Microbial signatures and ARGs profiles in two coastal ecosystems of Shenzhen under distinct anthropogenic influences.

ABSTRACT: Megacity coastal areas, under human activity pressure, are recognized as reservoirs of human pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). However, the dynamics and potential health risks under different anthropogenic stressors remain unclear. In this study, surface seawaters were sampled from Shenzhen's western (SZW) and eastern (SZE) coasts, considering the influences of intensive population and industrial activities, as well as tourism and recreational activities. This study revealed distinct microbiomes and selective enrichments of heavy metals and ARGs in SZW and SZE areas, with correlations between most ARGs with intl1. The microbiome-ARG co-occurrence network of SZE was more complex, containing diverse human pathogens and ARGs, highlighting health risks even in low-popula

SUBMITTER: Lu X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12355585 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature