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Li J, O'Brien JW, Tscharke BJ, Verhagen R, He C, Shimko KM, Shao X, Zhai N, Hulleman T, Mueller JF, Thomas KV. Occurrence, Removal, and Risk Assessment of Antimicrobials and Their Transformation Products in Effluent from Australian Wastewater Treatment Plants. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2025; 59:6825-6838. [PMID: 40126121 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5c00425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/25/2025]
Abstract
Despite Australia's high antimicrobial use, their residues in wastewater and their impacts on receiving waters remain largely unknown. This study assessed the occurrence, removal, and risk for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of 102 antimicrobial substances and selected transformation products (TPs) in wastewater effluent from 47 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) across Australia. Thirty-two antimicrobials and 13 TPs were detected, with 14 analytes occurring at >80% frequencies. Ampicillin, penicillin V, penicilloic V acid, fluconazole, and tazobactam M1 were observed with high median concentrations of >0.2 μg/L. Collectively, the WWTPs released 5.4 kg/day or 0.54 g/day/1000 inhabitants of antimicrobials/TPs into natural waters, with β-lactams, quinolones, nitroimidazoles/azoles, and sulfonamides comprising high volumes, which was correlated with the population's socioeconomic statuses. Thirty-seven analytes were removed at rates >80% post-treatment, whereas quinolones, nitroimidazoles/azoles, lincosamides, and macrolide TPs were observed with poor removal efficiencies, which were affected by treatment processes and regional climate. Comparing measured concentrations with the predicted no-effect concentrations for AMR selection (PNECAMR), 7 antimicrobials exerted selection risk for resistant bacteria. Concerningly, ciprofloxacin posed medium/high risk in most of the assessed WWTPs. The accumulative effects of antimicrobial classes and certain TPs might further aggravate adverse impacts on AMR development. Our study provides insights into the presence and AMR implications of antimicrobials in treated wastewater, aiming to safeguard public health and ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinglong Li
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Jake W O'Brien
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
- Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS), University of Amsterdam, 1090 GD Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ben J Tscharke
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Rory Verhagen
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Chang He
- Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Katja M Shimko
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Xueting Shao
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, No. 1 Linghai Road, Dalian 116026, China
| | - Naixiang Zhai
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Tobias Hulleman
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Jochen F Mueller
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Kevin V Thomas
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
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Wang J, Ma Y, Zhou X, Wang S, Fu Y, Gao S, Meng X, Shen Z, Chen L. Integrated ecological-health risk assessment of ofloxacin. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2025; 487:137178. [PMID: 39808966 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.137178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2024] [Revised: 01/04/2025] [Accepted: 01/09/2025] [Indexed: 01/16/2025]
Abstract
Antibiotics are emerging contaminants of significant concern, while previous research has mostly focused on their ecological or health impacts in isolation. This limited systematic research on its overall risk and the uncertainty relating to the risk evaluation is also unclear. This study addressed this gap by examining both ecological or health impacts by integrating interspecies correlation models, species sensitivity distribution curves, and health risk evaluation. Then comprehensive risk of antibiotics was calculated using economic approaches. The Wenyu River basin in China and ofloxacin were chosen as the study area and target antibiotic, respectively. The results indicate that both the ecological and health risk quotients for ofloxacin were manageable, and the level of urbanization was found to correlate with increased antibiotic risk. The economic impact on population health was greater than on ecosystems. The presence of ofloxacin in the watershed still resulted in more than $200,000 in annual economic losses, affecting both human society and the ecosystem. The assessment process, including the evaluation object, extrapolated data, and fitted curves, contributed to uncertainty in the results. These findings provide valuable insights for addressing the challenges in assessing the risks of antibiotics, emphasizing the need for integrated assessment frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, P.R. China
| | - Yukun Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, P.R. China
| | - Xuehui Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, P.R. China
| | - Shuai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, P.R. China
| | - Yijia Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, P.R. China
| | - Shenghan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, P.R. China
| | - Xinyi Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, P.R. China
| | - Zhenyao Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, P.R. China
| | - Lei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, P.R. China.
