Analysis of the Distribution and Transmission Dynamics of ARGs in Australia: Insights from Air, Soil, and Wastewater in Sewage Treatment Plants

The global use of antibiotics has intensified the challenge of antibiotic resistance, but the extent, key characteristics, and specific types of antibiotic resistance in Australia remain unclear. This PhD research focuses on wastewater-based epidemiology to investigate the distribution and transmission patterns of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in Australian wastewater treatment plant air, soil, and wastewater.

 This presentation will highlight findings from the past year, including:

• Data on ARG distribution, transmission risk assessment, and associated microbial hosts based on influent samples collected from multiple Australian wastewater treatment plants in 2019 and 2022.
• The distribution of ARGs and their microbial hosts in Brisbane soils before and after flooding, examining how extreme weather conditions impact antibiotic resistance.
• The occurrence of ARGs in air samples collected at key points, such as discharge outlets, within a Brisbane wastewater treatment plant.

Additionally, the presentation will outline plans for the next phase of monitoring significant ARGs and associated pathogens across Australia.

Please note this is a Student Progress Review presentation by Edward Zhai.