Critical perspectives on advancing antibiotic resistant gene (ARG) detection technologies in aquatic ecosystems

The spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in aquatic ecosystems poses a serious risk to environmental and public health, making advanced detection and monitoring methods essential. This review provides a fresh perspective and a critical evaluation of recent advances in detecting and monitoring ARGs in aquatic environments. It highlights the latest innovations in molecular, bioinformatic, and environmental techniques. While traditional methods like culture-based assays and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) remain important, they are increasingly being supplemented by high-throughput sequencing technologies applied to metagenomics. These technologies offer comprehensive insights into the diversity and distribution of ARGs in aquatic environments. The integration of bioinformatic tools and databases has improved the accuracy and efficiency of ARG detection, enabling the analysis of complex datasets and tracking the evolution of ARGs in aquatic settings. Additionally, new environmental monitoring methods, including novel biosensors, geographic information systems (GIS) applications, and remote sensing technologies, have emerged as powerful tools for real-time ARG surveillance in water systems. This review critically examines the challenges of standardizing these methodologies and emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary approaches to enhance ARG monitoring across different aquatic ecosystems. By assessing the strengths and limitations of various methods, this review aims to guide future research and the development of more effective strategies for managing antibiotic resistance in aquatic environments.