Bioaccessible PAH influence on distribution of antibiotic resistance genes and soil toxicity of different types of land use

Assessment of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Soils Polluted by Chemical and Technogenic Ways with Poly-Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Heavy Metals

Anthropogenic activities are leaving lots of chemical footprints on the soil. It alters the physiochemical characteristics of the soil thereby modifying the natural soil microbiome. The prevalence of antimicrobial-resistance microbes in polluted soil has gained attention due to its obvious public health risks. This study focused on assessing the prevalence and distribution of antibiotic-resistance genes in polluted soil ecosystems impacted by industrial enterprises in southern Russia. Metagenomic analysis was conducted on soil samples collected from polluted sites using various approaches, and the prevalence of antibiotic-resistance genes was investigated. The results revealed that efflux-encoding pump sequences were the most widely represented group of genes, while genes whose products replaced antibiotic targets were less represented. The level of soil contamination increased, and there was an increase in the total number of antibiotic-resistance genes in proteobacteria, but a decrease in actinobacteria. The study proposed an optimal mechanism for processing metagenomic data in polluted soil ecosystems, which involves mapping raw reads by the KMA method, followed by a detailed study of specific genes. The study's conclusions provide valuable insights into the prevalence and distribution of antibiotic-resistance genes in polluted soils and have been illustrated in heat maps.

Environmental impact and human health effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and remedial strategies: A detailed review

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) profoundly impact public and environmental health. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of their intricate functions, exposure pathways, and potential health implications is imperative to implement remedial strategies and legislation effectively. This review seeks to explore PAH mobility, direct exposure pathways, and cutting-edge bioremediation technologies essential for combating the pervasive contamination of environments by PAHs, thereby expanding our foundational knowledge. PAHs, characterised by their toxicity and possession of two or more aromatic rings, exhibit diverse configurations. Their lipophilicity and remarkable persistence contribute to their widespread prevalence as hazardous environmental contaminants and byproducts. Primary sources of PAHs include contaminated food, water, and soil, which enter the human body through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal exposure. While short-term consequences encompass eye irritation, nausea, and vomiting, long-term exposure poses risks of kidney and liver damage, difficulty breathing, and asthma-like symptoms. Notably, cities with elevated PAH levels may witness exacerbation of bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Bioremediation techniques utilising microorganisms emerge as a promising avenue to mitigate PAH-related health risks by facilitating the breakdown of these compounds in polluted environments. Furthermore, this review delves into the global concern of antimicrobial resistance associated with PAHs, highlighting its implications. The environmental effects and applications of genetically altered microbes in addressing this challenge warrant further exploration, emphasising the dynamic nature of ongoing research in this field.