WBE - Word Related Documents




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650600.9483Mitigating antimicrobial resistance through effective hospital wastewater management in low- and middle-income countries. Hospital wastewater (HWW) is a significant environmental and public health threat, containing high levels of pollutants such as antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB), antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs), antibiotics, disinfectants, and heavy metals. This threat is of particular concern in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where untreated effluents are often used for irrigating vegetables crops, leading to direct and indirect human exposure. Despite being a potential hotspot for the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), existing HWW treatment systems in LMICs primarily target conventional pollutants and lack effective standards for monitoring the removal of ARB and ARGs. Consequently, untreated or inadequately treated HWW continues to disseminate ARB and ARGs, exacerbating the risk of AMR proliferation. Addressing this requires targeted interventions, including cost-effective treatment solutions, robust AMR monitoring protocols, and policy-driven strategies tailored to LMICs. This perspective calls for a paradigm shift in HWW management in LMIC, emphasizing the broader implementation of onsite treatment systems, which are currently rare. Key recommendations include developing affordable and contextually adaptable technologies for eliminating ARB and ARGs and enforcing local regulations for AMR monitoring and control in wastewater. Addressing these challenges is essential for protecting public health, preventing the environmental spread of resistance, and contributing to a global effort to preserve the efficacy of antibiotics. Recommendations include integrating scalable onsite technologies, leveraging local knowledge, and implementing comprehensive AMR-focused regulatory frameworks.202439944563
668910.9478Wastewater-Based Epidemiology as a Complementary Tool for Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance: Overcoming Barriers to Integration. This commentary highlights the potential of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) as a complementary tool for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance. WBE can support the early detection of resistance trends at the population level, including in underserved communities. However, several challenges remain, including technical variability, complexities in data interpretation, and regulatory gaps. An additional limitation is the uncertainty surrounding the origin of resistant bacteria and their genes in wastewater, which may derive not only from human sources but also from industrial, agricultural, or infrastructural contributors. Therefore, effective integration of WBE into public health systems will require standardized methods, sustained investment, and cross-sector collaboration. This could be achieved through joint monitoring initiatives that combine hospital wastewater data with agricultural and municipal surveillance to inform antibiotic stewardship policies. Overcoming these barriers could position WBE as an innovative tool for AMR monitoring, enhancing early warning systems and supporting more responsive, equitable, and preventive public health strategies.202540522150
650820.9468Synergizing Ecotoxicology and Microbiome Data Is Key for Developing Global Indicators of Environmental Antimicrobial Resistance. The One Health concept recognises the interconnectedness of humans, plants, animals and the environment. Recent research strongly supports the idea that the environment serves as a significant reservoir for antimicrobial resistance (AMR). However, the complexity of natural environments makes efforts at AMR public health risk assessment difficult. We lack sufficient data on key ecological parameters that influence AMR, as well as the primary proxies necessary for evaluating risks to human health. Developing environmental AMR 'early warning systems' requires models with well-defined parameters. This is necessary to support the implementation of clear and targeted interventions. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current tools used globally for environmental AMR human health risk assessment and the underlying knowledge gaps. We highlight the urgent need for standardised, cost-effective risk assessment frameworks that are adaptable across different environments and regions to enhance comparability and reliability. These frameworks must also account for previously understudied AMR sources, such as horticulture, and emerging threats like climate change. In addition, integrating traditional ecotoxicology with modern 'omics' approaches will be essential for developing more comprehensive risk models and informing targeted AMR mitigation strategies.202439611949
650730.9468What Are the Drivers Triggering Antimicrobial Resistance Emergence and Spread? Outlook from a One Health Perspective. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a critical global public health threat, exacerbating healthcare burdens and imposing substantial economic costs. Currently, AMR contributes to nearly five million deaths annually worldwide, surpassing mortality rates of any single infectious disease. The economic burden associated with AMR-related disease management is estimated at approximately $730 billion per year. This review synthesizes current research on the mechanisms and multifaceted drivers of AMR development and dissemination through the lens of the One Health framework, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health perspectives. Intrinsic factors, including antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs), enable bacteria to evolve adaptive resistance mechanisms such as enzymatic inactivation, efflux pumps, and biofilm formation. Extrinsic drivers span environmental stressors (e.g., antimicrobials, heavy metals, disinfectants), socioeconomic practices, healthcare policies, and climate change, collectively accelerating AMR proliferation. Horizontal gene transfer and ecological pressures further facilitate the spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria across ecosystems. The cascading impacts of AMR threaten human health and agricultural productivity, elevate foodborne infection risks, and impose substantial economic burdens, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. To address this complex issue, the review advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration, robust policy implementation (e.g., antimicrobial stewardship), and innovative technologies (e.g., genomic surveillance, predictive modeling) under the One Health paradigm. Such integrated strategies are essential to mitigate AMR transmission, safeguard global health, and ensure sustainable development.202540558133
657640.9460Wastewater-based AMR surveillance associated with tourism on a Caribbean island (Guadeloupe). OBJECTIVES: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health concern worldwide. International travel is a risk factor for acquiring antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs). Therefore, understanding the transmission of ARB and ARGs is instrumental in tackling AMR. This longitudinal study aimed to assess the benefit of wastewater monitoring in Guadeloupe to evaluate the role of tourism in the spread of AMR. METHODS: A wastewater-based surveillance (WBS) study was conducted to monitor AMR in Guadeloupe in 2022 during dry and wet seasons. We characterized the resistome, microbiome and exposome of water samples collected in wastewater treatment facilities of two cities with different levels of tourism activities, in the content of aircraft toilets, and the pumping station receiving effluents from hotels. RESULTS: The results show that the WBS approach facilitates the differentiation of various untreated effluents concerning exposome, microbiome, and resistome, offering insights into AMR dissemination. Additionally, the findings reveal that microbiome and exposome are comparable across sites and seasons, while resistome characterisation at specific locations may be pertinent for health surveillance. The microbiome of aircraft was predominantly composed of anaerobic bacteria from human intestinal microbiota, whereas the other locations exhibited a blend of human and environmental bacteria. Notably, individuals arriving by air have not introduced clinically significant resistance genes. Exposome compounds have been shown to influence the resistome's variance. CONCLUSIONS: Clear differences were seen between the aircraft and the local sampling sites, indicating that the contribution of tourism to the observed resistance in Guadeloupe is not significant.202540154781
679050.9454Overlooked dissemination risks of antimicrobial resistance through green tide proliferation. Green tides, particularly those induced by Enteromorpha, pose significant environmental challenges, exacerbated by climate change, coastal eutrophication, and other anthropogenic impacts. More concerningly, these blooms may influence the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) within ecosystems. However, the manner in which Enteromorpha blooms affect the distribution and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains uncertain. This study investigated ARG profiles, dynamic composition, and associated health risks within the Enteromorpha phycosphere and surrounding seawater in typical bays (Jiaozhou, Aoshan, and Lingshan) in the South Yellow Sea. The Enteromorpha phycosphere exhibited significantly higher ARG abundance (p < 0.05) but lower diversity compared to the surrounding seawater. Source-tracking and metagenomic analyses revealed that the phycosphere was the main contributor to the resistome of surrounding seawater. Moreover, resistant pathogens, especially ESKAPE pathogens, with horizontal gene transfer (HGT) potential, were more abundant in the phycosphere than in the surrounding seawater. The phycosphere released high-risk ARGs to the surrounding seawater during Enteromorpha blooms, posing serious health and ecological AMR risks in marine environments. This study highlights the significant role of Enteromorpha blooms in ARG spread and associated risks, urging a reassessment of AMR burden from a public health perspective.202539488061
642560.9454Freshwater plastisphere: a review on biodiversity, risks, and biodegradation potential with implications for the aquatic ecosystem health. The plastisphere, a unique microbial biofilm community colonizing plastic debris and microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environments, has attracted increasing attention owing to its ecological and public health implications. This review consolidates current state of knowledge on freshwater plastisphere, focussing on its biodiversity, community assembly, and interactions with environmental factors. Current biomolecular approaches revealed a variety of prokaryotic and eukaryotic taxa associated with plastic surfaces. Despite their ecological importance, the presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria and mobile genetic elements (i.e., antibiotic resistance genes) raises concerns for ecosystem and human health. However, the extent of these risks and their implications remain unclear. Advanced sequencing technologies are promising for elucidating the functions of plastisphere, particularly in plastic biodegradation processes. Overall, this review emphasizes the need for comprehensive studies to understand plastisphere dynamics in freshwater and to support effective management strategies to mitigate the impact of plastic pollution on freshwater resources.202438699475
