Impact of wastewater treatment plant effluent discharge on the antibiotic resistome in downstream aquatic environments: a mini review

doi:10.1007/s11783-024-1796-3

Front. Environ. Sci. Eng.

2024, Vol. 18

Issue (3) : 36 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11783-024-1796-3

REVIEW ARTICLE

Impact of wastewater treatment plant effluent discharge on the antibiotic resistome in downstream aquatic environments: a mini review

Zhiguo Su¹, Lyujun Chen^1,², Donghui Wen³(

)

¹. School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijng 100084, China
². Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Science and Technology, Department of Environmental Technology and Ecology, Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Jiaxing 314050, China
³. College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China

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Abstract

● Impact of WWTP effluent discharge on ARGs in downstream waterbodies is hotspot.

● Various mechanisms influence the diffusion of ARGs in effluent-receiving waterbodies.

● Controlling AMR risk of WWTPs needs further investigation and management strategies.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a significant challenge in human health. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), acting as a link between human activities and the environment, create ideal conditions for the selection and spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB). Unfortunately, current treatment processes are ineffective in removing ARGs, resulting in the release of large quantities of ARB and ARGs into the aquatic environment through WWTP effluents. This, in turn, leads to their dispersion and potential transmission to human through water and the food chain. To safeguard human and environmental health, it is crucial to comprehend the mechanisms by which WWTP effluent discharge influences the distribution and diffusion of ARGs in downstream waterbodies. In this study, we examine the latest researches on the antibiotic resistome in various waterbodies that have been exposed to WWTP effluent, highlighting the key influencing mechanisms. Furthermore, recommendations for future research and management strategies to control the dissemination of ARGs from WWTPs to the environment are provided, with the aim to achieve the “One Health” objective.

Keywords Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) Effluent-receiving waterbodies Environmental risk Influencing mechanism

Corresponding Author(s): Donghui Wen

Issue Date: 04 December 2023

Cite this article:

Zhiguo Su,Lyujun Chen,Donghui Wen. Impact of wastewater treatment plant effluent discharge on the antibiotic resistome in downstream aquatic environments: a mini review[J]. Front. Environ. Sci. Eng., 2024, 18(3): 36.

URL:

https://academic.hep.com.cn/fese/EN/10.1007/s11783-024-1796-3
https://academic.hep.com.cn/fese/EN/Y2024/V18/I3/36

Fig.1 Influencing mechanisms of WWTP effluent discharge on the distribution and diffusion of ARGs in effluent-receiving waterbodies. ① Influent composition and capacity of WWTP affect the discharge of ARGs; ② Particulate matter from WWTP serves as a significant carrier of ARGs; ③ Persistent ARGs and ARB are selected and enriched during wastewater treatment; ④ Residual antimicrobial substances and MGEs in effluent continue to play key driving roles; ⑤ Microbial community structure of effluent-receiving waterbodies is altered; ⑥ Wastewater bypass is a major temporary source of ARG pollution; ⑦ Effects of WWTP effluent discharge are limited by the spatial factors; ⑧ Environmental biofilms amplify the effects of WWTP effluent discharge. Created with BioRender.

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