While most existing technologies and regulations focus on the removal of pathogens of fecal origin (e.g., E. coli and Salmonella), next generation battlefronts in combating waterborne disease are emerging. Opportunistic pathogens (e.g., Legionella and non-tuberculous mycobacteria) are a major challenge because they establish and proliferate in the biofilms of water systems, as is antibiotic resistance, which can be shared among bacteria via the mobilization of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). New engineering and regulatory paradigms for pathogen control are required to address these public health threats. Here we will explore a microbiome perspective towards understanding how various manipulations in water treatment, chemistry, and system design can be manipulated to reduce colonization, survival and proliferation of opportunistic pathogens and ARGs. Examples will be provided relevant to wastewater, reuse water, and drinking water treatment and delivery systems and a suggested path forward for advancing public health protection in the future.

Manipulating treatments, water chemistry, and system design to limit proliferation of pathogens and antibiotic resistance in water systems: A microbiome perspective

ACS Fall 2021

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