Antibiotic resistance of functional microbes in wastewater treatment systems

2026-07-22

The Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD) adopted by the European Union recognizes biological treatment processes as sustainable and cost-effective solutions for pollutant removal from wastewater, thereby mitigating ecological damage. However, there is a growing awareness that the biological units within wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) serve as hotspots for antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which presents significant health risks. Preventing the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) while maintaining the wastewater treatment efficiency is a great challenge for WWTPs. ARFMW project focuses on functional microbes in WWTPs, which are not only pivotal to pollutant degradation but also potential reservoirs for ARGs. Our objective is to employ a multidisciplinary approach that integrates ecological and engineering principles with cutting-edge multi-omics analyses and molecular techniques, to elucidate the AMR characteristics of functional microbes and their impact on wastewater treatment. Hosted by the Water Technology group, Aarhus University, under the supervision of Prof. Barth F. Smets, I will expand my core research skills in microbial technology and water engineering to operate lab-scale bioreactor for investigating the relationship between the spread of ARGs in functional microbes and the performance of wastewater treatment. During the secondment at University of Helsinki, Finland, under the guidance of Prof. Marko Virta, I will gain complementary skills in advanced molecular techniques (epicPCR) to identify comprehensive host information of specific ARGs. Additionally, this project will augment my transferable skills such as project management, communication and leadership, thereby propelling me to become a mature researcher. ARFMW will also engage with the public to raise awareness about AMR; anticipated results will aid Europe in optimizing its wastewater-based AMR surveillance plan for regional sustainable development regarding clean water.

Denmark

2025-10-01