1
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Wang X, Li J, Pan X. How micro-/nano-plastics influence the horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes - A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 944:173881. [PMID: 38871331 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173881] [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: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Plastic debris such as microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPTs), along with antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), are pervasive in the environment and are recognized as significant global health and ecological concerns. Micro-/nano-plastics (MNPs) have been demonstrated to favor the spread of ARGs by enhancing the frequency of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) through various pathways. This paper comprehensively and systematically reviews the current study with focus on the influence of plastics on the HGT of ARGs. The critical role of MNPs in the HGT of ARGs has been well illustrated in sewage sludge, livestock farms, constructed wetlands and landfill leachate. A summary of the performed HGT assay and the underlying mechanism of plastic-mediated transfer of ARGs is presented in the paper. MNPs could facilitate or inhibit HGT of ARGs, and their effects depend on the type, size, and concentration. This review provides a comprehensive insight into the effects of MNPs on the HGT of ARGs, and offers suggestions for further study. Further research should attempt to develop a standard HGT assay and focus on investigating the impact of different plastics, including the oligomers they released, under real environmental conditions on the HGT of ARGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaonan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China; Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310015, China; School of Environment Science and Spatial Information, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China; Shaoxing Research Institute of Zhejiang University of Technology, Shaoxing 312000, China
| | - Jiahao Li
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Xiangliang Pan
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
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2
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Yan X, Chio C, Li H, Zhu Y, Chen X, Qin W. Colonization characteristics and surface effects of microplastic biofilms: Implications for environmental behavior of typical pollutants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 937:173141. [PMID: 38761927 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173141] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
This paper summarizes the colonization dynamics of biofilms on microplastics (MPs) surfaces in aquatic environments, encompassing bacterial characteristics, environmental factors affecting biofilm formation, and matrix types and characteristics. The interaction between biofilm and MPs was also discussed. Through summarizing recent literatures, it was found that MPs surfaces offer numerous benefits to microorganisms, including nutrient enrichment and enhanced resistance to environmental stress. Biofilm colonization changes the surface physical and chemical properties as well as the transport behavior of MPs. At the same time, biofilms also play an important role in the fragmentation and degradation of MPs. In addition, we also investigated the coexistence level, adsorption mechanism, enrichment, and transformation of MPs by environmental pollutants mediated by biofilms. Moreover, an interesting aspect about the colonization of biofilms was discussed. Biofilm colonization not only had a great effect on the accumulation of heavy metals by MPs, but also affects the interaction between particles and environmental pollutants, thereby changing their toxic effects and increasing the difficulty of MPs treatment. Consequently, further attention and research are warranted to delve into the internal mechanisms, environmental risks, and the control of the coexistence of MPs and biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiurong Yan
- College of Environmental & Resource Sciences, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi Province, China; Shanxi Laboratory for Yellow River, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Chonlong Chio
- Department of Biology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 5E1, Canada
| | - Hua Li
- College of Environmental & Resource Sciences, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi Province, China; Shanxi Laboratory for Yellow River, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Yuen Zhu
- College of Environmental & Resource Sciences, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi Province, China; Shanxi Laboratory for Yellow River, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi Province, China; Department of Biology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 5E1, Canada.
| | - Xuantong Chen
- Department of Biology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 5E1, Canada
| | - Wensheng Qin
- Department of Biology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 5E1, Canada.
