Plant-associated Research Articles

The nature of vegetation cover and small mammal community structure (on the example of Nizhny Novgorod)

The spatial distribution of Apodemus species (yellow-necked, field, and small forest mice) was studied on the example of the protected area «Oak forest of National Research Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod Botanical Garden». Twelve plant associations with non-moral character and representing derivatives of the indigenous type of vegetation were studied. Environmental conditions assessed by the Ellenberg phytoindication method affect the distribution of small mammals in space indirectly. The nature of vegetation cover is more significant. When projective cover increases, the abundance of both small woodland and field mice increases. The strategy of Apodemus agrarius appears to be similar to that of Apodemus uralensis, a species that shows stenobiontic traits in the studied PA. At the same time, insignificant anthropogenic load, a marker of which is the presence of Urtica dioica ruderal species, leads to an increase in the mosaic of vegetation cover, which has a positive effect on the abundance of these small mammal species. A moderate increase in the Berger-Parker dominance index for vegetation cover is positively associated with the confinement of micromammals. In addition, in the conditions of the recreational zone of the upland part of N. Novgorod, Apodemus agrarius prefers areas of old-growth broadleaved forest, not showing the features of anthropophily.

Assessment of sustainability of natural complexes of the Minyarsky physiographic region of the Western slope of the Southern Urals

The article considers the evaluation of sustainability of natural complexes of low-mountain sections of the western slope of the Southern Urals (Minyarsk physical and geographical area) on the basis of analysis of landscape profiles on the indicator of sustainability of natural complexes. Peculiarities of the study area are highlighted: specific climatic conditions, complex geological and geomorphological conditions with ongoing industrial development, as well as a variety of soil and hydrological conditions combined with anthropogenic transformation of the territory. In the course of landscape profiling, as well as the application of methods of assessment of anthropogenic transformation of landscapes (at the level of the terrain), a decrease of diversity in natural complexes on the studied slopes was established, Replacement of typical plant communities by secondary successional communities in lowland areas dominated by horsetail. It has also been established that the aggregate of conditions in natural complexes indicates anthropogenic transformation of slope landscapes, the aggregate leading factor of which is the geochemical position on the element of the slope, Low resistance to external influence of the soil with a rinsing type of water regime defining plant associations. The obtained materials can be used as a basis for analysis of ecological condition of landscapes of the western slope of the Southern Urals, as well as characteristics of slope types of locations. Materials allow to further assess the recreational attractiveness of landscapes and the choice of ways of natural use of the studied area.

Prosapia bicincta (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) abundance, plant associations, and impacts on groundcover in Hawai'i Island rangelands.

The twolined spittlebug, Prosapia bicincta (Say), is a major economic pest of forage grass and turfgrass. Prosapia bicincta was first detected in rangelands on Hawai'i Island in 2016 and has since spread to an estimated 72,000 ha in the North and South Kona districts. This study aimed to quantify P. bicincta abundance, plant associations, and impacts on groundcover over time. Monthly surveys of P. bicincta nymphs and adults were conducted from February 2018 to September 2022 along 17 established 100-m transects at 4 ranches located in Kona, Hawai'i Island, spanning an elevation gradient from 519 to 1,874 m above sea level (a.s.l.). Monitoring revealed P. bicincta occurs from 519 to 1,679 m a.s.l., primarily in Kikuyu grass (Cenchrus clandestinus (Hochst. ex Chiov.)) Morrone (Poales: Poaceae) pastures. Peaks in P. bicincta abundance coincided with the wet season, with most activity occurring from April to October and little to no activity between November and March. Mid elevation (1,000-1,300 m) transects had significantly higher mean P. bicincta abundance (126 nymphs/m2) relative to low (500-999 m) (64 nymphs/m2) and high elevations (>1,300 m) (20 nymphs/m2). Sites with the highest abundance of P. bicincta were also associated with the greatest decrease in mean grass cover (30%) and were replaced by forbs, bare ground, and shrubs. Grasses accounted for 72% of the total P. bicincta detections, with the remaining plants comprised of legumes (16%), sedges (6%), and forbs (6%). Twenty new P. bicincta plant associations were found. This information will help improve the effectiveness of management to suppress populations below economic thresholds.

