Impact of ZnO nanoparticles on the antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in estuarine water: ARG variations and their association with the microbial community

The abundances of ARGs increased after exposure to ZnO NPs, especially at low doses (0.2 and 1 mg L⁻¹). Compared to MGEs and dissolved Zn, the microbial community contributed more to the variations in ARGs in estuarine waters when exposed to ZnO NPs.