Antimicrobial resistance in urban river ecosystems

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Microbiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health threat, exacerbated by environmental factors.
• Urban rivers receive significant anthropogenic waste, including antibiotics and heavy metals, creating reservoirs for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB).
• These rivers act as vectors for AMR spread to humans and animals through contaminated water and mobile genetic elements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the critical issues surrounding AMR in urban rivers.
• To identify major drivers, sources, and hotspots of ARGs and ARB.
• To discuss the impact of AMR on riverine organisms and explore current and emerging mitigation strategies.

Main Methods:

• This study is a comprehensive literature review.
• It synthesizes existing research on AMR drivers, ARGs, ARB, and mobile genetic elements in urban rivers.
• It analyzes adverse effects and evaluates current and novel control measures.

Main Results:

• Urban rivers are significant reservoirs and hotspots for ARGs and ARB due to pollution.
• Co-occurrence of ARGs and mobile genetic elements accelerates AMR evolution and spread.
• Antibiotic pollution adversely affects riverine organisms.

Conclusions:

• Urban rivers play a crucial role in the dissemination of AMR.
• Effective management requires addressing pollution sources and implementing advanced treatment technologies.
• Strategies like constructed wetlands and advanced water treatment show promise for combating AMR in these ecosystems.