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3
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Du J, Huang W, Pan Y, Xu S, Li H, Jin M, Liu Q. Ecotoxicological Effects of Microplastics Combined With Antibiotics in the Aquatic Environment: Recent Developments and Prospects. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2024. [PMID: 38980257 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Both microplastics and antibiotics are commonly found contaminants in aquatic ecosystems. Microplastics have the ability to absorb antibiotic pollutants in water, but the specific adsorption behavior and mechanism are not fully understood, particularly in relation to the impact of microplastics on toxicity in aquatic environments. We review the interaction, mechanism, and transport of microplastics and antibiotics in water environments, with a focus on the main physical characteristics and environmental factors affecting adsorption behavior in water. We also analyze the effects of microplastic carriers on antibiotic transport and long-distance transport in the water environment. The toxic effects of microplastics combined with antibiotics on aquatic organisms are systematically explained, as well as the effect of the adsorption behavior of microplastics on the spread of antibiotic resistance genes. Finally, the scientific knowledge gap and future research directions related to the interactions between microplastics and antibiotics in the water environment are summarized to provide basic information for preventing and treating environmental risks. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;00:1-12. © 2024 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Du
- College of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, China
- Suzhou Fishseeds Bio-technology, Suzhou, China
- Suzhou Health-Originated Bio-technology Ltd., Suzhou, China
| | - Wenfei Huang
- Eco-Environmental Science and Research, Institute of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Pan
- College of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shaodan Xu
- College of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, China
| | | | - Meiqing Jin
- College of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qinghua Liu
- Suzhou Fishseeds Bio-technology, Suzhou, China
- Suzhou Health-Originated Bio-technology Ltd., Suzhou, China
- Wisdom Lake Academy of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, China
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4
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Zhang W, Geng J, Sun M, Jiang C, Lin H, Chen H, Yang Y. Distinct species turnover patterns shaped the richness of antibiotic resistance genes on eight different microplastic polymers. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 259:119562. [PMID: 38971360 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Elucidating the formation mechanism of plastisphere antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) on different polymers is necessary to understand the ecological risks of plastisphere ARGs. Here, we explored the turnover and assembly mechanism of plastisphere ARGs on 8 different microplastic polymers (4 biodegradable (bMPs) and 4 non-biodegradable microplastics (nMPs)) by metagenomic sequencing. Our study revealed the presence of 479 ARGs with abundance ranging from 41.37 to 58.17 copies/16S rRNA gene in all plastispheres. These ARGs were predominantly multidrug resistance genes. The richness of plastisphere ARGs on different polymers had a significant correlation with the contribution of species turnover to plastisphere ARGs β diversity. Furthermore, polymer type was the most critical factor affecting the composition of plastisphere ARGs. More opportunistic pathogens carrying diverse ARGs on BMPs (PBAT, PBS, and PHA) with higher horizontal gene transfer potential may further magnify the ecological risks and human health threats. For example, the opportunistic pathogens Riemerella anatipestifer, Vibrio campbellii, and Vibrio cholerae are closely related to human production and life, which were the important potential hosts of many plastisphere ARGs and mobile genetic elements on BMPs. Thus, we emphasize the urgency of developing the formation mechanism of plastisphere ARGs and the necessity of controlling BMPs and ARG pollution, especially BMPs, with ever-increasing usage in daily life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihong Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Wetland Evolution & Ecological Restoration, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Key Laboratory of Lake and Watershed Science for Water Security, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China; Danjiangkou Wetland Ecosystem Field Scientific Observation and Research Station, The Chinese Academy of Sciences & Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Jun Geng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Wetland Evolution & Ecological Restoration, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Key Laboratory of Lake and Watershed Science for Water Security, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China; Danjiangkou Wetland Ecosystem Field Scientific Observation and Research Station, The Chinese Academy of Sciences & Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Mengge Sun
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Wetland Evolution & Ecological Restoration, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; School of Ocean Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Chunxia Jiang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Wetland Evolution & Ecological Restoration, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; Key Laboratory of Lake and Watershed Science for Water Security, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China; Danjiangkou Wetland Ecosystem Field Scientific Observation and Research Station, The Chinese Academy of Sciences & Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Hui Lin
- Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Institute of Environment, Resource, Soil and Fertilizers, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, China.
| | - Haiyang Chen
- College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Yuyi Yang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Wetland Evolution & Ecological Restoration, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Key Laboratory of Lake and Watershed Science for Water Security, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China; Danjiangkou Wetland Ecosystem Field Scientific Observation and Research Station, The Chinese Academy of Sciences & Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430074, China.
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5
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Sun J, Zhang X, Gong X, Sun Y, Zhang S, Wang F. Metagenomic analysis reveals gene taxonomic and functional diversity response to microplastics and cadmium in an agricultural soil. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 251:118673. [PMID: 38493845 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118673] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Both microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals are common soil pollutants and can interact to generate combined toxicity to soil ecosystems, but their impact on soil microbial communities (e.g., archaea and viruses) remains poorly studied. Here, metagenomic analysis was used to explore the response of soil microbiome in an agricultural soil exposed to MPs [i.e., polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polylactic acid (PLA)] and/or Cd. Results showed that MPs had more profound effects on microbial community composition, diversity, and gene abundances when compared to Cd or their combination. Metagenomic analysis indicated that the gene taxonomic diversity and functional diversity of microbial communities varied with MPs type and dose. MPs affected the relative abundance of major microbial phyla and genera, while their coexistence with Cd influenced dominant fungi and viruses. Nitrogen-transforming and pathogenic genera, which were more sensitive to MPs variations, could serve as the indicative taxa for MPs contamination. High-dose PLA treatments (10%, w/w) not only elevated nitrogen metabolism and pathogenic genes, but also enriched copiotrophic microbes from the Proteobacteria phylum. Overall, MPs and Cd showed minimal interactions on soil microbial communities. This study highlights the microbial shifts due to co-occurring MPs and Cd, providing evidence for understanding their environmental risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Sun
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266042, PR China; Shandong Vocational College of Science and Technology, Weifang, Shandong Province, 261000, PR China
| | - Xiaoqing Zhang
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266042, PR China
| | - Xiaoqiang Gong
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan Province, 621010, PR China
| | - Yuhuan Sun
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266042, PR China
| | - Shuwu Zhang
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266042, PR China
| | - Fayuan Wang
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266042, PR China.
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6
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Xie S, Hamid N, Zhang T, Zhang Z, Peng L. Unraveling the nexus: Microplastics, antibiotics, and ARGs interactions, threats and control in aquaculture - A review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 471:134324. [PMID: 38640666 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134324] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, aquaculture has expanded rapidly to address food scarcity and provides high-quality aquatic products. However, this growth has led to the release of significant effluents, containing emerging contaminants like antibiotics, microplastics (MPs), and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). This study investigated the occurrence and interactions of these pollutants in aquaculture environment. Combined pollutants, such as MPs and coexisting adsorbents, were widespread and could include antibiotics, heavy metals, resistance genes, and pathogens. Elevated levels of chemical pollutants on MPs could lead to the emergence of resistance genes under selective pressure, facilitated by bacterial communities and horizontal gene transfer (HGT). MPs acted as vectors, transferring pollutants into the food web. Various technologies, including membrane technology, coagulation, and advanced oxidation, have been trialed for pollutants removal, each with its benefits and drawbacks. Future research should focus on ecologically friendly treatment technologies for emerging contaminants in aquaculture wastewater. This review provided insights into understanding and addressing newly developing toxins, aiming to develop integrated systems for effective aquaculture wastewater treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Xie
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Haikou 570228, China; School of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Naima Hamid
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, University Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Haikou 570228, China; School of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Zijun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Haikou 570228, China; School of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Licheng Peng
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Haikou 570228, China; School of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
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7
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Stevenson EM, Buckling A, Cole M, Lindeque PK, Murray AK. Selection for antimicrobial resistance in the plastisphere. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168234. [PMID: 37924893 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168234] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics and antimicrobials are widespread contaminants that threaten global systems and frequently co-exist in the presence of human or animal pathogens. Whilst the impact of each of these contaminants has been studied in isolation, the influence of this co-occurrence in driving antimicrobial resistance (AMR)1 in microplastic-adhered microbial communities, known as 'the Plastisphere', is not well understood. This review proposes the mechanisms by which interactions between antimicrobials and microplastics may drive selection for AMR in the Plastisphere. These include: 1) increased rates of horizontal gene transfer in the Plastisphere compared with free-living counterparts and natural substrate controls due to the proximity of cells, co-occurrence of environmental microplastics with AMR selective compounds and the sequestering of extracellular antibiotic resistance genes in the biofilm matrix. 2) An elevated AMR selection pressure in the Plastisphere due to the adsorbing of AMR selective or co-selective compounds to microplastics at concentrations greater than those found in surrounding mediums and potentially those adsorbed to comparator particles. 3) AMR selection pressure may be further elevated in the Plastisphere due to the incorporation of antimicrobial or AMR co-selective chemicals in the plastic matrix during manufacture. Implications for both ecological functioning and environmental risk assessments are discussed, alongside recommendations for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Stevenson
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter Medical School, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Penryn Campus, Cornwall, UK; Marine Ecology & Biodiversity, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, West Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, UK; Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Angus Buckling
- Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Matthew Cole
- Marine Ecology & Biodiversity, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, West Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, UK
| | - Penelope K Lindeque
- Marine Ecology & Biodiversity, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, West Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, UK; Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Aimee K Murray
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter Medical School, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Penryn Campus, Cornwall, UK.