The oldest ‘millipede’-plant association? Age, paleoenvironments and sources of the Silurian lake sediments at Kerrera, Argyll and Bute, Scotland

ABSTRACT On Kerrera island, poorly dated braided stream conglomerates and sandstones are interbedded with finer lake siltstones and shales, with land plants, fish and arthropods, including ‘millipedes’. Crystallization dates for minerals in the overlying Lorne Plateau Lave are older than 425 Ma (Upper Silurian Ludfordian), yet palynological data are supposed to give an early Devonian (419 Ma) age. Detrital zircon U/Pb dates of sediments enclosing the fish beds give two clusters of dates, one Proterozoic and the other Silurian. The most concordant youngest single grain date of 427.0 ± 4.5 Ma (0% discordance) gives the maximum age of the Fish beds and is consistent that the radiometric dates of the overlying rapidly erupted lavas. This maximum age is slightly older than that of the ‘millipede’-bearing Cowie fish bed with maximum age of 414.3 ± 7.1 Ma, which make the Kerrera ‘millipedes’ the oldest so far dated.

SYNTAXONOMICAL COMPOSITION AND COENOTIC STRUCTURE OF THE RIPARIAN-AQUATIC VEGETATION IN DIFFERENT TYPES OF WATER BODIES OF POLTAVA CITY

The article deals with the results of studying the syntaxonomical composition and structure of the communities of riparian-aquatic vegetation in different types of water bodies of the city of Poltava (artificial and natural reservoirs, the urban section of the middle River Vorskla), where, according to the ecological and floristic classification, 16 associations (including 2 variants) of six alliances and four orders of the class PHRAGMITO-MAGNOCARICETEA were identified. Of these, only two associations (Phragmitetum communis and Typhetum latifoliae) are the most typical in urban hydroecotopes.The studied plant associations are characterized by a low species richness, the absolute majority of them represents a simplified version of the original natural associations. Relatively higher species richness of some associations is due to the participation of species of hygro-mesophilic forbs, primarily elements of the synanthropic floral complex, which is associated with a significant disturbance of the natural vegetation cover in the urban area. The nature of the development of the described riparian-aquatic plant communities and the peculiarities of their floristic composition reflect the tendency to shallowing and waterlogging of urban hydroecotopes.In the rank of associations there are 14 communities in urban lentic water bodies and 8 communities on the urban section of the middle river. Most of the identified associations (8) are confined exclusively to urban reservoirs, while only 2 associations are specific to the urban section of the river. Of those 6 associations found both in urban reservoirs and in the middle river’s urban section, the river coenoses are more diverse and better developed.In the conditions of an urbanized environment, the middle river ecosystems show a higher resistance to anthropogenic influence compared to ecosystems of artificial urban water bodies, which is evidenced, in particular, by a more complex coenotic structure of common associations.

Synopsis of Miridae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) in Atlantic Forest Dominion, Espírito Santo State, Brazil: keys, diagnoses, new species, plant associations, and geographic distribution. Part I: Bryocorinae, Cylapinae and Deraeocorinae.

This is the first paper in a compilation of subfamilies synoptic taxonomic treatments of the Miridae in Espírito Santo (ES), Brazil based on extensive fieldwork and review of local collections. Starting with Bryocorinae, Cylapinae, and Deraeocorinae. This manuscript recognizes three subfamilies, 8 tribes, 31 genera, and 45 species from the region. Diagnoses, hostplant/plant associations and predator prey information, distribution data, and remarks are provided. Illustrations of adults and, for most species, morphological characters of male genitalia are given to help identification. Keys are included for identification, including other subfamilies, tribes, and genera not yet found in the state of ES to increase the comparative accuracy.

Microbiome and floral associations of a wild bee using biodiversity survey collections.

The health of bees can be assessed through their microbiome, which serves as a biomarker indicating the presence of both beneficial and harmful microorganisms within a bee community. This study presents the characterisation of the bacterial, fungal, and plant composition on the cuticle of adult bicoloured sweat bees (Agapostemon virescens). These bees were collected using various methods such as pan traps, blue vane traps and sweep netting across the northern extent of their habitat range. Non-destructive methods were employed to extract DNA from the whole pinned specimens of these wild bees. Metabarcoding of the 16S rRNA, ITS and rbcL regions was then performed. The study found that the method of collection influenced the detection of certain microbial and plant taxa. Among the collection methods, sweep net samples showed the lowest fungal alpha diversity. However, minor differences in bacterial or fungal beta diversity suggest that no single method is significantly superior to others. Therefore, a combination of techniques can cater to a broader spectrum of microbial detection. The study also revealed regional variations in bacterial, fungal and plant diversity. The core microbiome of A. virescens comprises two bacteria, three fungi and a plant association, all of which are commonly detected in other wild bees. These core microbes remained consistent across different collection methods and locations. Further extensive studies of wild bee microbiomes across various species and landscapes will help uncover crucial relationships between pollinator health and their environment.

