Reduction of antimicrobial resistance genes in wastewater through phytoremediation

This study investigates the impact of three biological wastewater treatments on the microbial community and resistome. Results show that each treatment significantly reduced ARGs and metal resistance genes. The study also found a strong correlation between iron concentration in water and total ARG abundance, and between total metal concentration and ARGs. High iron and metal concentrations may favor ARG-harboring facultative bacteria by providing an electron donor for anaerobic respiration. This suggests that phytoextraction of metals may play a significant role in reducing ARG abundance in treated water columns.