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8
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Oyewo B, Tauringana V, Tingbani I. Microplastics in aquatic bodies: Assessing the role of governance mechanisms in industrial wastewater management. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 349:119563. [PMID: 37976640 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119563] [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: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to examine the association between corporate governance mechanisms (board independence, board gender diversity, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) duality, and environmental, social and governance (ESG) linked compensation) and wastewater recycling as a strategy for managing the flow of microplastics into the aquatic environment. The study analysed an international sample of top companies on the Forbes 500 list over a 15-year period during the millennium development goals (MDGs) and sustainable development goals (SDGs) eras. Multiple regression analysis with fixed effect OLS, two-stage least squares regression, propensity score matching, and logistic regression were applied in the data analysis. The results show that, at the aggregate level, board gender diversity is positively associated with wastewater recycling, whilst CEO duality has a significant negative impact. When disaggregated into industries, board gender diversity is positively associated with wastewater recycling in high-polluting and low-polluting industries. In relation to the MDGs/SDGs eras, the impact of board gender diversity is more significant in the MDGs era than in the SDGs era. At the geographical region level, CEO duality has a significant negative impact on wastewater management in the America and Asia Pacific regions, whilst the effect of CEO duality is significantly positive in the Western Europe region. We also find that a minimum of two female directors is required to improve wastewater management practice. The study concludes that whilst board gender diversity is a notable driver of wastewater management, CEO duality diminishes the commitment of multinational entities (MNEs) to addressing wastewater management issues. Our result is robust to (i) alternative measures of wastewater management, (ii) alternate sample composition, (iii) alternate method of data analysis, and (iv) endogeneity checks. The study contributes to the limited literature on waste management and the circular economy, particularly governance mechanisms' role in wastewater management in an international context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babajide Oyewo
- Essex Business School, University of Essex, Colchester, United Kingdom.
| | - Venancio Tauringana
- Department of Accounting, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.
| | - Ishmael Tingbani
- Department of Accounting, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.
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9
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Zhao Y, Jin R, Chen Y, Zhang J, Tao S, Liu S, Shen M. Constructed wetlands as neglected fixed source of microplastics and antibiotic resistance genes in natural water bodies? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 902:166474. [PMID: 37625720 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
The pollution status and the harm caused by microplastics and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in aquatic ecosystems have been a growing concern. The presence of microplastics could accelerate the transfer and spread of ARGs. Before sewage reaches natural water bodies, microplastics and ARGs need to be eliminated through specific processes. Constructed wetlands are currently an effective and environmentally friendly wastewater treatment process. Research has shown significant effectiveness in removing microplastics and ARGs. Microplastics and ARGs can be removed through processes such as adsorption, capture, adhesion, and biodegradation. However, long-term continuous operation could lead to constructed wetlands becoming significant reservoirs of microplastics and ARGs. Inflow loads and seasonal variations in constructed wetlands may result in the reintroduction of persistent microplastics and ARGs into the receiving water body, establishing the constructed wetland as a continuous source of these pollutants in the receiving water body. The key to the widespread application of constructed wetlands lies in solving this challenging problem. Therefore, although constructed wetlands serve as a green strategy for removing microplastics and ARGs, there are still many gaps in our knowledge. Based on the current accumulation of microplastics and ARGs in constructed wetlands, this paper summarizes the removal of microplastics and ARGs in existing constructed wetlands and explores the interaction between them. Additionally, it proposes suggestions for optimizing the process and improving the reliability of monitoring microplastics and ARGs in sewage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Zhao
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - Ruixin Jin
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - Yihua Chen
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China.
