Occurrence and distribution of five antibiotic resistance genes during the loading period in sludge treatment wetlands

The objectives of this study were to clarify the distribution as well as the removal mechanism of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) within three sludge treatment wetlands (STWs) during a loading period of two years. Three STW units were constructed and run during the loading period: Unit 1 (U1) built with aeration tubes, Unit 2 (U2) built with aeration tubes and reeds, and Unit 3 (U3) built with reeds only. All targeted ARGs, intI1, and 16S rRNA were detected in residual sludge in the order of magnitude: 16S rRNA>sul1>intI1>sul2>tetC>tetA>ermB. The abundance of the five targeted ARGs, intI1, and 16S rRNA increased in residual sludge, during the loading period, which may be due to the increase in bacteria caused by the continuous import of exogenous nutrients. However, STWs can also remove ARGs from sewage during the loading period and the mean removal efficiency of five resistance genes was 73.0%. The removal rates of intI1 and 16S rRNA were 73.5% and 78.6%, respectively. Positive correlations were detected in abundance of most ARGs and intI1, as well as 16S rRNA (P < 0.05), indicating intf1 plays a vital part in the propagation of ARGs. The removal of bacteria harboring these genes also occurs in the STW units.