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Studziński W, Gackowska A, Kudlek E, Przybyłek M. Environmental and toxicological aspects of sulfamethoxazole photodegradation in the presence of oxidizing agents. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2025; 32:4733-4753. [PMID: 39890762 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-025-36000-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2025] [Indexed: 02/03/2025]
Abstract
Sulfamethoxazole (SMX) is a popular active substance, which is extensively applied to treat bacterial infections in humans and animals. Due to its widespread use, SMX enters the natural environment, where it can undergo degradation. Similarly to other emerging contaminants, SMX photodegradation and the use of oxidants in wastewater treatment processes can lead to the formation of potentially adverse transformation products for ecosystems. This study investigated the efficiency of SMX photodegradation in the presence of oxidizing agents (H2O2 and Fenton reagent). The potential environmental consequences of degradation product formation were analyzed based on experimental toxicity characterization. Standardized tests employing diverse organisms were utilized: Alivibrio fischeri (Microtox®), Daphnia magna (Daphtoxkit F®), and Lemna minor (Lemna sp. GIT). The potential environmental impact of the products identified in the reaction mixtures was evaluated using parameters describing aqueous solubility, hydrophobicity, toxicity, bioconcentration, persistence, and mobility. The analysis revealed that photodegradation produces transformation products with higher toxicity than SMX, as confirmed by in vitro tests of the reaction mixtures. Most of the detected compounds were found to have low mobility potential. The formation rates of key environmentally relevant transformation products, such as 1,4-benzoquinone, aniline, and phenol, were also discussed. The changes in total organic carbon (TOC) affected by photodegradation under the influence of the considered oxidizing agents were characterized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waldemar Studziński
- Faculty of Chemical Technology and Engineering, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, Seminaryjna 3, 85-326, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Alicja Gackowska
- Faculty of Chemical Technology and Engineering, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, Seminaryjna 3, 85-326, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Edyta Kudlek
- Department of Water and Wastewater Engineering, Faculty of Energy And Environmental Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, Konarskiego 18, 44-100, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Maciej Przybyłek
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Kurpińskiego 5, 85-950, Bydgoszcz, Poland.
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Chen A, Zhang T, Cheng F, Yang H, Guo Z, Zhao S, Zhang YN, Qu J. Comprehensive analysis and risk assessment of Antibiotic contaminants, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and resistance genes: Patterns, drivers, and implications in the Songliao Basin. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 361:124852. [PMID: 39216670 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 07/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The pervasive use of antibiotics has raised substantial environmental concerns, especially regarding their temporal and spatial distribution across diverse water systems. This study addressed the gap in comprehensive research on antibiotic contamination during different hydrological periods, focusing on the Jilin section of the Songliao Basin in Northeast China, an area with severe winter ice cover. The study examined the occurrence, distribution, influencing factors, and potential ecological risks of prevalent antibiotic contaminants. Findings revealed antibiotic concentrations ranging from 239.64 to 965.81 ng/L, with antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) at 5.22 × 10-2 16S rRNA-1 and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) up to 5.76 log10 CFU/mL. Ecological risk assessments identified significant risks to algae from oxytetracycline, erythromycin, and amoxicillin. Redundancy analysis and co-occurrence networks with ordinary least squares (OLS) demonstrated that the dispersion of ARGs and ARB is significantly influenced by environmental factors such as total organic carbon (TOC), total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), fluoride (F⁻), and nitrate (NO₃⁻). These elements, along with mobile genetic elements (MGEs), play crucial roles in ARG patterns (R2 = 0.94, p ≤ 0.01). This investigation offers foundational insights into antibiotic pollution dynamics in cold climates, supporting the development of targeted mitigation strategies for aquatic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjie Chen
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Fangyuan Cheng
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Hao Yang
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Zhengfeng Guo
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Siyu Zhao
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Ya-Nan Zhang
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Jiao Qu
- School of Environment, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130117, China.
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5
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Lu G, Li W, Li Z, Gu G, Han Q, Liang J, Chen Z. Enhanced Degradation of Norfloxacin Under Visible Light by S-Scheme Fe 2O 3/g-C 3N 4 Heterojunctions. Molecules 2024; 29:5212. [PMID: 39519854 PMCID: PMC11547885 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29215212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2024] [Revised: 10/19/2024] [Accepted: 10/31/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024] Open
Abstract
S-scheme Fe2O3/g-C3N4 heterojunctions were successfully fabricated by the ultrasonic assistance method to remove norfloxacin (NOR) under visible light irradiation. The synthesized catalysts were well studied through various techniques. The obtained Fe2O3/g-C3N4 heterojunctions exhibited an optimal photocatalytic degradation of 94.7% for NOR, which was 1.67 and 1.28 times higher than using Fe2O3 and g-C3N4 alone, respectively. In addition, the kinetic constant of NOR removal with Fe2O3/g-C3N4 composites was about 0.6631 h-1, and NOR photo-deegradation was still 86.7% after four cycles. The enhanced photocatalytic activity may be mainly attributed to the formation of S-scheme Fe2O3/g-C3N4 heterojunctions with built-in electric fields, which were beneficial to the separation and transfer of photostimulated charge carriers. Furthermore, a possible photo-degradation mechanism of NOR for S-scheme Fe2O3/g-C3N4 heterojunctions is described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang Lu
- School of Civil Engineering, Liaoning Petrochemical University, Fushun 113001, China; (G.L.)
