Antimicrobial Resistance in Wastewater Treatment Plants: New Study Reveals Seasonal and Spatial Variability

Strategic Insights -

Investigators from the University of KwaZulu-Natal Westville have published a new study on the seasonal and spatial variability of water quality parameters, antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB), and antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) in four municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the Durban region of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The research found significant effects of season, WWTPs, and sampling points on multiple physico-chemical parameters, with continuous monitoring and targeted improvements in wastewater treatment essential to reduce the dissemination of antibiotic resistance in the environment.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study investigated the seasonal and spatial variability of water quality parameters, ARB and ARG concentrations, and their removal efficiencies across four municipal WWTPs in the Durban region of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
  • Financial support for this research came from the National Research Foundation - South Africa.
  • A three-way ANOVA revealed significant effects of season, WWTPs, and sampling points on multiple physico-chemical parameters.
  • The research concluded that continuous monitoring and targeted improvements in wastewater treatment are essential to reduce the dissemination of antibiotic resistance in the environment.
  • The study involved researchers from the University of KwaZulu-Natal Westville, School of Life Sciences, Discipline Microbiol, Za-4000 Durban, South Africa.
  • Additional authors for this research include Kerisha Ramessar, Olufemi S. Egbewale, and Ajit Kumar.

Statistics:

  • Four municipal WWTPs in the Durban region of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa were studied.
  • The study investigated the removal efficiencies of ARB and ARG across the WWTPs.
  • The research found significant effects of season on multiple physico-chemical parameters.
  • The discharge of untreated wastewater into surface waters was found to have significant implications for ecosystem health.

Sources:

  • Prevalence and Removal of Antibiotic-resistant Bacteria and Genes In Treated Effluents of Four Wastewater Treatment Plants and Receiving Surface Waters. Journal of Water Process Engineering, 2025;77.
  • NewsRx. Researchers from University of KwaZulu-Natal Westville Report on Findings in Water Process Engineering (Prevalence and Removal of Antibiotic-resistant Bacteria and Genes In Treated Effluents of Four Wastewater Treatment Plants and Receiving ...). Ecology, Environment & Conservation. September 26, 2025; p 1315.