NATIONAL PRIORITIES: EVALUATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE IN WASTEWATER AND SEWAGE SLUDGE TREATMENT AND ITS IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT

In recent years, concern has increased about the occurrence of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) that could make it more difficult to treat certain infections in animals and people. Wastewater treatment facilities are believed to be potential receptors and sources for ARB and ARGs and can act as a bridge to the environment. This Request for Applications (RFA) seeks research that will address knowledge gaps in the occurrence, fate and transport, and persistence of antimicrobial resistant organisms and genes found in municipal wastewater effluent and biosolids. The RFA also requests research on combined sewer overflows, septic systems, and small wastewater systems. Research should provide a better understanding of the impact of ARB and ARGs on receiving waters including information on the relative contribution of ARB and ARGs from wastewater as compared to other sources such as animal agriculture, animal husbandry, hospital sources, and direct industrial sources. Research should also support the development of frameworks and methodologies for quantifying risk related to AMR in treated wastewater discharge, water reuse, and biosolids (and biosolids products) land application and beneficial use. Research results should improve our understanding of the nature, extent, selection, and removal of ARB and ARGs found in municipal wastewater effluent and biosolids.

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