668670.9453The Impact of Wastewater on Antimicrobial Resistance: A Scoping Review of Transmission Pathways and Contributing Factors. BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global issue driven by the overuse of antibiotics in healthcare, agriculture, and veterinary settings. Wastewater and treatment plants (WWTPs) act as reservoirs for antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). The One Health approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in addressing AMR. This scoping review analyzes wastewater's role in the AMR spread, identifies influencing factors, and highlights research gaps to guide interventions. METHODS: This scoping review followed the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across the PubMed and Web of Science databases for articles published up to June 2024, supplemented by manual reference checks. The review focused on wastewater as a source of AMR, including hospital effluents, industrial and urban sewage, and agricultural runoff. Screening and selection were independently performed by two reviewers, with conflicts resolved by a third. RESULTS: Of 3367 studies identified, 70 met the inclusion criteria. The findings indicated that antibiotic residues, heavy metals, and microbial interactions in wastewater are key drivers of AMR development. Although WWTPs aim to reduce contaminants, they often create conditions conducive to horizontal gene transfer, amplifying resistance. Promising interventions, such as advanced treatment methods and regulatory measures, exist but require further research and implementation. CONCLUSIONS: Wastewater plays a pivotal role in AMR dissemination. Targeted interventions in wastewater management are essential to mitigate AMR risks. Future studies should prioritize understanding AMR dynamics in wastewater ecosystems and evaluating scalable mitigation strategies to support global health efforts.202540001375
855380.9451Unveiling 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
653190.9449A comprehensive framework of health risk assessment for antibiotic resistance in aquatic environments: Status, progress, and perspectives. Antibiotic resistance (AR), driven by antibiotics as emerging pollutants, has become a critical global health threat, jeopardizing both environmental and human health. The persistence and spread of AR in aquatic ecosystems are governed by the intricate interplay between antibiotics, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB), which collectively influences its occurrence, transportation, and fate in aquatic ecosystems. However, most assessments focus primarily on antibiotics and ARGs, often relying on single-factor criteria while overlooking critical influence factors such as ARG forms, non-antibiotic chemicals, antibiotic pressure, and microbial competition. Furthermore, many fail to incorporate potential future risks, limiting their predictive accuracy and overall effectiveness in addressing AR in aquatic environments. To bridge these research gaps, we introduce a comprehensive health risk assessment framework that integrates the interactions among antibiotics, ARGs, and ARB. The proposed approach comprises four steps: 1. Determining the type of water body; 2. Performing model simulations; 3. Assessing antibiotics and ARGs; and 4. Evaluating ARB. Finally, a comprehensive risk index for AR is established, along with a corresponding hierarchical risk ranking system. Moreover, to demonstrate the practical application of the framework, an assessment of antibiotic resistance risk was conducted using a typical lake in Northeast China as a case study, indicating the efficacy of the proposed framework in quantifying the multidimensional health risk of AR. This framework not only provides a crucial foundation for dynamic health risk assessment, but also paving the way for more effective mitigation strategies to safeguard both aquatic ecosystems and human health in the future.202540914069
6394100.9448Potential Environmental and Human Health Risks Caused by Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (ARB), Antibiotic Resistance Genes (ARGs) and Emerging Contaminants (ECs) from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Landfill. The disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW) directly at landfills or open dump areas, without segregation and treatment, is a significant concern due to its hazardous contents of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB), antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and metal resistance genes (MGEs). The released leachate from landfills greatly effects the soil physicochemical, biological, and groundwater properties associated with agricultural activity and human health. The abundance of ARB, ARGs, and MGEs have been reported worldwide, including MSW landfill sites, animal husbandry, wastewater, groundwater, soil, and aerosol. This review elucidates the occurrence and abundance of ARB, ARGs, and MRGs, which are regarded as emerging contaminants (ECs). Recently, ECs have received global attention because of their prevalence in leachate as a substantial threat to environmental and public health, including an economic burden for developing nations. The present review exclusively discusses the