| | - Wei Li
- School of Environmental & Safety Engineering, Liaoning Petrochemical University, Fushun 113001, China
| | - Zheng Li
- School of Environmental & Safety Engineering, Liaoning Petrochemical University, Fushun 113001, China
| | - Guizhou Gu
- School of Petrochemical Engineering, Liaoning Petrochemical University, Fushun 113001, China
| | - Qiuju Han
- School of Petrochemical Engineering, Liaoning Petrochemical University, Fushun 113001, China
| | - Jiling Liang
- School of Civil Engineering, Liaoning Petrochemical University, Fushun 113001, China; (G.L.)
| | - Zhen Chen
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shenyang Ligong University, Shenyang 110159, China
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Beltrán de Heredia I, González-Gaya B, Zuloaga O, Garrido I, Acosta T, Etxebarria N, Ruiz-Romera E. Occurrence of emerging contaminants in three river basins impacted by wastewater treatment plant effluents: Spatio-seasonal patterns and environmental risk assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:174062. [PMID: 38917906 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
The concern on the fate and distribution of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) is a burning topic due to their widespread occurrence and potential harmful effects. Particularly, antibiotics have received great attention due to their implications in antimicrobial resistance occurrence. The impact of wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) is remarkable, being one of the main pathways for the introduction of CECs into aquatic systems. The combination of novel analytical methodologies and risk assessment strategies is a promising tool to find out environmentally relevant compounds posing major concerns in freshwater ecosystems impacted by those wastewater effluents. Within this context, a multi-target approach was applied in three Spanish river basins affected by different WWTP treated effluents for spatio-temporal monitoring of their chemical status. Solid phase extraction followed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography were used for the quantification of a large panel of compounds (n = 270), including pharmaceuticals and other consumer products, pesticides and industrial chemicals. To this end, water samples were collected in four sampling campaigns at three locations in each basin: (i) upstream from the WWTPs; (ii) WWTP effluent discharge points (effluent outfall); and (iii) downstream from the WWTPs (500 m downriver from the effluent outfall). Likewise, 24-h composite effluent samples from each of the WWTPs were provided in all sampling periods. First the occurrence and distribution of these compounds were assessed. Diverse seasonal trends were observed depending on the group of emerging compounds, though COVID-19 outbreak affected variations of certain pharmaceuticals. Detection frequencies and concentrations in effluents generally exceeded those in river samples and concentrations measured upstream WWTPs were generally low or non-quantifiable. Finally, risks associated with maximum contamination levels were evaluated using two different approaches to account for antibiotic resistance selection as well. From all studied compounds, 89 evidenced environmental risk on at least one occasion in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Beltrán de Heredia
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Plaza Ingeniero Torres Quevedo 1, 48013 Bilbao, Spain.
| | - Belén González-Gaya
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Campus of Leioa, 48940 Leioa, Spain; Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PIE), University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Areatza Pasealekua 47, 48620 Plentzia, Basque Country, Spain
| | - Olatz Zuloaga
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Campus of Leioa, 48940 Leioa, Spain; Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PIE), University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Areatza Pasealekua 47, 48620 Plentzia, Basque Country, Spain
| | - Itziar Garrido
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Plaza Ingeniero Torres Quevedo 1, 48013 Bilbao, Spain; Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Campus of Leioa, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Teresa Acosta
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Plaza Ingeniero Torres Quevedo 1, 48013 Bilbao, Spain; Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Campus of Leioa, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Nestor Etxebarria
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Campus of Leioa, 48940 Leioa, Spain; Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PIE), University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Areatza Pasealekua 47, 48620 Plentzia, Basque Country, Spain
| | - Estilita Ruiz-Romera
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Plaza Ingeniero Torres Quevedo 1, 48013 Bilbao, Spain
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Wei J, Hong Z, Li W, Yang X, Fu Z, Chen X, Hu J, Jin Z, Long B, Chang X, Qian Y. Norfloxacin affects inorganic nitrogen compound transformation in tailwater containing Corbicula fluminea. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:135116. [PMID: 39013323 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
The Asian clam, Corbicula fluminea, commonly used in engineered wetlands receiving tailwater, affects nitrogen compound transformation in water. This study investigates how a commonly observed antibiotic in tailwater, norfloxacin, impact nitrogen compound transformation in tailwater containing C. fluminea. The clam was exposed to artificial tailwater with norfloxacin (0, 0.2, 20, and 2000 μg/L) for 15 days. Water properties, C. fluminea ecotoxicity responses, microorganism composition and nitrification- or denitrification-related enzyme activities were measured. Results revealed norfloxacin-induced increases and reductions in tailwater NH4+ and NO2- concentrations, respectively, along with antioxidant system inhibition, organ histopathological damage and disruption of water filtering and digestion system. Microorganism composition, especially biodiversity indices, varied with medium (clam organs and exposure water) and norfloxacin concentrations. Norfloxacin reduced NO2- content by lowering the ratio between microbial nitrifying enzyme (decreased hydroxylamine oxidoreductase and nitrite oxidoreductase activity) and denitrifying enzyme (increased nitrate reductase and nitrite reductase activity) in tailwater. Elevated NH4+ content resulted from upregulated ammonification and inhibited nitrification of microorganisms in tailwater, as well as increased ammonia emission from C. fluminea due to organ damage and metabolic disruption of the digestion system. Overall, this study offers insights into using benthic organisms to treat tailwater with antibiotic residues, especially regarding nitrogen treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junling Wei
- School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences & Yunnan Key Laboratory for Plateau Mountain Ecology and Restoration of Degraded Environments, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650091, China; Institute of International Institute of Rivers and Eco-Security, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650091, China.
