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Positive bacteria-phage interactions drive sulfamethoxazole removal
Ying Liu1, Xiaomeng Wei2, Maozhen Han3
1School of Environment and Geography, Shandong Key Laboratory of Synergistic Control of Complex Multi-Media Pollution, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
Environmental Science and Ecotechnology
|April 22, 2026
Summary
Viruses boost antibiotic degradation and reduce resistance gene spread in constructed wetlands. By enhancing beneficial bacteria and blocking resistant strains, phages offer a novel bioremediation strategy.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Virology
- Bioremediation
Background:
- Antibiotics like sulfonamides are widespread pollutants.
- Constructed wetlands use microbial communities for pollutant breakdown.
- Bacteriophages are abundant viruses that influence bacterial communities and gene transfer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of viruses in antibiotic degradation and antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) dissemination.
- To determine if virus-bacteria interactions can enhance the removal of sulfamethoxazole (SMX).
- To assess the impact of viruses on ARG transfer.
Main Methods:
- Sediment microcosm experiments were conducted.
- Phage-concentrated solutions were added to microcosms.
- SMX removal efficiency and ARG abundance were measured.
- Bacterial community composition and viral auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Phage addition increased SMX removal by up to 35%.
- Viruses enriched SMX-degrading bacteria and augmented bacterial metabolism via AMGs.
- Lytic viruses reduced ARG abundance by lysing resistant bacteria, not by promoting transduction.
- Positive bacteria-phage interactions were key to improved SMX removal and restricted ARG transfer.
Conclusions:
- Viruses play a significant role in regulating antibiotic degradation and ARG spread in constructed wetlands.
- Virus-mediated processes, including AMGs and lytic activity, enhance bioremediation.
- Targeting viral communities is a promising strategy for mitigating antibiotic pollution and resistance.
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