Comprehensive Characterization of Bioaerosol Microbial Communities, ARG, and Occupational Exposure Risks in WWTP and Comprehensive Landfill.

Bioaerosol microbial communities and antibiotic resistance gene exposure levels differ markedly between wastewater treatment and landfill facilities, with higher bacterial counts at the landfill and higher ARG/MGE concentrations at the treatment plant.

• Why it matters: Understanding transmission characteristics of pathogenic microorganisms and resistance genes in bioaerosols is crucial for protecting worker health and developing targeted control strategies, yet these differences remain underexplored.
• What they did: The study used 16S rRNA gene sequencing, high-throughput qPCR, risk assessment, exposure estimation, and machine learning to compare microbial communities, ARGs/MGEs, and occupational exposure at two facilities in Central China, involving measurements of bacterial concentrations, particle sizes, and genetic determinants.
• The result: Findings show higher bacterial and fine-particle levels at the landfill (DP), but greater ARG/MGE concentrations and inhalation exposure doses at the wastewater treatment plant (XQ), indicating the need for facility-specific aerosol control measures.