| | - Zijin Hong
- School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences & Yunnan Key Laboratory for Plateau Mountain Ecology and Restoration of Degraded Environments, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650091, China.
| | - Wei Li
- School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences & Yunnan Key Laboratory for Plateau Mountain Ecology and Restoration of Degraded Environments, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650091, China.
| | - Xiufang Yang
- School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences & Yunnan Key Laboratory for Plateau Mountain Ecology and Restoration of Degraded Environments, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650091, China.
| | - Zihao Fu
- School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences & Yunnan Key Laboratory for Plateau Mountain Ecology and Restoration of Degraded Environments, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650091, China; Institute of International Institute of Rivers and Eco-Security, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650091, China.
| | - Xinyu Chen
- School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences & Yunnan Key Laboratory for Plateau Mountain Ecology and Restoration of Degraded Environments, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650091, China.
| | - Junxiang Hu
- School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences & Yunnan Key Laboratory for Plateau Mountain Ecology and Restoration of Degraded Environments, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650091, China.
| | - Zhangnan Jin
- School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences & Yunnan Key Laboratory for Plateau Mountain Ecology and Restoration of Degraded Environments, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650091, China.
| | - Bojiang Long
- School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences & Yunnan Key Laboratory for Plateau Mountain Ecology and Restoration of Degraded Environments, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650091, China.
| | - Xuexiu Chang
- Yunnan Collaborative Innovation Center for Plateau Lake Ecology and Environmental Health, College of Agronomy and Life Sciences, Kunming University, Kunming 650214, China; Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario N9B 3P4, Canada.
| | - Yu Qian
- School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences & Yunnan Key Laboratory for Plateau Mountain Ecology and Restoration of Degraded Environments, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650091, China; Institute of International Institute of Rivers and Eco-Security, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650091, China.
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Polianciuc SI, Ciorîță A, Soran ML, Lung I, Kiss B, Ștefan MG, Leucuța DC, Gurzău AE, Carpa R, Colobațiu LM, Loghin F. Antibiotic Residues and Resistance in Three Wastewater Treatment Plants in Romania. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:780. [PMID: 39200080 PMCID: PMC11350919 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13080780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
This study evaluates antibiotic residues and bacterial loads in influent and effluent samples from three wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Romania, across four seasons from 2021 to 2022. Analytical methods included solid-phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to quantify antibiotic concentrations, while microbiological assays estimated bacterial loads and assessed antibiotic resistance patterns. Statistical analyses explored the impact of environmental factors such as temperature and rainfall on antibiotic levels. The results showed significant seasonal variations, with higher antibiotic concentrations in warmer seasons. Antibiotic removal efficiency varied among WWTPs, with some antibiotics being effectively removed and others persisting in the effluent, posing high environmental risks and potential for antibiotic resistance development. Bacterial loads were higher in spring and summer, correlating with increased temperatures. Eight bacterial strains were isolated, with higher resistance during warmer seasons, particularly to amoxicillin and clarithromycin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Iuliana Polianciuc
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Alexandra Ciorîță
- Electon Microscopy Centre, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babeș-Bolyai University, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Integrated Electron Microscopy Laboratory, National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Maria Loredana Soran
- Department of Physics of Nanostructured Systems, National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ildiko Lung
- Department of Physics of Nanostructured Systems, National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Béla Kiss
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Maria Georgia Ștefan
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Daniel Corneliu Leucuța
- Department of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Anca Elena Gurzău
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Political, Administrative and Communication Sciences, Babeș-Bolyai University, 400095 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Rahela Carpa
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babeș-Bolyai University, 400015 Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Liora Mihaela Colobațiu
- Department of Medical Devices, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Felicia Loghin
