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Project title

Utilising Integrated constructed wetlands to Reduce Antimicrobial resistance and increase Carbon sequestration in the Environment

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Teagasc

Lead Applicant

Catherine (Kaye) Burgess

Project Abstract

Integrated constructed wetlands present an environmentally sustainable water treatment option for a range of sectors and provide a number of benefits, including low operational costs, enhanced biodiversity, carbon sequestration and nutrient capture. In addition, previous work undertaken by the project team in agricultural settings has demonstrated the efficacy of ICWs for removing antimicrobial resistant organisms (AROs) present in the influent. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a multi sectoral issue which needs to be tackled through combined efforts. The objective of this project is to compare the efficacy of ICWs to (i) reduce the dissemination of AROs and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and (ii) sequester carbon from agricultural and municipal settings, as well as the use of ICWs for food production and companion animal facility wastewaters. A multi faceted approach will be taken, with the use of culture based methodologies to assess the presence of clinically relevant antimicrobial resistant Enterobacterales in the different waste types before, during and after treatment, complemented by an assessment of carbon levels in the sediments. In parallel metagenomic analysis will be undertaken to elucidate the influence of the influent composition on the microbial communities present in the ICW in different sectors, as well as the presence of a range of human pathogens and the public health risk from ARGs in the effluent from these ICWs. A second aspect of the project will provide an indepth analysis of the functionality of the individual cells of ICWs and/or the impact of ICW age on their ability to reduce AROs and sequester carbon, including the identification of suitable biomarkers in effective ICWs. Providing a more in depth understanding of ICW function and options for modulation will facilitate improvements in AMR reduction and carbon sequestration. Together the project will generate much needed datasets on the utilisation of ICWs in a broader range of sectors, providing evidence of their efficacy for tackling the public health challenge of AMR and the environmental challenge of enhancing carbon sequestration.

Grant Approved

�479,926.20

Research Hub

Healthy Environment

Research Theme

n/a

Start Date

01/03/2023

Initial Projected Completion Date

28/02/2027