MORE | Spring 2022

Quantification of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in a Managed Aquifer Recharge System

Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) offers sustainable replenishment of groundwater resources using treated wastewater effluent. Antibiotic Resistance Genes (ARGs) may withstand wastewater treatment, conferring the ability of bacteria to resist antibacterial treatments. This presents a human and environmental health concern as the efficacy of antibiotic treatments for common infections is reduced. Optimized treatment and safe management may be guided with quantification of ARGs to determine health-based target removal values. Samples were obtained from a MAR facility representative of each processing stage. DNA was extracted from samples with qPCR processing used to quantify the sample’s ARG concentrations.