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Bijlsma L, Xu L, Gracia-Marín E, Pitarch E, Serrano R, Kasprzyk-Hordern B. Understanding associations between antimicrobial agents usage and antimicrobial resistance genes prevalence at the community level using wastewater-based epidemiology: A Spanish pilot study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 926:171996. [PMID: 38547975 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is important for combating this global threat for public health. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is a complementary approach to current surveillance programs that minimizes some of the existing limitations. The aim of the present study is to explore WBE for monitoring antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in wastewater samples collected during 2021/2022 from the city of Castellon (Spain). Eighteen commonly prescribed antibiotics have been selected and measured by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), with triple quadrupole mass analysers. Moreover, qPCR for specific ARGs has been performed to obtain information of these genes in co-presence with antibiotics. All selected ARGs, along with a total of 11 antibiotics, were identified. The highest population-normalized daily loads were observed for the macrolide azithromycin, followed by the quinolones ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin. Subsequently, daily consumption estimates based on wastewater data were compared with prescription data of antibiotics. Statistical analyses were conducted to explore if there is correlation between antibiotics and ARGs. While no correlations were found between antibiotics and their corresponding ARGs, certain correlations (p < 0.05) were identified among non-corresponding ARGs. In addition, a strong positive correlation was found between the sum of all antibiotics and the intl1 gene. Moreover, population-normalized ARG loads significantly correlate with the 16S rRNA-normalized ARG loads, serving as an indicator for population size. Results provide a baseline for future work and a proof-of-concept emphasising the need for future work and long-term surveillance, and highlight the need of similar programs at a regional and global levels worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lubertus Bijlsma
- Environmental and Public Health Analytical Chemistry, University Jaume I, E-12071 Castellón, Spain.
| | - Like Xu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down BA27AY, United Kingdom
| | - Elisa Gracia-Marín
- Environmental and Public Health Analytical Chemistry, University Jaume I, E-12071 Castellón, Spain
| | - Elena Pitarch
- Environmental and Public Health Analytical Chemistry, University Jaume I, E-12071 Castellón, Spain
| | - Roque Serrano
- Environmental and Public Health Analytical Chemistry, University Jaume I, E-12071 Castellón, Spain
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Hazra M, Watts JEM, Williams JB, Joshi H. An evaluation of conventional and nature-based technologies for controlling antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic-resistant genes in wastewater treatment plants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 917:170433. [PMID: 38286289 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a globally recognized health concern which leads to longer hospital stays, increased morbidity, increased mortality, and higher medical costs. Understanding how antibiotic resistance persists and exchanges in environmental systems like soil, water, and wastewater are critically important for understanding the emergence of pathogens with new resistance profiles and the subsequent exposure of people who indirectly/directly come in contact with these pathogens. There are concerns about the widespread application of prophylactic antibiotics in the clinical and agriculture sectors, as well as chemicals/detergents used in food and manufacturing industries, especially the quaternary ammonium compounds which have been found responsible for the generation of resistant genes in water and soil. The rates of horizontal gene transfer increase where there is a lack of proper water/wastewater infrastructure, high antibiotic manufacturing industries, or endpoint users - such as hospitals and intensive agriculture. Conventional wastewater treatment technologies are often inefficient in the reduction of ARB/ARGs and provide the perfect combination of conditions for the development of antibiotic resistance. The wastewater discharged from municipal facilities may therefore be enriched with bacterial communities/pathogens and provide a suitable environment (due to the presence of nutrients and other pollutants) to enhance the transfer of antibiotic resistance. However, facilities with tertiary treatment (either traditional/emerging technologies) provide higher rates of reduction. This review provides a synthesis of the current understanding of wastewater treatment and antibiotic resistance, examining the drivers that may accelerate their possible transmission to a different environment, and highlighting the need for tertiary technologies used in treatment plants for the reduction of resistant bacteria/genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moushumi Hazra
- Department of Hydrology, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India; International Water Management Institute, New Delhi, India; Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Nebraska Lincoln, United States.
| | - Joy E M Watts
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - John B Williams
- School of Civil Engineering and Surveying, University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Himanshu Joshi
- Department of Hydrology, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India
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