Review of the Distribution and Influence of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Ballast Water

The misuse of antibiotics causes antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in bacteria to be gradually enriched by environmental selection, resulting in increased tolerance and resistance in bacteria to antibiotics. Ballast water is a mobile carrier for the global transfer of bacteria and genes, thus posing a certain risk of ARGs spreading into the global ocean. Therefore, it is important to investigate the current status of ARGs in ballast water, as well as control the abundance of ARGs. Herein, we attempt to comprehensively summarize the distribution and abundance of ARGs in ballast water from different sea areas and analyze the influencing factors (such as physical factors, chemical factors, temperature, pH, etc.) on the distribution of ARGs. Furthermore, we seek to review the changes in ARGs after differential disinfection technology treatment in ballast water (including chlorination, ultraviolet, ozone, and free radical technology), especially the enhancing effect of subinhibitory concentrations of disinfectants on ARGs transfer. Overall, we believe this review can serve as a guide for future researchers to establish a more reasonable standard of ballast water discharge that considers the pollution of ARGs and provide new insight into the risk of vertical and horizontal ARG transfer in ballast water after disinfection.

Automated summary

The misuse of antibiotics leads to increased resistance in bacteria, and ballast water serves as a carrier for global dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Investigating and controlling the presence of ARGs in ballast water is crucial. This review summarizes the distribution and abundance of ARGs in ballast water from different sea areas, and analyzes the factors influencing ARGs distribution. Additionally, it reviews the impact of disinfection technologies on ARGs transfer in ballast water.