Fate and persistence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes through a multi-barrier treatment facility for direct potable reuse

Abstract Given the availability of technological solutions and guidelines for safe drinking water, direct potable reuse reclaimed water has become a promising option to overcome severe lack in arid regions. However, growing awareness presence antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) antibiotic resistance genes (ARG) corresponding raw wastes led new safety concerns. This study investigated fate ARB intracellular extracellular ARG after each treatment step an advanced facility Windhoek, Namibia. The New Goreangab Water Reclamation Plant (NGWRP) produces from domestic secondary wastewater plant effluent directly provides roughly quarter Windhoek's demand. Procedures determinants were based on both molecular biology culture-based microbiological methods. TaqMan real-time PCR was employed detect quantify sul1, ermB, vanA, nptII nptIII as well gene sul1. NGWRP reduced amount culturable bacterial indicators levels below limit detection final product. main ozonation ultrafiltration had highest removal efficiencies determinants.