The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today, Aug. 21, the allocation of $9 million in grant funding to four institutions for research aimed at addressing knowledge gaps and improving the management of antimicrobial resistance risk. Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant public health concern, complicating the treatment of infections in both animals and humans. Wastewater treatment facilities are considered potential receptors and sources for antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes.
"Antimicrobial resistance is a major concern for public health and the environment," stated Chris Frey, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Research and Development. "The research conducted by these grantees will inform how wastewater treatment plants can help manage this risk as we work together to protect our water resources and public health."
Wastewater treatment facilities handle wastewater from various sources including industry, households, and hospitals, all contributing to high densities of pathogens and antimicrobial drug residues entering the plants. Treated wastewater is often discharged back into rivers and streams but may still contain antimicrobial products and resistant bacteria.
The funded research projects aim to measure the environmental health impact of antimicrobial resistance in wastewater while enhancing understanding of its evolution and spread. Grantees will study wastewater treatment systems nationwide, reviewing past literature and data to assess risks associated with wastewater. Projects will involve developing a risk assessment framework, conducting systematic reviews of genomic data, and evaluating the fate of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and genes in wastewater treatment processes.
The following institutions have been awarded grants:
- University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee: To compare antimicrobial resistance removal treatment processes and wastewater resistance patterns over the past decade with data from hospital clinics, sewer overflows, and rivers.
- University of Nebraska, Lincoln: To establish a risk assessment framework estimating human health risks based on measurements of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes in surface water exposed to municipal wastewater and biosolids.
- The Water Research Foundation, Denver: To develop a human health risk assessment framework that informs management options for mitigating wastewater sources of antimicrobial resistance.
- Oregon State University: To sample wastewater treatment utilities across the U.S., conduct a systematic literature review, and perform meta-analysis on U.S.-based wastewater metagenomic data to understand impacts from seasonal/regional variations on antimicrobial resistance.
Further information about grant-funded recipients can be found through EPA's resources.