Convergent evolution of fern nectaries facilitated independent recruitment of ant-bodyguards from flowering plants

Plant–herbivore interactions reciprocally influence species’ evolutionary trajectories. These interactions have led to many physical and chemical defenses across the plant kingdom. Some plants have even evolved indirect defense strategies to outsource their protection to ant bodyguards by bribing them with a sugary reward (nectar). Identifying the evolutionary processes underpinning these indirect defenses provide insight into the evolution of plant-animal interactions. Using a cross-kingdom, phylogenetic approach, we examined the convergent evolution of ant-guarding nectaries across ferns and flowering plants. Here, we discover that nectaries originated in ferns and flowering plants concurrently during the Cretaceous, coinciding with the rise of plant associations in ants. While nectaries in flowering plants evolved steadily through time, ferns showed a pronounced lag of nearly 100 My between their origin and subsequent diversification in the Cenozoic. Importantly, we find that as ferns transitioned from the forest floor into the canopy, they secondarily recruited ant bodyguards from existing ant-angiosperm relationships.

Plant Cover of Besitchai State Nature Reserve (Azerbaijan)

The article highlights the ecological significance of the Besitchay State Nature Reserve, located in the Zangilan region of Azerbaijan. The author examines in detail the geographical location of the reserve and its plant cover, describing various types of plant formations and associations. Considerable attention is paid to the study of meadow, swamp, aquatic, and forest vegetation as well as the importance of preserving rare plant species, such as the Oriental plane (Platanus orientalis), which is listed in the Red Book of Azerbaijan. The results are important for evaluating the current state of biodiversity and for developing measures to conserve it.

Association Of Shorea Platyclados With Dominant Trees In Martelu Purba Nature Reserve

Shorea platyclados, known to the public as Meranti Bukit, is one of the species whose existence S. platyclados Slooten ex Foxw. or what is known by the local name Meranti Bukit is a type of meranti tree that has fast growth and is recommended as a plant for forest and land rehabilitation activities. S. platyclados is threatened in nature and is included in the Near Threatened (NT) its category based on the IUCN Redlist. Conservation efforts are needed to better understand natural habitat conditions and increase the population of S. platyclados in nature with an ecological approach. An association is a common kind of community that is present in many places and occurs under similar circumstances.. Associations are characterized by having a similar floristic composition, having a uniform physiognomy, and their distribution having a unique habitat. Studies on plant associations around S. platyclados have yet to be revealed so a more in-depth ecological analysis is needed to determine the relationship between S. platyclados and other plants around it. The purpose of this study was to analyze the association between S. platyclados and the dominant trees in the Martelu Purba Nature Reserve area. Using the 2x2 Contingency Table, association analysis was performed on the primary constituent species with an IVI of ≥10%.. The results of the analysis of the type of association between S.platyclados and the dominant tree showed positive for Charcoal and Akhirsap species, while for Modang, Beringin, and Kemenyan species negative association.

Riparian woody plant communities in the Romanian Carpathians: Species diversity and community structure of Salix and Hippophaë communities.

Riparian woody plant communities, including shrubs and trees, are essential for maintaining biodiversity, protecting against floods, reducing erosion, and transporting nutrients. However, these habitats are greatly threatened by human activities, particularly agricultural land acquisition, and the introduction of invasive species. This study examined species diversity and interspecific association in riparian woody plant communities along rivers in the Romanian Carpathians. The study focused on communities of Salix purpurea, S. alba, and Hippophaë rhamnoides in mountain regions, with varying sampling efforts at different sites for each species. A total of 174 plant species were found, predominantly herbaceous (77.9%), followed by trees (11.6%) and shrubs (10.5%). While S. alba and S. purpurea communities show high species richness and abundance, S. alba has slightly higher diversity (H' ≈ 2.23, SD = 0.28) than S. purpurea (H' ≈ 1.69, SD = 0.42). Contrarily, significant differences exist between H. rhamnoides and S. alba communities in species richness (p = .007) and Shannon diversity (p = .004). PCA analysis elaborated on distinct distribution patterns of plant associations within habitats S. purpurea community, H. rhamnoides community, and S. alba community. Four invasive species (Oenothera biennis L. and Oxalis stricta L. in S. alba communities, Reynoutria sachalinensis Nakai in both S. purpurea and H. rhamnoides communities, and Erigeron canadensis L. in H. rhamnoides communities) were identified, as requiring conservation efforts. Hemicryptophytes dominate species richness, while microphanerophytes and megaphanerophytes significantly contribute to plant abundance. H. rhamnoides formed Hippophaë rhamnoides dunes (2160) Natura 2000 habitat, while S. alba created galleries within the 92A0 Salix alba and Populus alba habitat. In conclusion, the findings from this study highlight the importance of preserving riparian habitats because their value goes beyond local or regional considerations and extends to the global scale due to their unique characteristics.

Distribution and host plant associations of Megachile (Pseudomegachile) lanata (Fabricius, 1775) (Megachilidae) in Pothohar, Pakistan

Solitary Megachile lanata (Fabricius) are important pollinator of a variety of plants including horticultural, ornamental, aromatic and agricultural crops based on their prevalence and floral host plant range. Their presence can greatly increase the yield and quality of the crops they pollinate. Explore the occurrence and floral host plant range of Megachile (Pseudomegachile) lanata within the Pothohar plateau, Punjab, Pakistan. The specimens of Megachile lanata (Fabricius) were collected on a monthly basis from various agricultural and all other types of landscapes, such as forests, urban areas and natural habitats in the Pothohar plateau of Punjab, Pakistan during 2021-2022. The individuals of this bee were collected with an aerial net. Present study investigate seasonal population and distribution range of M. lanata. Herein, we have observed twelve host plants in various localities of study area. This is an invasive species and one distinct feature is the inclusion of brief diagnostic information, details about host plants as well as information on ecology and current distribution in Pakistan. This data will contribute to a better understanding of solitary Megachile lanata (Fabricius) bee species diversity and abundance, which is crucial for maintaining the health of ecosystems, especially those in agro-ecosystems on Pothohar Plateau of Punjab, Pakistan.

Global macroecological patterns in host plant associations of Cryptocephalinae case-bearer leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Abstract The aim of our work is to catalogue host plant records of the leaf beetle subfamily Cryptocephalinae at the global scale and use it as the foundation to analyse host plant relationships, one proposed key driver in the evolution of phytophagan hyperdiversity. We describe macro-scale host association patterns and assess the trophic range of Cryptocephalinae at the generic level. We assembled 532 sources and extracted 14 253 host plant records (1894 species of plants) for 1436 species of Cryptocephalinae. The results revealed that most genera of Cryptocephalinae are either polyphagous or strongly polyphagous, yet the five tribes exhibit intrinsic patterns of host association. Clear macroecological constraints exist for Cryptocephalinae within major lineages of plants. Polyphagy is also maintained for most of the documented juvenile stages and the 19 genera with myrmecophilous species. The most common host plants for Cryptocephalinae are eudicots, especially among the rosids the order Fabales has the most records, and Asterales, Fagales, Malpighiales, Myrtales, Rosales, and Sapindales are common hosts within all Cryptocephalinae tribes. Our meta-analysis approach and assessing the quality of host plant records permit detection of patterns in host association at the global scale and allows detection of all levels of plant–beetle interactions, from unlikely hosts to potential or real feeders. Our criteria for assessing host plant records and our working model can be applied to other chrysomelid subfamilies and phytophagous insects. The analysis of macroecological patterns and host checklist provide a basis for generic revisions and hypothesis construction in future ecological, molecular, and morphological studies.

Associations between Epiphytic Orchids and Their Hosts and Future Perspectives of These in the Context of Global Warming

Epiphytic species are ecologically important and a significant component of biodiversity. To ensure their efficient conservation, we need to understand their ecology and host plant associations. It is also important to investigate how the predicted temperature change will affect their future distribution. Here, we use data collected in Nepal to investigate how epiphytic orchids are associated with host species, their distribution patterns, and how they may be threatened by the predicted increase in temperature towards the end of the 21st century. We used the phi coefficient (Φ) of association to calculate the associations of epiphytic orchid species with plants and rarefaction to describe the diversity of orchids associated with a particular host species. We used interpolation to estimate the distribution of epiphytic orchids and their host species along altitudinal gradients. The phi (Φ) coefficient of association revealed that 30 species of host plants showed more association with different orchid species than expected. The number of epiphytic orchids increased with the number of host individuals. We predict that an increase in temperature by ~3 °C, which is a more moderate value of temperature increase by the end of the 21st century, will affect at least 52 narrow-ranged species of orchids and 58 narrow-ranged species of host plants. Therefore, we should make efforts to prevent many plant species from becoming extinct, as an increase in temperature is likely to affect their existence.

Competition Indices and Economic Benefits of Winter Wheat and Winter Peas in Mixed Cropping

Intensive wheat production, which produces high yields through the excessive use of chemical inputs and non-renewable energy, is unsustainable in the long term. Innovative cultivation methods such as intercropping can address emerging challenges. This kind of plant association offers the possibility of achieving a balanced yield with the use of a natural nitrogen source. An experiment was conducted for three growing seasons (2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023) with a combination of three winter wheat varieties (GK Szilárd, Cellule, GK Csillag) and a winter pea variety (Aviron) in three sowing densities to determine the species interaction and the economics of mixed plots. The intercropping systems were evaluated in terms of the land equivalent ratio (LER), aggressivity (A), competitive ratio CR), actual yield loss (AYL), monetary advantage index (MAI), and intercropping advantage (IA). In almost all mixtures, the values of partial A, CR, and AYL indicated that wheat was more competitive than peas due to the overconcentration of mixtures. For MAI, the mixture Cellule/Aviron 75:50 was more profitable than the others in the first two years. Our results draw attention to the influence of the seeding rate, which can contribute to new directions for current research.

Roadside disturbance promotes plant communities with arbuscular mycorrhizal associations in mountain regions worldwide

We assessed the impact of road disturbances on the dominant mycorrhizal types in ecosystems at the global level and how this mechanism can potentially lead to lasting plant community changes. We used a database of coordinated plant community surveys following mountain roads from 894 plots in 11 mountain regions across the globe in combination with an existing database of mycorrhizal–plant associations in order to approximate the relative abundance of mycorrhizal types in natural and disturbed environments. Our findings show that roadside disturbance promotes the cover of plants associated with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. This effect is especially strong in colder mountain environments and in mountain regions where plant communities are dominated by ectomycorrhizal (EcM) or ericoid‐mycorrhizal (ErM) associations. Furthermore, non‐native plant species, which we confirmed to be mostly AM plants, are more successful in environments dominated by AM associations. These biogeographical patterns suggest that changes in mycorrhizal types could be a crucial factor in the worldwide impact of anthropogenic disturbances on mountain ecosystems. Indeed, roadsides foster AM‐dominated systems, where AM‐fungi might aid AM‐associated plant species while potentially reducing the biotic resistance against invasive non‐native species, often also associated with AM networks. Restoration efforts in mountain ecosystems will have to contend with changes in the fundamental make‐up of EcM‐ and ErM plant communities induced by roadside disturbance.

Steppe ecosystems of the arid zone of southern Russia as a factor in the effective development of livestock farming

The aim of the research is to assess the current state of steppe ecosystems, which are subjected to human impact and to provide scientifically‐based proposals for the conservation and regeneration of their natural potential.The object of the study is the steppe ecosystems of the arid zone in the Stavropol Territory. The research conducted in 2019–2021 included the use of methods and techniques, encompassing the geobotanical, economic and statistical, abstract and logical, computational and constructive.An analysis of the natural resource potential of the steppes in the arid zone of Stavropol Territory showed a discrepancy between the current livestock and the carrying capacity of this territory. The forage for grazing is about 830 thousand tons of feed units, which is 1.5 times lower than the livestock needs. The predominant plant associations are wormwoodbluegrass‐sedge, bluegrass‐sheep fescue‐wormwood, bluegrass‐feather grass‐wormwood, bluegrass‐ wormwood‐salt grass with low species diversity – from 10 to 17 species per 100 m2. The plant cover of the soil is from 30 to 60 %, which indicates its sparseness. The average biological yield of phytomass is 7.0 kg/ha of air‐dry matter. The species diversity of the steppe communities is represented by weed species that have low forage quality. In natural phytocenoses, the cereals dominant in forming cenoses in virgin land, have been lost. There are no any representatives of the legume family in the plant stand.The scientific approach to sustainable development, conservation and regeneration of the potential of natural ecosystems in agricultural landscapes involves the rational use and improvement (rehabilitation) of the remaining low‐yield natural grass stands that have lost the ability of regeneration.

