SOURCES,DISSEMINATION,AND ECOLOGICAL RISKS OF ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCES GENES(ARGs) IN THE ENVIRONMENT

In recent years,antibiotic resistance genes(ARGs)have been introduced to animals as a result of the long-term overuse of antibiotics,which have speeded up the dissemination of ARGs among bacteria in the environment.As emerging pollutants,dissemination and spread of ARGs among different environmental compartments may be more harmful than antibiotics themselves.In this paper,the source,distribution,dissemination,as well as the most advanced research progress of ARGs in surface water,groundwater,medical treatment waste water,urban sewage treatment plants,livestock farms,farm soil,sediment and atmospheric environment were reviewed.The potential routes of ARGs transmission and the possible impacting factors are analyzed.It is pointed out that light,anaerobic conditions,and high temperature treatments could significantly prevent the dissemination and spread of ARGs in the environment.The potential ecological risks that ARGs may present are discussed.Considering the current research situation of ARGs in China,the focus of further research is proposed.