Fate and impacts of benzalkonium chlorides in soil

The aims of this study were to determine the effects of long-term benzalkonium chloride exposure on the soil bacterial community, resistome, and mobilome, as could be expected from repeated biosolids application to agricultural land. Soil field plots received annual exposure over six years to varying doses (0.1, 10 mg kg-1 soil-1) of benzyl dimethyl dodecyl ammonium chloride (BDDA; DA) and/or benzyl dimethyl tetradecyl ammonium chloride (BDTA; TA). This study will provide insights into the management of benzalkonium chlorides within terrestrial environments in the contexts of antimicrobial resistance and the diversity of the soil bacterial community.