Where do antibiotics come from in sewage sludge?
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Antibiotics in sewage sludge primarily originate from various sources such as human and veterinary medicine, routine agricultural practices, and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) . The extensive use of antibiotics in these sectors leads to their accumulation in sludge, which can contaminate soils when the sludge is applied as an organic amendment. Studies have detected a wide range of antibiotics in sludge samples, with fluoroquinolones being the most dominant class in different sources . Additionally, antibiotic biosynthetic genes have been found in activated sludge from WWTPs, indicating a potential for antibiotic production within these treatment systems . Overall, the presence of antibiotics in sewage sludge is a result of their widespread use across various sectors and their subsequent transfer into the environment through different pathways.
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| Papers (5) | Insight |
|---|---|
2 Citations | Antibiotics in sewage sludge originate from antibiotic biosynthetic genes (ABGs) present in activated sludge, as revealed by metagenomics and metatranscriptomics analyses in wastewater treatment plants. |
21 Citations | Antibiotics in sewage sludge primarily originate from various sources like municipal solid waste treatment facilities, industrial and municipal wastewater treatment plants, and animal farms, with fluoroquinolones being the dominant type. |
| Antibiotics in sewage sludge primarily originate from wastewater treatment plants (66.8%), with lesser contributions from aquaculture and cattle farms (21.2%), indicating a higher presence of human antibiotics. | |
01 Jan 2021 4 Citations | Antibiotics in sewage sludge primarily originate from human and veterinary use, agricultural practices, and inadequate waste disposal, contributing to antibiotic resistance dissemination in Wastewater Treatment Plants. |
6 Citations | Antibiotics in sewage sludge originate from wastewater treatment plants, accumulating from various sources. Sludge treatment reduces antibiotic levels, with ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin being the most prevalent. |
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How do antibiotics enter the environment?3 answersAntibiotics enter the environment through various routes. They are introduced into the soil through livestock manure and compost, which can then run off to surface water or leach into groundwater during rainfall. Antibiotics are also excreted in the environment after consumption by humans and animals, with sewage treatment plants and wastewater treatment plants being potential sources of antibiotic residues. Additionally, the use of antibiotics in agriculture, aquaculture, and veterinary settings, as well as the waste from animal farms, wastewater from pharmaceutical companies, and hospitals, contribute to the presence of antibiotic residues and antibiotic resistance genes in the environment. Improper usage and disposal of antibiotics also contribute to antibiotic pollution in the environment. Once antibiotics are released into the environment, they can pose a threat to soil and water quality and can lead to the development of antibiotic resistance among harmful microbes and bacteria.
Is ampicillin part of the antibiotics contaminants of ground and surface water?5 answersAmpicillin is indeed part of the antibiotics contaminants found in surface water. It has been detected in water samples, including environmental water samples, surface water samples, and effluent wastewater samples. The presence of ampicillin in water is a concern due to its potential for water and soil contamination. The accurate quantification of ampicillin in water is challenging due to its physicochemical properties, but methods have been developed to address this issue. The detection of ampicillin in water samples has been achieved using enzyme-based detection methods, which have been shown to be selective, sensitive, rapid, and relatively simple. The presence of ampicillin in water samples highlights the need for monitoring and addressing the contamination of surface water with antibiotics.
Can antibiotics in agricultural soil be taken up by plants?4 answersAntibiotics in agricultural soil can be taken up by plants. The roots of plants play a crucial role in the uptake of antibiotics from the soil. The ability of antibiotics to be absorbed by plants depends on their physicochemical properties and their ability to pass through membranes. Different plant species have varying abilities to accumulate antibiotics, with spinach being found to have the highest accumulation. The concentration of antibiotics in the soil and their persistence also influence their uptake by plants. The presence of antibiotics in plants grown in contaminated soil raises concerns about the potential transfer of antibiotic residues to the food chain and the development of antibiotic resistance. Further research is needed to understand the extent of antibiotic uptake by plants and its implications for human health and the environment.
How are antibiotics obtained for use by humans?2 answersAntibiotics for use by humans are obtained through two main methods: chemical synthesis and natural products. Chemical synthesis involves the creation of antibiotics in a laboratory setting, while natural products refer to antibiotics derived from natural sources. Currently, most of the antibiotics used in human medicine are derived from natural products, such as β-lactam antibiotics, vancomycin, and colistin. These natural products play a crucial role in the development of antibiotics and are considered the "last line of defense" against bacterial infections. The discovery and usage of antibiotics have greatly improved the ability of humans to fight bacterial infections and have been instrumental in clinical settings, veterinary science, and agriculture.
How to detect antibiotic genes in wastewater of farms?5 answersAntibiotic genes in wastewater from farms can be detected through various methods. One approach is to analyze the treated wastewater from different types of livestock farms, such as broiler, layer, and pig farms, and examine the presence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Another method involves studying the distribution and removal of intracellular and extracellular ARGs during cattle farm wastewater treatment, which includes processes like solid-liquid separation, anaerobic regulation, and membrane bioreactor (MBR). Additionally, shotgun metagenomic sequencing and downstream analysis can be used to detect ARGs in wastewater samples collected from wastewater facilities. In the case of ornamental fish farms, the occurrence and abundance of ARGs can be studied by analyzing wastewater samples and examining the prevalence of different ARGs and their correlation with antibiotics and environmental factors. These methods provide insights into the presence and prevalence of antibiotic genes in farm wastewater, aiding in the monitoring and prevention of antibiotic resistance.