Antibiotic resistance genes in anaerobic digestion: Unresolved challenges and potential solutions

Chunxiao Wang, Xiaole Yin, Xiaoqing Xu, Dou Wang, Yubo Wang, Tong Zhang*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens public health, necessitating urgent efforts to mitigate the global impact of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Anaerobic digestion (AD), known for volatile solid reduction and energy generation, also presents a feasible approach for the removal of ARGs. This review encapsulates the existing understanding of ARGs and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) during the AD process, highlighting unresolved challenges pertaining to their detection and quantification. The questions raised and discussed include: Do current ARGs detection methods meet qualitative and quantitative requirements? How can we conduct risk assessments of ARGs? What happens to ARGs when they come into co-exposure with other emerging pollutants? How can the application of internal standards bolster the reliability of the AD resistome study? What are the potential future research directions that could enhance ARG elimination? Investigating these subjects will assist in shaping more efficient management strategies that employ AD for effective ARG control. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd
Original languageEnglish
Article number132075
JournalBioresource Technology
Volume419
Online published16 Jan 2025
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2025
Externally publishedYes

Funding

This work was supported by the Theme-based Research Scheme grant from the Research Grants Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China (T21-705/20-N) and Young Scientist Funding from National Natural Science Foundation of China (42407575).

Research Keywords

  • Anaerobic digestion (AD)
  • Antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB)
  • Antibiotics resistance gene (ARG)
  • Antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
  • Horizontal gene transfer (HGT)
  • Mobile genetic elements (MGEs)

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