Abstract:
Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are emerging contaminants prevalent in drinking water, posing a potential threat to human health. Water treatment and distribution are the main part of drinking water supply systems. Although there have been studies on the occurrence and migration of ARGs in drinking water, the understanding of the temporal and spatial variation characteristics of ARGs in drinking water supply systems and associated influencing factors and mechanisms is still highly insufficient. Based on published studies on ARGs in drinking water, we analyze the sources, health risks, and temporal and spatial variation characteristics of ARGs in drinking water as well as the influence of water source, filtration process, disinfection technology, pipe material, and hydraulic conditions on ARGs in the water or biofilms of drinking water supply systems and associated mechanisms. This article can provide a basis for assessing drinking water microbial risks and developing control measures.