between antimicrobial resistance, heavy metal pollution, and the role of microplastics. Environmental pollution with heavy metals (HMs) and microplastics (MPs) could enhance the global health challenge antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Herein, we explore the complicated mechanics of how HMs, MPs, and AMR are interlinked within microbial ecosystems, as well as the co-selection and cross-resistance mechanisms. Unlike antibiotics, HMs have influenced microbial evolution for billions of years, promoting resistance mechanisms that predate antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). At the same time, this conundrum is further complicated by the pervasive spread of MPs in the aquatic and terrestrial environments, acting as substrates for bacterial pathogenic biofilms and accelerates the horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of ARGs and heavy metal resistance genes (MRGs). This review highlights that HMs such as lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), and nickel (Ni) have persistently selected for resistance traits through efflux systems and genetic co-regulation. Together, these interactions are amplified by MPs that create genetic exchange hotspots due to biofilm formation. These dynamics are modulated by organic matter, which serves both as a nutrient source and a mediator of HM bioavailability, directly influencing ARG abundance. Soil and water ecosystems, including riverine systems and landfill leachate, are reservoirs for ARGs and ARG-MRG combinations, with notable contributions originating from anthropogenic activities. This review also emphasizes the urgent need for integrated environmental and public health strategies to mitigate pollutant-driven AMR. This work seeks to approach HMs and MPs as synergistic drivers of AMR such that both HMs and MPs are upstream (causes) levers, a foundation from which future research on sustainable environmental management practices and health policy (One Health Approach), aimed at curbing the spread of resistance determinants can proceed.202540092036
6422180.9971Is the application of organic fertilizers becoming an undeniable source of microplastics and resistance genes in agricultural systems? The application of organic fertilizers is becoming an undeniable source of microplastics and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in agricultural soils. The complex microbial activity further transfers resistance genes and their host bacteria to agricultural products and throughout the entire food chain. Therefore, the current main focus is on reducing the abundance of microplastics and ARGs in organic fertilizers at the source, as well as managing microplastics and ARGs in soil. The control of microplastic abundance in organic fertilizers is currently only achieved through pre-composting selection and other methods. However, there are still many shortcomings in the research on the distribution characteristics, propagation and diffusion mechanisms, and control technologies of ARGs, and some key scientific issues still need to be urgently addressed. The high-temperature composting of organic waste can effectively reduce the abundance of ARGs in organic fertilizers to a certain extent. However, it is also important to consider the spread of ARGs in residual antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB). This article systematically explores the pathways and interactions of microplastics and resistance genes entering agricultural soils through the application of organic fertilizers. The removal of microplastics and ARGs from organic fertilizers was discussed in detail. Based on the limitations of existing research, further investigation in this area is expected to provide valuable insights for the development and practical implementation of technologies aimed at reducing soil microplastics and resistance genes.202438142997
6447190.9971Climate warming fuels the global antibiotic resistome by altering soil bacterial traits. Understanding the implications of global warming on the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and virulence factor genes (VFGs) within soil ecosystems is crucial for safeguarding human well-being and sustaining ecosystem health. However, there is currently a lack of large-scale, systematic underpinning data needed to examine this issue. Here, using an integrative approach that combines field experiments, extensive global metagenomic data and microbial culturing, we show that warming enriches bacteria with ARGs and VFGs, increases metabolic complexity and adaptability in bacteria, and accelerates genetic alterations related to ARG and VFGs development. Our validation experiments confirm that the warming effect is more pronounced in colder regions. Machine learning predictions further suggest that warming will increase the soil ARG abundance, especially in some areas that rely heavily on fossil fuels. These results suggest another major negative consequence of global warming, highlighting the importance of developing and implementing sustainability policies that simultaneously combat climate change and antibiotic resistance.202540468041