Antimicrobial Resistance in Rivers: A Review of the Genes Detected and New Challenges

Paola Grenni

doi:10.1002/etc.5289

journal article Mar 01, 2022

Antimicrobial Resistance in Rivers: A Review of the Genes Detected and New Challenges

Paola Grenni

Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Vol. 41 No. 3 pp. 687-714 · Oxford University Press (OUP)

View at Publisher Save 10.1002/etc.5289

Abstract

Abstract
River ecosystems are very important parts of the water cycle and an excellent habitat, food, and drinking water source for many organisms, including humans. Antibiotics are emerging contaminants which can enter rivers from various sources. Several antibiotics and their related antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have been detected in these ecosystems by various research programs and could constitute a substantial problem. The presence of antibiotics and other resistance cofactors can boost the development of ARGs in the chromosomes or mobile genetic elements of natural bacteria in rivers. The ARGs in environmental bacteria can also be transferred to clinically important pathogens. However, antibiotics and their resistance genes are both not currently monitored by national or international authorities responsible for controlling the quality of water bodies. For example, they are not included in the contaminant list in the European Water Framework Directive or in the US list of Water-Quality Benchmarks for Contaminants. Although ARGs are naturally present in the environment, very few studies have focused on non-impacted rivers to assess the background ARG levels in rivers, which could provide some useful indications for future environmental regulation and legislation. The present study reviews the antibiotics and associated ARGs most commonly measured and detected in rivers, including the primary analysis tools used for their assessment. In addition, other factors that could enhance antibiotic resistance, such as the effects of chemical mixtures, the effects of climate change, and the potential effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, are discussed. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:687–714. © 2022 SETAC
Abstract
Different factors can affect antibiotic and antibiotic resistance gene concentrations in rivers, including those related to climate changes (e.g., temperature, dissolved organic carbon, water dilution, or water scarcity) and the amount of antibiotics and biocides in the effluents from urban and hospital wastewater-treatment plants, further intensified by the actual pandemic situation for specific antibiotics prescribed for coronavirus disease 2019 patients. WWTP = wastewater-treatment plant; COVID-19 = coronavirus disease 2019; ARG = antibiotic resistance gene.

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Details

Published: Mar 01, 2022
Vol/Issue: 41(3)
Pages: 687-714
License: View

Authors

P

Paola Grenni

Water Research Institute, National Research Council of Italy via Salaria km 29.300, Monterotondo Rome 00015 Italy

Cite This Article

Paola Grenni (2022). Antimicrobial Resistance in Rivers: A Review of the Genes Detected and New Challenges. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 41(3), 687-714. https://doi.org/10.1002/etc.5289

Antimicrobial Resistance in Rivers: A Review of the Genes Detected and New Challenges

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