demands to develop a novel eco-friendly management strategy to combat these global issues. This review also gives an intrinsic discussion about the insights of different aspects of environmental and public health concerns caused due to massive leachate generation, the abundance of antibiotics resistance (AR), and the effects of released leachate on the various environmental reservoirs and human health. Furthermore, the current review throws light on the source and fate of different ECs of landfill leachate and their possible impact on the nearby environments (groundwater, surface water, and soil) affecting human health. The present review strongly suggests the demand for future research focuses on the advancement of the removal efficiency of contaminants with the improvement of relevant landfill management to reduce the potential effects of disposable waste. We propose the necessity of the identification and monitoring of potential environmental and human health risks associated with landfill leachate contaminants.202133915892
7358110.9447Global dispersal and potential sources of antibiotic resistance genes in atmospheric remote depositions. Antibiotic resistance has become a major Global Health concern and a better understanding on the global spread mechanisms of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and intercontinental ARB exchange is needed. We measured atmospheric depositions of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) by quantitative (q)PCR in rain/snow collected fortnightly along 4 y. at a remote high mountain LTER (Long-Term Ecological Research) site located above the atmospheric boundary layer (free troposphere). Bacterial composition was characterized by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and air mass provenances were determined by modelled back trajectories and rain/snow chemical composition. We hypothesize that the free troposphere may act as permanent reservoir and vector for ARB and ARGs global dispersal. We aimed to i) determine whether ARGs are long-range intercontinental and persistently dispersed through aerosols, ii) assess ARGs long-term atmospheric deposition dynamics in a remote high mountain area, and iii) unveil potential diffuse ARGs pollution sources. We showed that the ARGs sul1 (resistance to sulfonamides), tetO (resistance to tetracyclines), and intI1 (a proxy for horizontal gene transfer and anthropogenic pollution) were long-range and persistently dispersed in free troposphere aerosols. Major depositions of tetracyclines resistance matched with intensification of African dust outbreaks. Potential ARB mostly traced their origin back into agricultural soils. Our study unveils that air masses pathways are shaping ARGs intercontinental dispersal and global spread of antibiotic resistances, with potential predictability for interannual variability and remote deposition rates. Because climate regulates aerosolization and long-range air masses movement patterns, we call for a more careful evaluation of the connections between land use, climate change and ARB long-range intercontinental dispersal.202235016024
6601120.9447Use of Wastewater to Monitor Antimicrobial Resistance Trends in Communities and Implications for Wastewater-Based Epidemiology: A Review of the Recent Literature. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents a global health challenge, necessitating comprehensive surveillance and intervention strategies. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is a promising tool that can be utilized for AMR monitoring by offering population-level insights into microbial dynamics and resistance gene dissemination in communities. This review (n = 29 papers) examines the current landscape of utilizing WBE for AMR surveillance with a focus on methodologies, findings, and gaps in understanding. Reported methods from the reviewed literature included culture-based, PCR-based, whole genome sequencing, mass spectrometry, bioinformatics/metagenomics, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing to identify and measure antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in wastewater, as well as liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to measure antibiotic residues. Results indicate Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp., and Pseudomonas spp. are the most prevalent antibiotic-resistant bacterial species with hospital effluent demonstrating higher abundances of clinically relevant resistance genes including bla, bcr, qnrS, mcr, sul1, erm, and tet genes compared to measurements from local treatment plants. The most reported antibiotics in influent wastewater across studies analyzed include azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, and clarithromycin. The influence of seasonal variation on the ARG profiles of communities differed amongst studies indicating additional factors hold significance when examining the conference of AMR within communities. Despite these findings, knowledge gaps remain, including longitudinal studies in multiple and diverse geographical regions and understanding co-resistance mechanisms in relation to the complexities of population contributors to AMR. This review underscores the urgent need for collaborative and interdisciplinary efforts to safeguard public health and preserve antimicrobial efficacy. Further investigation on the use of WBE to understand these unique population-level drivers of AMR is advised in a proposed framework to inform best practice approaches moving forward.202541011405
