Short-chain PFAS in coastal sediments: PFBS-driven antimicrobial resistance and pathogen risks

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Microbiology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Coastal sediments accumulate emerging contaminants like perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS), antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and pathogens.
• These contaminants pose significant risks to marine ecosystems and public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of PFBS on antimicrobial resistance and pathogen dynamics in coastal sediments using metagenomics.
• To identify specific ARGs, mobile genetic elements (MGEs), and pathogens affected by PFBS exposure.

Main Methods:

• Metagenomic analysis of coastal sediment samples.
• Quantification and compositional analysis of ARGs, MGEs, and bacterial pathogens.
• Comparative analysis between PFBS-exposed and unexposed sediments.

Main Results:

• PFBS exposure significantly increased the abundance of ARGs (34.44%-51.11%) and MGEs (42.96%-52.96%).
• High-risk ARGs, including vanY (vanB cluster) and vanYG1, were notably enriched.
• Prevalent pathogens like T. pallidum and S. pneumoniae showed significant increases, with 67 emerging pathogens identified across samples.
• A substantial percentage (24.67%) of pathogens co-harbored ARGs and MGEs, enhancing resistance and virulence.

Conclusions:

• PFBS acts as a significant driver of antimicrobial resistance and pathogenic proliferation in coastal sediments.
• The co-occurrence of ARGs and MGEs in pathogens amplifies risks to coastal ecosystems.
• Further research on short-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is crucial for marine ecological security.