Department of Chemistry - PhD Student Seminar - Agricultural Antibiotics in Environment and Associated Health Impacts

Student: Ms. Ka Ki NG

Department: Department of Chemistry, HKUST

Supervisor: Prof. Simon Wan CHAN

Abstract

World population growth has raised demand for agricultural production, leading to intensive farming practices. To boost productivity and meet food requirements, antibiotics have been extensively used in both animal husbandry and crop production. However, the widespread use of agricultural antibiotics has polluted the environment, posing risks to ecosystems and human health. Soil serves as the primary sink for agricultural antibiotics, accumulating them mainly through direct excretion by livestock and the application of animal manure. Depending on their physicochemical properties, agricultural antibiotics may also leach into water systems. Once released into the environment, they could disrupt native microbial communities and facilitate the spread of antibiotic-resistance genes. They could also affect key soil processes by suppressing microbial activities and inhibiting enzyme function, thereby reducing soil fertility and ecosystem functioning. Furthermore, antibiotic-resistant bacteria could enter the food chain and be transmitted to humans, threatening our health. Therefore, environmental surveillance is essential for monitoring contamination levels of agricultural antibiotics and resistance genes. Ultimately, improving management strategies for antibiotic use and waste treatment is crucial to minimize exposure and thus protect human health.