Antibiotics and Environment

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as one of the most pressing global health and environmental challenges. The rapid spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria threatens the continued effectiveness of antimicrobial therapies and undermines efforts to control infectious diseases. Recognizing its global impact, theWorld Health Organization (WHO) has identified AMR as a critical issue requiring urgent and coordinated international action. Beyond clinical settings, community-acquired infections associated with asymptomatic carriers, as well as the dissemination of resistant strains originating from livestock, aquaculture, and other production systems, have become increasingly important concerns. Addressing these complex challenges requires a comprehensive understanding of the global dynamics of antimicrobial resistance and the implementation of a One Health approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental perspectives. Environmental compartments play a crucial role in the emergence, persistence, and dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and antimicrobial compounds. These contaminants originate from diverse human and animal activities and occur simultaneously within interconnected environmental systems. Therefore, clarifying their occurrence, environmental fate, and associated ecological and human health risks is essential for developing effective mitigation strategies and achieving sustainable coexistence between modern society and environmental integrity. This Reprint focuses on antimicrobials and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in diverse environmental settings, including rivers, lakes, coastal waters, water treatment systems, wastewater treatment plants, and livestock-related environments. This Reprint supports original research on occurrence, environmental dynamics, risk assessment, and treatment technologies, as well as review articles that synthesize current knowledge, introduce innovative analytical approaches, and propose future strategies for AMR mitigation based on the One Health framework.