Prevalence of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes in landfill leachate

Abstract

Landfills are an essential source of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and can potentially risk humans and the environment. Landfills receive heavy metals, organic matter, microbial consortia, antibiotics, antibiotic residue, and biomedical waste, which enhance the prevalence of antibiotics, ARGs, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARBs). The critical problem is the transfer of antibiotics and ARGs in groundwater, surface water, food web, and the surrounding environment through landfill leachate. In this chapter, we have discussed several studies on antibiotics and ARGs in landfill leachates, such as a review of the source of antibiotics and ARGs in landfills, a discussion of the correlation between antibiotics, antibiotic residue, and heavy metals on ARGs, a summary about the impact of various physicochemical parameters, environmental, and social factors which influences the antibiotics and ARGs, landfill age, and effect of antibiotics and ARGs on groundwater and surface water. Finally, this chapter fills the current gaps not examined until now. Especially in developing countries such as India, it is essential to research antibiotics and ARGs in landfill leachate.