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Polystyrene and its dissolved organic matter accelerate antibiotic resistance gene dissemination in anaerobic

Zixuan Zhang1, Rui Wang1, Zhibo An1

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Soil and Water Conservation and Desertification control, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.

Water Research
|November 22, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Microplastics (MPs) and microplastic-derived dissolved organic matter (MP-DOM) amplify antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) during anaerobic digestion. MP-DOM showed a stronger effect, primarily by altering microbial metabolism and increasing gene transfer.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Microbiology
  • Environmental Chemistry

Background:

  • Microplastics (MPs) in wastewater sludge release dissolved organic matter (MP-DOM).
  • MP-DOM and MPs can influence the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs).
  • Mechanisms of MP and MP-DOM impact on ARGs during anaerobic digestion (AD) are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the dissemination potential of ARGs under MP and MP-DOM treatment during AD.
  • To elucidate the distinct contributions and mechanisms of MPs and MP-DOM on ARGs dissemination.

Main Methods:

  • Metagenomic sequencing was employed to analyze microbial communities and gene abundances.
  • Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to assess relationships between variables.
  • Microbial functional responses, including membrane permeability and gene expression, were examined.

Main Results:

  • Both MP and MP-DOM treatments significantly increased ARGs, virulence factor genes, and mobile genetic elements (1.25-1.79 fold).
  • MP-DOM demonstrated a stronger enhancement effect on ARGs dissemination compared to MPs.
  • MP-DOM primarily stimulated stress-adaptive carbohydrate metabolism in hydrolytic microorganisms, while MPs induced selection pressure via reactive oxygen species.

Conclusions:

  • MP-DOM is a significant, previously overlooked driver amplifying ARGs dissemination in sludge AD.
  • Understanding MP-DOM's biological effects is crucial for managing plastic-derived contaminants and antibiotic resistance.
  • This study provides critical insights into the environmental risks associated with microplastics in wastewater treatment processes.
Keywords:
Antibiotic resistance genesDisseminationDissolved organic mattersMicroplasticsReactive oxygen speciesSludge

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