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Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as environmental drivers of antimicrobial resistance: insights from genome sequences of Klebsiella grimontii and Citrobacter braakii isolated from contaminated soil
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Researchers showed through microcosm experiments that PFOA, a common PFAS compound, selects for antibiotic-resistant bacteria and increases transcription of antimicrobial resistance genes, suggesting that environmental PFAS contamination may contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance.
In vitro microcosm experiments showed that PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) selects for antibiotic-resistant bacteria, characterized by WGS, which displayed increased transcription of AMR genes during growth in the presence of PFOA.
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Unrecognized risk of perfluorooctane sulfonate in promoting conjugative transfers of bacterial antibiotic resistance genes
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Researchers discovered that perfluorooctane sulfonate, a persistent environmental pollutant commonly known as a PFAS chemical, significantly promotes the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes between bacteria. The chemical increased conjugation frequency by over four times in laboratory bacteria and also enhanced resistance gene transfer in soil microbial communities. The findings reveal a previously unrecognized way that PFAS contamination may be contributing to the spread of antibiotic resistance in the environment.
Soil microbial Taxonomy and functional attributes under the combined stress of MPs and PFASs.
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This study examined how combined exposure to microplastics (PE, PS, PVC) and PFAS compounds affects soil microbial communities, finding that PFASs reduced bacterial diversity while microplastics acted as carriers that amplified contaminant bioavailability, together disrupting community structure and key metabolic functions including defense and lipid metabolism.
The effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on environmental and human microorganisms and their potential for bioremediation
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This review summarizes how per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) affect microbial populations across soils, aquatic environments, and the human microbiome. Researchers found that some bacterial species thrive in PFAS-contaminated environments while others are significantly inhibited, and certain microbes show promise for bioremediation of these persistent pollutants. The findings suggest that understanding microbial responses to PFAS could open new avenues for environmental cleanup strategies.
Co-occurrence of microplastics, PFASs, antibiotics, and antibiotic resistance genes in groundwater and their composite impacts on indigenous microbial communities: A field study
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Researchers found that microplastics, PFAS "forever chemicals," antibiotics, and antibiotic resistance genes all co-occur in groundwater near a pharmaceutical and chemical industrial park. The microplastics appeared to act as carriers for these other contaminants, and the combined pollution disrupted native microbial communities, raising concerns about drinking water safety near industrial sites.
Biodegradable microplastics induced the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors in soil: A metagenomic perspective
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Researchers found that biodegradable microplastics promoted the spread of antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors in soil at levels comparable to conventional microplastics, challenging assumptions about their environmental safety.
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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.