Fate of Antibiotic Resistance Genes (ARGs) and Antibiotic-Resistant Pathogens in Full-Scale Activated Sludge Processes and the Optimization of Activated Sludge Processes for Reducing ARGs

Wastewater treatment systems are believed to be major receptors and sources of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). However, there is a need for greater understanding of the fate of ARB and ARGs during wastewater treatment. This project will further the knowledge of ARB and ARGs by analyzing the fate of a suite of ARGs through the secondary treatment process, evaluating the impact of solids retention time on horizontal gene transfer, and developing a model for the fate of specific medically relevant ARGs in activated sludge processes.

This project was cancelled prior to publication.