An illustrated guide to lady beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) of the Indian Subcontinent. Part 3. Tribe Aspidimerini

The tribe Aspidimerini (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is entirely Asiatic in distribution and most of the known species are primarily aphidophagous and occasionally feed on mealybugs, scales, and whiteflies. This illustrated guide to 26 species in four genera of Asidimerini of the Indian subcontinent is presented with diagnostic descriptions and supporting illustrations, including genitalia, wherever available. Details of distribution, prey and plant associations, and seasonal occurrence are provided based on collections, label data and literature. Immature stages are illustrated for three species of Pseudaspidimerus Kapur and one species of Trigonocarinatus Huo & Ren. One new species, Aspidimerus dissimilis sp. n., is described from Arunachal Pradesh, Northeastern India. Cryptogonus bilineatus Kapur, 1948, and Cryptogonus bryanti Kapur, 1948 are transferred to Trigonocarinatus Huo & Ren, 2015 (new combinations). The following new specific synonyms are proposed (junior synonym listed first): Cryptogonus kapuri Ghorpade, 1974 (=Trigonocarinatus bryanti (Kapur, 1948)); Cryptogonus nepalensis Bielawski, 1972 and C. nepalensis bhutanensis Bielawski, 1979 (=Cryptogonus ariasi (Mulsant, 1853)) (new synonyms). An updated checklist of the tribe Aspidimerini of the Indian subcontinent is also provided.

Seasonally flooded Coquinal: typifying a particular plant association in the northern Yucatan peninsula, Mexico

Background: One of the most diverse and threatened plant associations in the Yucatan peninsula has not been characterized and therefore not included in any protection category in Mexico. We characterize and describe this plant association, which is rapidly disappearing or being irreversibly transformed as a result of anthropic activities. We propose a name and attempt a preliminary assessment of its taxonomic richness, and the identification of priority species to be preserved.
 Questions: What is the species richness and plant endemism associated within this plant association? What are the ecologically important and high-priority species for conservation? How is it different from associated or similar plant associations?
 Studied species: Vascular plants.
 Study site and dates: Northern Yucatan peninsula; 2021-2023.
 Methods: The plant association was characterized, and quantitative parameters were recorded. The Importance Value Index was estimated to assess its local ecological importance, and each species was assigned a conservation category in order to evaluate the conservation status in a global context.
 Results: We propose Seasonally flooded Coquinal (SFC) as a name for this plant association based on geomorphological, physiognomic, and structural attributes. A total of 206 species were recorded, which two are endemic to the SFC and 28 to the Yucatan Peninsula Biotic Province (YPBP). Twelve species are listed under a risk category.
 Conclusions: The SFC harbors a high plant diversity of endemic species to the YPBP, 12 of which are included in the IUCN red list, for which its typification and conservation should be a high priority in Mexico.

Prevalence of antibiotics, antibiotic resistance genes, and their associations in municipal wastewater treatment plants along the Yangtze River basin, China

The overuse and misuse of antibiotics have resulted in the pollution of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), posing threats to ecological security and human health. Thus, a comprehensive investigation was conducted to assess the occurrence, removal efficiency, and ecological risk of antibiotics, along with the diversity, abundance, and co-occurrence of ARGs, and their correlations in 13 WWTPs along the Yangtze River Basin. Among 35 target antibiotics, 23 antibiotics within 6 categories were detected in all the samples. Amoxicillin (AMO), ofloxacin (OFL), and pefloxacin (PEF) were predominant in influents, while AMO exhibited dominance with the highest concentration of 1409 ng/L in effluents. Although antibiotic removal performance varied among different WWTPs, a significant decrease in each antibiotic category and overall antibiotics was observed in effluents compared with that in influents (p < 0.05). Remarkably, ecological risk assessment revealed high risks associated with AMO and ciprofloxacin (CIP) and medium risks linked to several antibiotics, notably including OFL, roxithromycin (ROX), clarithromycin (CLA), and tetracycline (TC). Furthermore, 96 ARG subtypes within 12 resistance types were detected in this study, and the total absolute abundance and diversity of ARGs were significantly decreased from influents to effluents (p < 0.05). Enrichment of 38 ARGs (e.g., blaNDM, ermA, vatA, mexA, and dfrA25) in effluents indicated potential health risks. Various mobile genetic elements (MGEs), exhibited significant correlations with a majority of ARGs in both influents and effluents, such as intⅠ1, tnpA1, tnpA5, and tp614, underscoring the important role of MGEs in contributing to the ARG dissemination. Many antibiotics displayed lower correlations with corresponding ARGs, but exhibited higher correlations with other ARGs, suggesting complex selective pressures influencing ARG propagation. Overall, the incomplete elimination of antibiotics and ARGs in WWTPs is likely to pose adverse impacts on aquatic ecosystems in the Yangtze River Basin.