Plasmid-Mediated Spread of Antibiotic Resistance by Arsenic and Microplastics During Vermicomposting.

ABSTRACT: Background: The efficiency of vermicomposting in reducing antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in dairy manure may be compromised by co-pollutants like arsenic (As) and microplastics. Specifically, plasmids serving as carriers and vectors of ARGs were largely distributed in this process. However, the impact of As and microplastics on plasmids carrying ARGs during vermicomposting is largely unknown. Methods: This study utilized a controlled experimental design and applied plasmid metagenomics to investigate the individual and combined effects of As and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics on plasmid-mediated ARG dynamics during vermicomposting. Results: We found that vermicomposting alone mainly enriched non-mobilizable plasmids, while PET microplastics selectiv

SUBMITTER: Xin R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12729771 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature