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Antibiotic resistance in marine microbial communities proximal to a Florida sewage outfall system

March 11, 2020

Water samples were collected at several wastewater treatment plants in southeast Florida, and water and sediment samples were collected along and around one outfall pipe, as well as along several transects extending both north and south of the respective outfall outlet. Two sets of samples were collected to address potential seasonal differences, including 38 in the wet season (June 2018) and 42 in the dry season (March 2019). Samples were screened for the presence/absence of 15 select antibiotic resistance gene targets using the polymerase chain reaction. A contrast between seasons was found, with a higher frequency of detections occurring in the wet season and fewer during the dry season. These data illustrate an anthropogenic influence on offshore microbial genetics and seasonal flux regarding associated health risks to recreational users and the regional ecosystem. 

Publication Year 2020
Title Antibiotic resistance in marine microbial communities proximal to a Florida sewage outfall system
DOI 10.3390/antibiotics9030118
Authors Dale W. Griffin, Kenneth Banks, Kurtis Gregg, Sarah Shedler, Brian Walker
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Antibiotics
Index ID 70236519
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center