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Antibiotic Resistance Genes and Faecal Sterols in Marine Sediments: An Evidence of Their Presence away from Point Sources–Kuwait’s Example

Author

Listed:
  • Saif Uddin

    (Environment and Life Sciences Research Centre, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Safat 13109, Kuwait)

  • Nazima Habibi

    (Environment and Life Sciences Research Centre, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Safat 13109, Kuwait)

  • Talat Saeed

    (Environment and Life Sciences Research Centre, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Safat 13109, Kuwait)

  • Hanan A. Al-Sarawi

    (Environment Public Authority, Safat 70050, Kuwait)

  • Montaha Behbehani

    (Environment and Life Sciences Research Centre, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Safat 13109, Kuwait)

  • Mohammad Faizuddin

    (Gulf Geoinformation Solutions, Sharjah P.O. Box 49590, United Arab Emirates)

Abstract

Coastal areas are vital ecosystems, supporting diverse marine life and providing resources essential to human well-being. However, sewage pollution poses a significant threat to these delicate environments, impacting water quality, biodiversity, and public health. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has gained importance. We believe the presence of faecal sterols in coastal and marine sediments is a reliable indicator of sewage contamination. At most sites, the faecal contamination was observed with ranges from
0.2 at 68% of the sampling sites, suggesting a large spatial distribution of sewage contamination beyond the discharge points. The positive correlation of faecal sterols with AMR provides an insight that antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) can spread to areas away from point sources. We propose that sterol ratios be considered as a screening tool for selecting the sites for AMR assessment. The analyses of sterols will be less time and cost-intensive compared to pharmaceutical analyses and can be a reliable indicator for AMR studies in areas where prior knowledge and experience are lacking.

Suggested Citation

  • Saif Uddin & Nazima Habibi & Talat Saeed & Hanan A. Al-Sarawi & Montaha Behbehani & Mohammad Faizuddin, 2024. "Antibiotic Resistance Genes and Faecal Sterols in Marine Sediments: An Evidence of Their Presence away from Point Sources–Kuwait’s Example," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-15, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:10:p:4320-:d:1398303
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Hanan A. Al-Sarawi & Afrah B. Najem & Brett P. Lyons & Saif Uddin & Mohammad A. Al-Sarawi, 2022. "Antimicrobial Resistance in Escherichia coli Isolated from Marine Sediment Samples from Kuwait Bay," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-11, September.
    2. Martinez, M.L. & Intralawan, A. & Vazquez, G. & Perez-Maqueo, O. & Sutton, P. & Landgrave, R., 2007. "The coasts of our world: Ecological, economic and social importance," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 63(2-3), pages 254-272, August.
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