8558130.9447Mitigating the vertical migration and leaching risks of antibiotic resistance genes through insect fertilizer application. The leaching and vertical migration risks of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) from fertilized soil to groundwater poses a significant threat to ecological and public safety. Insect fertilizer, particularly black soldier fly organic fertilizer (BOF), renowned for its minimal antibiotic resistance, emerge as a promising alternative for sustainable agricultural fertilization. This study employs soil-column leaching experiments to evaluate the impact of BOF on the leaching behavior of ARGs. Our results reveal that BOF significantly reduces the leaching risks of ARGs by 22.1 %-49.3 % compared to control organic fertilizer (COF). Moreover, BOF promotes the leaching of beneficial Bacillus and, according to random forest analysis, is the most important factor in predicting ARG profiles (3.02 % increase in the MSE). Further network analysis and mantel tests suggest that enhanced nitrogen metabolism in BOF leachates could foster Bacillus biofilm formation, thereby countering antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and mitigating antibiotic resistance. In addition, linear regression analysis revealed that Bacillus biofilm-associated genes pgaD (biofilm PGA synthesis protein), slrR (biofilm formation regulator), and kpsC (capsular polysaccharide export protein) were identified as pivotal in the elimination of ARGs, which can serve as effective indicators for assessing antibiotic resistance in groundwater. Collectively, this study demonstrates that BOF as an environmentally friendly fertilizer could markedly reduce the vertical migration risks of ARGs and proposes Bacillus biofilm formation related genes as reliable indicators for monitoring antibiotic resistance in groundwater.202540086570
6393140.9447A 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
7646150.9447Assessment of Bacterial Community and Other Microorganism Along the Lam Takhong Watercourse, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. Lam Takhong, a vital watercourse in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand, supports agricultural, recreational, and urban activities. Originating in a national park, it flows through urban areas before discharging into a dam and running off via the sluice gate. While water quality monitoring is routine, microbial community data have never been reported. This study assesses the microorganism diversity and functional genes in Lam Takhong watercourse using a shotgun sequencing metagenomics approach. Water samples were collected from the upstream, midstream, and downstream sections. The midstream area exhibited the highest abundance of fecal coliform bacteria, plankton, and benthos, suggesting elevated pollution levels. Genes related to metabolism, particularly carbohydrate and amino acid pathways, were predominant. Proteobacteria was the most abundant phylum found in the water, with Limnohabitans as the dominant planktonic bacteria. Bacteria such as Staphylococcus, Mycobacterium, Escherichia, Pseudomonas, Enterococcus, Neisseria, Streptomyces, and Salmonella were detected, along with antibiotic resistance genes, raising public health concerns. These findings emphasize the need for microbial monitoring in the Lam Takhong to determine the potential water quality bioindicator and prevent potential disease spread through the water system.202540244481
6634160.9446Making waves: The NORMAN antibiotic resistant bacteria and resistance genes database (NORMAN ARB&ARG)-An invitation for collaboration to tackle antibiotic resistance. With the global concerns on antibiotic resistance (AR) as a public health issue, it is pivotal to have data exchange platforms for studies on antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment. For this purpose, the NORMAN Association is hosting the NORMAN ARB&ARG database, which was developed within the European project ANSWER. The present article provides an overview on the database functionalities, the extraction and the contribution of data to the database. In this study, AR data from three studies from China and Nepal were extracted and imported into the NORMAN ARB&ARG in addition to the existing AR data from 11 studies (mainly European studies) on the database. This feasibility study demonstrates how the scientific community can share their data on AR to generate an international evidence base to inform AR mitigation strategies. The open and FAIR data are of high potential relevance for regulatory applications, including the development of emission limit values / environmental quality standards in relation to AR. The growth in sharing of data and analytical methods will foster collaboration on risk management of AR worldwide, and facilitate the harmonization in the effort for identification and surveillance of critical hotspots of AR. The NORMAN ARB&ARG database is publicly available at: https://www.norman-network.com/nds/bacteria/.202438723350
