Sewer biofilm microbiome and antibiotic resistance genes as function of pipe material, source of microbes, and disinfection: field and laboratory studies.

ABSTRACT: Wastewater systems are recognized pathways for the spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria, but relatively little is known about the microbial ecology of the sewer environment. Sewer biofilm colonization by antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) carrying bacteria may impact interpretations of sewage epidemiology data, water quality during sewer overflows, and hazard to utility workers. The objectives of this research were to evaluate the (1) microbiome of real and simulated sewer biofilms and their potential to accumulate ARGs and (2) susceptibility of simulated sewer biofilms to bleach disinfection. First, biofilm samples were collected from sewer municipal systems. Next, an annular biofilm reactor was used to simulate the sewer environment while controlling the pipe material (concrete vs. PVC)

SUBMITTER: Medina WRM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7537146 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature