Metagenomic Characterization of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Full-Scale Reclaimed Water Distribution Systems and Corresponding Potable Systems

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b05419
• Publication Date: 2018-05-09T13:41:26Z
• Authors: Emily Garner; Chaoqi Chen; Kang Xia; Jolene Bowers; David M. Engelthaler; Jean McLain; Marc A. Edwards; Amy Pruden
• Keywords: Potable water; Reclaimed water

Water reclamation provides a valuable resource for meeting nonpotable water demands. However, little is known about the potential wastewater reuse to disseminate antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Here, samples were collected seasonally in 2014–2015 from four U.S. utilities' reclaimed and potable distribution systems before treatment, after at five points of use (POU). Shotgun metagenomic sequencing was used profile resistome (i.e., full contingent ARGs) subset (n = 38) samples. Four ARGs (qnrA, blaTEM, vanA, sul1) quantified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Bacterial community composition (via 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing), horizontal transfer quantification intI1 integrase plasmid genes), selection pressure detection metals antibiotics) investigated as factors governing presence ARGs. Certain elevated all (sul1; p ≤ 0.0011) or some (blaTEM, qnrA; 0.0145) POU compared corresponding weakly correlated with (Adonis, R2 0.1424–0.1734) associations noted between 193 plasmid-associated genes. This study establishes that could convey greater abundances certain than waters observations regarding likely control ARG occurrence systems.