Antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes in landfills: A review

Landfill are important reservoirs of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). They harbor diverse con-taminants, such as heavy metals and persistent organic chemicals, complex microbial consortia, and anaerobic degradation processes, which facilitate the occurrence, development, and transfer of ARGs and antibiotic resis-tant bacteria (ARB). The main concern is that antibiotics and developed ARGs and ARB may transfer to the local environment via leachate and landfill leakage. In this paper, we provide an overview of established studies on antibiotics and ARGs in landfills, summarize the origins and distribution of antibiotics and ARGs, discuss the linkages among various antibiotics, ARGs, and bacterial communities as well as the influencing factors of ARGs, and evaluate the current treatment processes of antibiotics and ARGs. Finally, future research is proposed to fill the current knowledge gaps, which include mechanisms for the development and transmission of antibiotic re-sistance, as well as efficient treatment approaches for antibiotic resistance. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Landfill serves as important reservoirs for antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes, with risks of transferring to the local environment. Studies have shown complex linkages among antibiotics, ARGs, and bacterial communities, highlighting the need for further research.