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Occurrence and Distribution of Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance Genes in the Water and Sediments of Reservoir-Based Drinking Water Sources in Henan, China

Summary

This study examined three drinking water reservoirs in China to understand how antibiotic-resistant bacteria spread through water and sediment. Researchers found that mobile genetic elements (like integrons) play a bigger role than antibiotics themselves in spreading resistance genes among bacteria. One reservoir, Jian’gang, naturally removed most resistance genes as water flowed through, suggesting its natural purification processes are quite effective. Understanding how these factors work together helps protect drinking water supplies from antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Background

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and residual antibiotics are significant contaminants in drinking water sources, with reservoirs serving as primary reservoirs for ARGs. This study examines the distribution of antibiotics, ARGs, and heavy metals in three Yellow River-sourced reservoirs in Henan Province, China, to assess environmental contamination and public health risks.

Objective

To analyze the occurrence and distribution of 16 antibiotics, 9 ARGs, 3 mobile genetic elements (MGEs), and 10 heavy metals in water and sediments from three reservoir-based drinking water sources. The study aims to identify potential host bacteria for ARGs and determine the factors controlling ARG dissemination.

Results

Quinolone antibiotics were detected at 100% frequency (5.47-116.03 ng/L), with enrofloxacin predominating. MGEs exerted greater control over ARG dissemination than antibiotics, with intI1 showing strong positive correlations with sul1. Jian’gang Reservoir exhibited the best ARG removal efficiency (71.75% in water, 97.91% in sediment), driven by unique microbial ecology and water self-purification capacity. Mycobacterium, Pseudarthrobacter, and Massilia were identified as critical hosts for ermB, tetA, and qnrA genes.

Conclusion

The study reveals that mobile genetic elements play a more significant role than antibiotics in controlling ARG dissemination, while heavy metals (Zn, As, Cd) suppress ARG proliferation. Reservoir self-purification capacity and microbial community composition critically influence ARG removal efficiency, providing insights for targeted pollution control strategies and reservoir management to protect drinking water sources.
  • Published in:Microorganisms,
  • Study Type:Observational Study, Environmental Survey,
  • Source: PMC12735494, PMID: 41472031, DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms13122828
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