Potentials of metallic nanoparticles for the removal of antibiotic resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes from wastewater: A critical review

Abstract

Globally, the challenges with extensive consumption and improper disposal of antibiotics have become a menace to public health. This anomaly has contributed to the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment. Many of these resistance genes are carried on plasmids, transposons, or integrons, and their origin is linked to anthropogenic sources. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) harbors a vast diversity of microorganisms and are responsible for disseminating ARB/ARGs. The failure of different treatment methods/materials to address the challenges observed with antibiotics resistance in wastewater treatment facilities alters access to quality water in the ecosystem. This paper emphasized the health implication of antibiotic resistance in wastewater and its effect and the pathways for their dissemination from wastewater into receiving waters. Furthermore, the lack of quality data and efforts in removing antibiotics-resistant bacteria and their genes were mentioned in this paper compared to the abundance of data on the prevalence or incidences of these substances in wastewater. Potentials of metallic nanoparticles and their unique properties as a treatment option for removing DNA conveying ARGs from wastewater treatment plants were critically discussed in this paper. Also, other treatment options and their limitations have been extensively discussed. Lastly, this review also highlights the importance of regulating antibiotics and their indiscriminate use.