6535170.9446Occurrence and dissemination of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance in aquatic environment and its ecological implications: a review. The occurrence of antibiotics and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARBs), genes (ARGs), and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in aquatic systems is growing global public health concern. These emerging micropollutants, stemming from improper wastewater treatment and disposal, highlight the complex and evolving nature of environmental pollution. Current literature reveals potential biases, such as a geographical focus on specific regions, leading to an insufficient understanding of the global distribution and dynamics of antibiotic resistance in aquatic systems. There is methodological inconsistency across studies, making it challenging to compare findings. Potential biases include sample collection inconsistencies, detection sensitivity variances, and data interpretation variability. Gaps in understanding include the need for comprehensive, standardized long-term monitoring programs, elucidating the environmental fate and transformation of antibiotics and resistance genes. This review summarizes current knowledge on the occurrence and dissemination of emerging micropollutants, their ecological impacts, and the global health implications of antimicrobial resistance. It highlights the need for interdisciplinary collaborations among researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders to address the challenges posed by antibiotic resistance in aquatic resistance in aquatic systems effectively. This review highlights widespread antibiotic and antibiotic resistance in aquatic environment, driven by human and agricultural activities. It underscores the ecological consequences, including disrupted microbial communities and altered ecosystem functions. The findings call for urgent measures to mitigate antibiotics pollution and manage antibiotic resistance spread in water bodies.202439028459
7267180.9446Antimicrobial resistance transmission in the environmental settings through traditional and UV-enabled advanced wastewater treatment plants: a metagenomic insight. BACKGROUND: Municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are pivotal reservoirs for antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB). Selective pressures from antibiotic residues, co-selection by heavy metals, and conducive environments sustain ARGs, fostering the emergence of ARB. While advancements in WWTP technology have enhanced the removal of inorganic and organic pollutants, assessing ARG and ARB content in treated water remains a gap. This metagenomic study meticulously examines the filtration efficiency of two distinct WWTPs-conventional (WWTPC) and advanced (WWTPA), operating on the same influent characteristics and located at Aligarh, India. RESULTS: The dominance of Proteobacteria or Pseudomonadota, characterized the samples from both WWTPs and carried most ARGs. Acinetobacter johnsonii, a prevailing species, exhibited a diminishing trend with wastewater treatment, yet its persistence and association with antibiotic resistance underscore its adaptive resilience. The total ARG count was reduced in effluents, from 58 ARGs, representing 14 distinct classes of antibiotics in the influent to 46 and 21 in the effluents of WWTPC and WWTPA respectively. However, an overall surge in abundance, particularly influenced by genes such as qacL, bla(OXA-900), and rsmA was observed. Numerous clinically significant ARGs, including those against aminoglycosides (AAC(6')-Ib9, APH(3'')-Ib, APH(6)-Id), macrolides (EreD, mphE, mphF, mphG, mphN, msrE), lincosamide (lnuG), sulfonamides (sul1, sul2), and beta-lactamases (bla(NDM-1)), persisted across both conventional and advanced treatment processes. The prevalence of mobile genetic elements and virulence factors in the effluents possess a high risk for ARG dissemination. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced technologies are essential for effective ARG and ARB removal. A multidisciplinary approach focused on investigating the intricate association between ARGs, microbiome dynamics, MGEs, and VFs is required to identify robust indicators for filtration efficacy, contributing to optimized WWTP operations and combating ARG proliferation across sectors.202540050994
6533190.9445The Role of the Environment (Water, Air, Soil) in the Emergence and Dissemination of Antimicrobial Resistance: A One Health Perspective. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a planetary health emergency, driven not only by the clinical misuse of antibiotics but also by diverse environmental dissemination pathways. This review critically examines the role of environmental compartments-water, soil, and air-as dynamic reservoirs and transmission routes for antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and resistance genes (ARGs). Recent metagenomic, epidemiological, and mechanistic evidence demonstrates that anthropogenic pressures-including pharmaceutical effluents, agricultural runoff, untreated sewage, and airborne emissions-amplify resistance evolution and interspecies gene transfer via horizontal gene transfer mechanisms, biofilms, and mobile genetic elements. Importantly, it is not only highly polluted rivers such as the Ganges that contribute to the spread of AMR; even low concentrations of antibiotics and their metabolites, formed during or after treatment, can significantly promote the selection and dissemination of resistance. Environmental hotspots such as European agricultural soils and airborne particulate zones near wastewater treatment plants further illustrate the complexity and global scope of pollution-driven AMR. The synergistic roles of co-selective agents, including heavy metals, disinfectants, and microplastics, are highlighted for their impact in exacerbating resistance gene propagation across ecological and geographical boundaries. The efficacy and limitations of current mitigation strategies, including advanced wastewater treatments, thermophilic composting, biosensor-based surveillance, and emerging regulatory frameworks, are evaluated. By integrating a One Health perspective, this review underscores the imperative of including environmental considerations in global AMR containment policies and proposes a multidisciplinary roadmap to mitigate resistance spread across interconnected human, animal, and environmental domains.202540867959