The influence of textile microfibers on the horizontal transfer of antimicrobial resistance genes

The aim of the project is fundamental research into the influence of microfibers on horizontal gene transfer in monitored bacterial colonies. Based on a thorough literature review of water pollution by textile microfibers, synthetic and natural textile samples (including regenerated cellulose) will be selected whose fiber fragments constitute the largest component of pollution in freshwater sources. These fiber samples will vary in their morphology, dye content, and specific finishing treatments. All experiments will be conducted using real surface water samples collected from nearby locations within the Liberec Region. The correlation between fiber properties (fiber type, physical and chemical properties, dye, and the presence of finishing treatments) and the propagation rate of resistance genes will be evaluated by studying horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in selected bacterial strains and natural microbial communities. Systematic research into the interactions between textile microfibers and bacterial communities is essential for accurately assessing the risks posed by wastewater treatment plants as major distribution hubs for the spread of anthropogenically induced bacterial resistance.