Transmission, Health Risks and Attenuation Strategies of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Soil-Plant Systems

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) represent emerging environmental contaminants that pose a significant global threat to human health. ARGs can spread along the food chain via the soil-plant system, ultimately impacting human health. Agricultural practices, particularly the application of manure, wastewater, and sludge, constitute major anthropogenic sources driving the occurrence and dissemination of ARGs in soils. Understanding ARG transmission within soil-plant systems is crucial for developing control strategies to mitigate associated human health risks in agroecosystems. This review synthesized the primary sources of ARGs in the soil-plant system, elucidates their transmission pathways and key influencing factors, and systematically analyzed their potential health effects alongside attenuation strategies. Finally, current research gaps and future priorities were discussed. By providing a comprehensive overview of ARG environmental behavior, fate, and risks within the soil-plant system, this work aims to inform the development of control strategies and risk mitigation measures for researchers and environmental policymakers.