Divergent driving mechanisms elevate antibiotic resistance risk to a greater extent in water than in sediment of the Ganjiang River: The synergistic effect of mobile genetic elements and microbial metabolism

Key Points

• Antibiotic resistance risk is significantly higher in water compared to sediment in the Ganjiang River.
• The interplay of mobile genetic elements and microbial metabolism exacerbates resistance levels, raising concerns.
• Assessment reveals that environmental conditions favor greater resistance enhancement in water, impacting ecosystems.
• Findings indicate a need for vigilant monitoring of aquatic systems to mitigate resistance spread and protect public health.