Unraveling the Role of Chlorination Disinfection in Antimicrobial Resistance Evolution among Bacteria and Biofilms

Title: Unraveling the Role of Chlorination Disinfection in Antimicrobial Resistance Evolution among Bacteria and Biofilms

Abstract: Chlorination is commonly used to control or prevent microbials in water environment. Existing studies have reported that chlorination disinfection can increase the abundance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and promote horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in water distribution systems. However, little is known about whether chlorination could drive the long-term evolution of bacterial AMR across bacterial species such as waterborne pathogens, and in particular if chlorination could promote AMR dissemination in bacterial biofilms, in which form more than 90% of the biomass resides in water sources.

Here, my PhD project is to unravel the emergence of bacterial evolution under chlorination treatment and investigate whether chlorine could promote gene transfer in biofilms. To achieve the aims, three objectives have been proposed:

1. Exploring evolution dynamics of AMR under chlorination disinfection;
2. Investigating the role of free chlorine on the conjugative transfer of ARGs within biofilms;
3. Investigating the role of free chlorine on the conjugative transfer of ARGs within real bacteria community biofilms.

The findings will further enhance understanding in the dissemination of ARGs under chlorination treatment and raise public reflection on the safety of chlorine-treated drinking water.

Bio: Prior to commencing her PhD, Yujie completed her master with ACWEB majoring urban water engineering. She is currently focusing on the research about the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.