Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID UT_2023_Hou

Unveiling the Interactions between Antimicrobial Resistome and Microplastics Influenced by Heavy Metals and Antimicrobics in Wastewater Treatment Plants in Utah

Institute: Utah
Year Established: 2023 Start Date: 2023-09-01 End Date: 2024-08-31
Total Federal Funds: $33,844 Total Non-Federal Funds: $34,145

Principal Investigators: Liyuan Hou

Project Summary: Antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and microplastics (MPs) are emerging contaminants that can make water unsafe for the public and the environment. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are hotspots for these contaminants and contain antibiotics and heavy metals that may help bacteria with ARGs grow on MPs. This project uses field monitoring and laboratory continuous flow bioreactors to explore how ARGs and MPs mediated by antibiotics and heavy metals in wastewater interact. Utah communities often use wastewater reclaimed from WWTPs for irrigation, which increases the risks related to ARGs and MPs. The project will identify MPs and ARGs in WWTP units, link their presence to levels of antibiotics and heavy metals at those locations, and explore the effects of antibiotics and heavy metals on MP-bond ARGs. This project will increase understanding of MP-ARG interactions in wastewater and the possible harmful effects on public and environmental health to improve wastewater quality in Utah.