On the contribution of reclaimed wastewater irrigation to the potential exposure of humans to antibiotics, antibiotic resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes – NEREUS COST Action ES1403 position paper

Abstract

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Regulating water reuse for agricultural irrigation: risks related to organic micro-contaminants

“…Some chemicals may serve as a selective pressure to increase the abundance of resistance genes in soil communities; this has been reported for triclosan and sulfamethoxazole [64]. Findings about the potential uptake of antibiotic-resistant genes and bacteria by crops due to irrigation with reclaimed water are still largely inconclusive [44,65]. Relevant studies have been conducted as part of recent Nereus COST ACTION on "New & emerging challenges and opportunities in wastewater reuse.…”

“…A holistic form of risk management requires also adequate efforts to decrease the entry of micro-contaminants into the environmental system at the source (here: wastewater). This includes for example the raising of awareness about the proper disposal of medical products, support for a general reduction in the use of pharmaceuticals (especially antibiotics) by strengthening health prevention and hygiene, and a reduction in the use of biocides where possible (as well as fostering the development of more sustainable chemicals) [48,65,90]. Due to their stability during water treatment, special attention for measures at the source must be paid to PBT and PMT chemicals.…”

“…Exposure to humans and animals can be reduced by limiting accessibility to fields irrigated with reclaimed water, or by preventing direct contact between the edible part of the plant and the reclaimed water [18]. Irrigation technologies such as drip irrigation and subsurface irrigation not only reduce potential exposure to pathogens and contaminants [65], but also promote water use efficiency and reduce the potential of accumulation and leaching. Access control measures, including safety distances between the irrigated fields and publicly accessible areas, reduce potential contact [17].…”

“…Due to issues concerning the quality of reclaimed water, crops for raw consumption or particularly sensitive areas (e.g., karst) could be excluded from water reuse for irrigation. Piña et al [65] argued against the use of reclaimed water for the irrigation of leafy vegetables, as these crops were found to show high uptake and bioaccumulation of micro-contaminants and high translocation potential [48,65]. In Tunisia for example, the use of reclaimed water in the irrigation of food crops is prohibited, while Cyprus has banned the irrigation of leafy vegetables and bulbs consumed raw with reclaimed water [19,88].…”

Removal of antibiotics from wastewater and its problematic effects on microbial communities by bioelectrochemical Technology: Current knowledge and future perspectives

“…Antibiotics, known as monensin, promote animal growth and feed efficiency in dairy farms to achieve natural resources. Therefore, antibiotic residues indirectly contaminate soil and water resources [36,37]. While the consumption of antibiotics in plants is deficient compared to animals.…”