Distribution of antibiotic resistance genes from human and animal origins to their receiving environments: A regional scale survey of urban settings. (15th January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yuan, Wei; Zeng, Xiangpeng; Cao, Yu; Yang, Qingxiang; Riaz, Luqman; Wang, Qiang
• Is Part Of: Environmental pollution. Volume 293(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-01-15
• Subjects: Antibiotics -- Heavy metals -- Antibiotic resistance genes -- Microbial community -- Wastewater -- Animal manure; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Effets physiologiques -- Périodiques; Pollution; Pollution -- Environmental aspects; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.73
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118512
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-7491

Abstract

Abstract: Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem for ecosystem health and public healthcare. Hence, the transmission of antibiotic resistance from human and animal origins to natural environments requires careful investigation. In this study, nine antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), three mobile genetic elements (MGEs), and their relations with antibiotics, heavy metals, and microbiota were investigated in 16 sample sites (Xinxiang, China). Fluoroquinolones (0.13–14.22 μg/L) were most abundant in hospital effluent and oxytetracycline (251.86–5817.47 μg/kg) in animal manure. Animal manure showed the highest levels of zinc (80.79–2597.14 mg/kg) and copper (32.47–85.22 mg/kg), possibly affecting the prevalence of int I1 and aac (6′)-Ib genes. Aminoglycoside and sulfonamide resistance genes ( aac (6')-Ib, aad A, and sul 1) were the main ARGs in this area. In addition, the detected ARGs and MGEs were higher in animal manure than in hospital effluent, except for the sul 1 gene. On the other hand, the incomplete removal of antibiotics (29.76–100%), heavy metals (31.25–100%), and ARGs (1–3 orders of magnitude) in MWWTPs resulted in the accumulation of these contaminants in the receiving river. Network analysis suggested that the potential hosts ( Jeotgalibaca, Atopostipes, Corynebacterium_1, etc.) of ARGs were more predominant in animal manure rather than hospital effluent, indicating a higher ARG transfer potential in animal manure compared with hospital sources. These results provide useful insights into the different migration and dissemination routes of antibiotics, heavy metals, ARGs, and microbiota from anthropogenic and animal origins to their receiving environments via MWWTP discharge and manure fertilization. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Migration of antibiotics, heavy metals and ARGs in environment was studied. Zn and Cu as the main pollutants affected the prevalence of ARGs in animal manure. MWWTPs wastewater aggravated the ARGs levels of the receiving river. Higher ARGs transfer potential in animal manure than hospital source.