Antibiotic Resistance Genes, Antibiotic Residues, and Microplastics in Influent and Effluent Wastewater from Treatment Plants in Norway, Iceland, and Finland

Antibiotic resistance genes, antibiotic residues, and microplastics in influent and effluent wastewater from treatment plants in Norway, Iceland, and Finland

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Researchers analyzed antibiotic resistance genes, antibiotic residues, and microplastics in wastewater from treatment plants in Norway, Iceland, and Finland. They found that many resistance genes were carried on mobile DNA elements that can spread between bacteria, and that polyethylene microplastics were the dominant plastic type present. The study shows that even in countries with advanced wastewater treatment, microplastics and antibiotic resistance genes can persist and be released into the environment.

Antibiotic resistance genes, antibiotic residues, and microplastics in influent and effluent wastewater from treatment plants in Norway, Iceland, and Finland

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Researchers used Oxford Nanopore metagenomic sequencing, qPCR, HPLC, and µFTIR spectroscopy to simultaneously track antibiotic resistance genes, antibiotic residues, and microplastics in wastewater treatment plant influents and effluents in Norway, Iceland, and Finland. Sequencing identified 193 unique ARGs, with patterns suggesting that treatment processes affect ARG abundance but do not eliminate them, and that MPs co-occur with resistance-promoting conditions.

Microplastics Aided Augmentation of Antibiotic Resistance in WWTPs: A Global Concern

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This review examines how microplastics in wastewater treatment plants adsorb antibiotics and facilitate biofilm formation, accelerating the spread of antibiotic resistance genes and antibiotic-resistant bacteria into surrounding ecosystems. The convergence of microplastic pollution and antibiotic resistance represents a dual public health threat, as WWTPs act as conduits that amplify and distribute both contaminants into waterways used for drinking and agriculture.

The distribution, removal and microbial mechanisms of microplastics and antibiotic resistance genes in leachate treatment processes

Contribution of microplastic particles to the spread of resistances and pathogenic bacteria in treated wastewaters

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Researchers studied microplastic particles collected from treated wastewater effluents and found that MPs harbored significantly higher loads of antibiotic resistance genes and pathogenic bacteria compared to surrounding water, suggesting MPs facilitate their environmental spread.