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Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Agricultural Soils: A Comprehensive Review of the Hidden Crisis and Exploring Control Strategies

Summary

Antibiotics used in farming and medicine are creating resistant bacteria that accumulate in soil, threatening food safety and human health through the food chain. This review explains how these resistant genes spread through soil microorganisms and presents practical solutions including special soil treatments, chemical processes, and beneficial microorganisms to reduce the problem. The authors emphasize the need for stricter regulations on antibiotic use in agriculture and better management of farm manure to protect both soil health and public health.

Background

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have accumulated in agricultural soils due to extensive antibiotic use in animal husbandry and agriculture. ARGs can be transferred between microorganisms via horizontal gene transfer, increasing resistance dissemination and posing significant threats to public health and soil ecosystems.

Objective

This comprehensive review examines the sources, occurrence patterns, and potential risks of antibiotic resistance genes in agricultural soils. The study proposes and discusses various physical, chemical, and biological remediation strategies to effectively reduce ARG abundance and dissemination in soil environments.

Results

The review identifies livestock manure, sewage sludge, aquaculture wastewater, and hospital discharge as primary ARG sources. ARG contamination shows significant geographical variation influenced by environmental factors and heavy metals. Remediation strategies demonstrated varying effectiveness: hyperthermophilic treatment (98.8%), electrochemically driven UV/Cl₂ (99.9%), and biochar amendments (88.6%) showed high removal rates.

Conclusion

ARGs in agricultural soils pose serious environmental and public health threats through food chain transmission and horizontal gene transfer. Effective management requires integrated approaches combining physical, chemical, and biological remediation methods, alongside strict regulatory mechanisms for veterinary antibiotics, standards for ARG control in organic fertilizers, and technical guidance for manure treatment to protect soil health and public health.
  • Published in:Toxics,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 40278556
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