| | - Jiahao Zhang
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - Shiyu Tao
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - Shiwei Liu
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - Maocai Shen
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China.
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10
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Li Y, Wang H, Wang M, Wang Y, Shi B. The perfluoroalkyl substances influenced the distribution of bacterial communities and their functions from source water to tap water. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 247:120831. [PMID: 37950955 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120831] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in drinking water are environmental issues that require special attention. The objective of this study was to know the effects of PFASs on microbial communities and their functional genes from source water to tap water. PFASs were detected by mass-labeled internal standards method, and the microbial communities and functional genes were analyzed by metagenomics. Our results indicated that the concentration of total PFASs in the water ranged from 47.7 to 171.4 ng/L, with perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) being the dominant types. The PFASs concentration decreased slowly from source to tap water in some months. PFBA, PFOA, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) influenced the functional genes related to two-component system, bacterial secretion system and flagellar assembly of Aquabacterium, Methylobacterium, and Curvibacter, which contributed significantly to macB and evgS. Therefore, the bacterial communities enhanced adaptation to fluctuating environments by upregulating some functional genes under the PFASs stress, with concomitant changes in the expression of ARGs. Moreover, PFASs also promoted the expression of functional genes associated with human diseases, such as shigellosis and tuberculosis, which increased the risk of human pathogenicity. The bench scale experiment results also suggested that PFOA and PFOS in drinking water can promote the ARGs proliferation and induce microbial risk. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures to prevent the risks caused by PFASs and ARGs in drinking water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukang Li
- Beijing Key Lab for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China; Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Haibo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China.
| | - Min Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Yili Wang
- Beijing Key Lab for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China.
| | - Baoyou Shi
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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11
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Xu L, Li K, Zhang M, Guo J, Jia W, Bai X, Tian X, Huang Y. Plastic substrate and residual time of microplastics in the urban river shape the composition and structure of bacterial communities in plastisphere. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 345:118710. [PMID: 37536136 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
The widespread secondary microplastics (MPs) in urban freshwater, originating from plastic wastes, have created a new habitat called plastisphere for microorganisms. The factors influencing the structure and ecological risks of the microbial community within the plastisphere are not yet fully understood. We conducted an in-site incubation experiment in an urban river, using MPs from garbage bags (GB), shopping bags (SB), and plastic bottles (PB). Bacterial communities in water and plastisphere incubated for 2 and 4 weeks were analyzed by 16S high-throughput sequencing. The results showed the bacterial composition of the plastisphere, especially the PB, exhibited enrichment of plastic-degrading and photoautotrophic taxa. Diversity declined in GB and PB but increased in SB plastisphere. Abundance analysis revealed distinct bacterial species that were enriched or depleted in each type of plastisphere. As the succession progressed, the differences in community structure was more pronounced, and the decline in the complexity of bacterial community within each plastisphere suggested increasing specialization. All the plastisphere exhibited elevated pathogenicity at the second or forth week, compared to bacterial communities related to natural particles. These findings highlighted the continually evolving plastisphere in urban rivers was influenced by the plastic substrates, and attention should be paid to fragile plastic wastes due to the rapidly increasing pathogenicity of the bacterial community attached to them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libo Xu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Kang Li
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Mengjun Zhang
- Peking University Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518057, China; PKU-HKUST Shenzhen-Hongkong Institution, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518057, China
| | - Jiabao Guo
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Weiqian Jia
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Xinyi Bai
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Xudong Tian
- Key Laboratory of Ecological and Environmental Monitoring, Forewarning and Quality Control of Zhejiang, Zhejiang Ecological and Environmental Monitoring Center, Hangzhou, 310012, China.
