Tire wear particles enhance horizontal gene transfer of antibiotic resistance genes in aquatic ecosystems

The study investigates the role of Tire Wear Particles (TWPs) in horizontal gene transfer (HGT) and their association with metals. The researchers used E. coli as a donor and Pseudomonas sp. as a recipient. They found that TWPs significantly increased the frequency of antibiotic resistance genes (ARG) from donor to recipient, and metals in TWPs further promoted HGT. This research could help assess health risks associated with MP pollution in aquatic ecosystems.