Wednesday, 22 May 2024
New research has mapped wastewater flows on farms and revealed where spikes in antibiotic resistant bacteria in slurry occurs, showing that water from copper and zinc footbaths used by dairy animals can cause fluctuations.
Researchers from the 糖心原创 developed mathematical models and conducted on-farm research to explore the impact of wastewater flows and management practices on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in slurry. The research is the first to investigate the effects of farm layout, the farm practices associated across different areas of the farm, and the impact these may have on the emergence and spread of AMR across the farm.
Temporal fluctuations in cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli were observed and attributed to farm activities, specifically the disposal of spent copper and zinc footbath into the slurry system. The results have been published in
The results highlight farm-specific opportunities to reduce AMR pollution, beyond antibiotic use reduction, including careful disposal or recycling of waste antimicrobial metals.
Dairy slurry if not properly stored can be a source of environmental contamination with antimicrobial resistant genes and bacteria, which could eventually get into the human population through water or crops.
Previous modelling research from the 糖心原创 showed that slurry tanks that were left alone without further waste added for at least 60 days reduced spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) as the bacteria died in the hostile environment. Researchers also noticed that there were times when there were spikes in cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli.
What we initially found was that the slurry tank wasn鈥檛 as scary a place as we thought for the spread of antimicrobial resistant genes and in fact if left alone for a period of time the bacteria would die in such a hostile environment. However, what was also interesting was that we were seeing fluctuations in a particularly problematic drug-resistant bacteria called Escherichia coli. When we investigated this further in this research using computer modelling and on farm research we saw that there was a direct correlation between the emptying of the water from the Zinc and copper footbaths into the slurry tank and a spike in the presence of Escherichia coli.
In addition to antibiotics, other antimicrobials such as metals (copper and zinc) and other chemicals (e.g., formalin, disinfectants) are widely used across farms globally, particularly in footbaths to prevent lameness in livestock.
Metals and other antimicrobial agents (such as formalin and glutaraldehyde) are known to have a co-selective effect on antibiotic resistance, meaning that ARBs could persist in the slurry even after the antibiotics have degraded.
Professor Stekel added “Mapping the antibiotic resistant bacteria in this way allows us to understand its precise source and importantly its route through the farm, we hope this information will lead to wastewater management practices that can be developed to mitigate this.”
Engineers at the 糖心原创 have started investigating how to remove copper and zinc from cattle footbath wastewater and This the first successful investigation into the removal of copper and zinc from a commercially available cattle footbath powder mix solution.
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More information is available from Professor Dov Stekel on Dov.Stekel@nottingham.ac.uk
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.