| | - Yi Huang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
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Liu H, Li H, Qiu L, Xie Q, Lu Y, Chen B, Wang H, Long Y, Hu L, Fang C. Alteration of the migration trajectory of antibiotic resistance genes by microplastics in a leachate activated sludge system. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 333:121981. [PMID: 37321316 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121981] [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: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The environmental behavior of emerging contaminants of microplastics (MPs), antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the leachate activated sludge system has been monitored and analyzed comprehensively. The results suggested that MPs could effectively alter the migration trajectory of tetracycline resistance genes (tet genes) in the leachate activated sludge system under intermittent and continuous influent conditions. After adding MPs, the total average abundance of tet genes in leachate increased from 0.74 ± 0.07 to 0.78 ± 0.07 (log10tet genes/log10 16S rRNA) and that in sludge increased from 0.65 ± 0.08 to 0.70 ± 0.06 (log10tet genes/log10 16S rRNA). Except for tetA, the abundance of tetB, tetO, tetM and tetQ on MPs increased with increasing TC concentration under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. MPs not only significantly affect the abundance level and migration trajectory of ARGs in the leachate activated sludge system, but also remarkably improve the level of heavy metals in the ambient environment, indirectly promoting the selective effect of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and promoting the development of antibiotic resistance (AR). In addition, MPs changed their physicochemical properties and released hazardous substances with aging to force tet genes to migrate from the leachate activated sludge system to the MPs, making AR more difficult to eliminate and persisted in wastewater treatment plants. Meanwhile, microorganisms played a driving role, making MPs serve as a niche for ARGs and ARB colonization. The co-occurrence network analysis indicated the specific distribution pattern of tet genes and microorganisms in different media, and the potential host was speculated. This study improves the understanding of the environmental behavior of emerging contaminants in leachate activated sludge system and lays a theoretical for protecting the ecological environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyuan Liu
- College of Civil Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, China.
| | - Hong Li
- College of Civil Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, China
| | - Libo Qiu
- College of Civil Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, China
| | - Qiaona Xie
- College of Civil Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, China
| | - Yingying Lu
- Environmental Science Research & Design Institute of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310007, China
| | - Binhui Chen
- Key Laboratory of Recycling and Eco-treatment of Waste Biomass of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Recycling and Eco-treatment of Waste Biomass of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, China
| | - Yuyang Long
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310012, China
| | - Lifang Hu
- College of Quality and Safety Engineering, Institution of Industrial Carbon Metrology, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Chengran Fang
- College of Civil Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, China.
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13
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Zhu S, Yang B, Wang Z, Liu Y. Augmented dissemination of antibiotic resistance elicited by non-antibiotic factors. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 262:115124. [PMID: 37327521 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The emergence and rapid spread of antibiotic resistance seriously compromise the clinical efficacy of current antibiotic therapies, representing a serious public health threat worldwide. Generally, drug-susceptible bacteria can acquire antibiotic resistance through genetic mutation or gene transfer, among which horizontal gene transfer (HGT) plays a dominant role. It is widely acknowledged that the sub-inhibitory concentrations of antibiotics are the key drivers in promoting the transmission of antibiotic resistance. However, accumulating evidence in recent years has shown that in addition to antibiotics, non-antibiotics can also accelerate the horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Nevertheless, the roles and potential mechanisms of non-antibiotic factors in the transmission of ARGs remain largely underestimated. In this review, we depict the four pathways of HGT and their differences, including conjugation, transformation, transduction and vesiduction. We summarize non-antibiotic factors accounting for the enhanced horizontal transfer of ARGs and their underlying molecular mechanisms. Finally, we discuss the limitations and implications of current studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyao Zhu
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bingqing Yang
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhiqiang Wang
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yuan Liu
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China; Institute of Comparative Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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