National survey of the occurrence of antimicrobial agents in Australian wastewater and their socioeconomic correlates

A study in Australia found that 102 antimicrobials and their transformation products were detected in raw wastewater from 50 wastewater treatment plants, affecting approximately 50% of the national population. The study found a significant association between antimicrobial consumption and various socioeconomic statuses, including income, education, occupation, housing, race, health condition, and transport. This provides insight into antimicrobial usage patterns at the population level.