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Sewage reclamation process as multifactorial public health risk concern: a longitudinal study.
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This year-long study analyzed influent, effluent, and biosolids from six Spanish wastewater treatment plants, identifying persistent emerging risks including pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and antibiotic resistance genes throughout the treatment process.
Abstract This year-long research analysed emerging risks in influent, effluent wastewaters and biosolids from six wastewater treatment plants in Spain's Valencian Region. Specifically, it focused on human enteric and respiratory viruses, bacterial and viral faecal contamination indicators, extended spectrum beta-lactamases-producing Escherichia coli and antibiotic resistance genes. Additionally, particles and microplastics in biosolid and wastewater samples were assessed. Human enteric viruses were prevalent in influent wastewater, with limited post-treatment reduction. Wastewater treatment effectively eliminated respiratory viruses, except for low levels of SARS-CoV-2 in effluent and biosolid samples, suggesting minimal public health risk. Antibiotic resistance genes and microplastics were persistently found in effluent and biosolids, thus indicating treatment inefficiencies and potential environmental dissemination. This multifaced research sheds light on diverse contaminants present after water reclamation, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in wastewater management. It underscores the need for a One Health approach to address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
More Papers Like This
Longitudinal study on the multifactorial public health risks associated with sewage reclamation
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Researchers monitored six Spanish wastewater treatment plants over a full year and found that while the plants effectively removed respiratory viruses like SARS-CoV-2, microplastics and antibiotic-resistance genes persisted in both treated effluent and sewage sludge released into the environment. The findings underscore that current wastewater treatment is not designed to eliminate these emerging contaminants, raising concerns about their spread through recycled water and biosolids.
Holistic assessment of chemical and biological pollutants in a Mediterranean wastewater effluent-dominated stream: Interactions and ecological impacts
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Researchers conducted a comprehensive assessment of pollution downstream from a wastewater treatment plant discharge into a Mediterranean river in Spain. They found elevated levels of pharmaceuticals, metals, microplastics, PFAS chemicals, and antibiotic resistance genes below the discharge point, though some recovery occurred within about 500 meters downstream. The study demonstrates that even treated wastewater significantly alters river water quality and microbial communities, highlighting the need for improved treatment technologies.
Unveiling the Interactions Between the Antibiotic Resistome and Microplastics Influenced by Trace Elements and PPCPs in Wastewater Treatment Plants
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Researchers monitored wastewater treatment plants containing microplastics, trace elements, and pharmaceutical/personal care products, finding that these co-occurring pollutants interact to influence the survival and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and resistance genes through the treatment process.
Antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors in the plastisphere in wastewater treatment plant effluent: Health risk quantification and driving mechanism interpretation
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Researchers found that microplastics in treated wastewater carry significantly more disease-causing bacteria, antibiotic resistance genes, and virulence factors on their surfaces compared to the surrounding water. This means microplastics released from wastewater treatment plants into rivers and lakes could spread antibiotic-resistant infections, posing a direct risk to communities that rely on these water sources.
The interplay between antimicrobial resistance genes and emerging contaminants in wastewater treatment plants: Key players in One Health
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Researchers reviewed how wastewater treatment plants interact with antibiotic-resistant bacteria and emerging contaminants including microplastics, finding that microplastics and heavy metals help antibiotic resistance genes spread through microbial communities. This makes treatment plants hotspots for creating harder-to-treat bacterial strains, posing a broad public health risk that connects environmental pollution to human medicine.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.