Wastewater Surveillance: Monitoring Antibiotic Abuse

Excessive antibiotic use and improper waste treatment are causing environmental antibiotic concentrations to rise, resulting in ‘antibiotic pollution.’ Antibiotic pollution is a growing global issue, potentially contributing to antibiotic- or antimicrobial-resistance (ABR/AMR) and increasing human morbidity. The widespread use of antibiotics in healthcare, agriculture, and aquaculture poses a risk to their presence in various environments, such as soil, air, and water. AB monitoring advancements include nanomaterials-enabled electrochemical and optical biosensors for fast and accurate detection. Utilizing the distinct benefits of these smart biosensors can lead to a groundbreaking transformation in AMR diagnostics, marked by swift results, enhanced sensitivity, accessibility, and compatibility with AI/ML, IoT (Internet of Things) technologies. Their capacity for comprehensive environmental monitoring significantly boosts oversight in various contexts, resulting in enhanced contemporary healthcare methods and more efficient management of antimicrobial therapies. Adopting these advanced instruments for diagnosis is set to enhance global healthcare capabilities in addressing AMR and protecting One Health.