Dissemination of Antibiotic Resistance Genes through Soil-Plant-Earthworm Continuum in the Food Production Environment

Treated municipal wastewater (TMW) can provide a reliable source of irrigation water for crops, which is especially important in areas where water resources are limited or prone to drought. Nonetheless, TMW may contain residual antibiotics, potentially exposing the crops to these substances. The goal of this study was to investigate the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the soil-plant-earthworm continuum after irrigation of spinach and radish plants with TMW containing various antibiotics in a greenhouse experiment, followed by feeding of earthworms with harvested plant materials. Metagenomes were investigated to elucidate the development, enrichment, and dissemination of ARGs and ARB in the soil-plant-earthworm continuum.