The purpose of the project is to quantify the fate of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB), genes (args) and antibiotics in wastewater treatment utilities across the U.S. 40 wastewater treatment…

The purpose of the project is to quantify the fate of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB), genes (args) and antibiotics in wastewater treatment utilities across the U.S. 40 wastewater treatment facilities representing varied geographical conditions, population demographics and wastewater sources will be sampled with both culture and molecular methods as well as suspect screening to identify antibiotic compounds. A meta-analysis using existing metagenomic data in wastewater in the literature will be conducted to understand the impacts of seasonal/regional variations and create a comprehensive library on the resistome of wastewater. Activities:40 wastewater treatment utilities from 5 regions across the U.S. Accounting for varied geographical conditions, population demographics and wastewater sources will be sampled for two years. Samples will be collected throughout the wastewater treatment train to include biosolids. Both culture and molecular methods will be used to quantify ARB and args in the samples and suspect screening will be used to identify antibiotic compounds in the samples. A systematic review of metagenomic data in the literature will create a library which will be used to conduct a meta-analysis providing a better understanding of the seasonal/regional and treatment process effects on ARB and ARG levels in wastewater. Subrecipient:no subawards are included in this assistance agreement.outcomes:key deliverables include data on the abundance of ARB and args as well as antibiotics in wastewater samples to include sampling influent, secondary effluent, tertiary effluent, final effluent, raw sludge, and treated biosolids. Separate reports on each project aim will be developed including details on results sampling, testing and data analysis. A systematic review of the literature will be conducted and a metaanalysis will identify seasonal/regional, and treatment process effects on antimicrobial resistance. Two webinars will be developed to guide utilities and regulators on effective treatment process and operational conditions for AMR removal. Workshops will be held at regional and national conferences to disseminate results and a project website will be developed to share project information and deliverables. Beneficiaries include the public, state and local regulators, wastewater utilities and water quality program managers.