Antimicrobial resistance is arguably the greatest threat to worldwide human health. This book evaluates the roles of human water use, treatment and conservation in the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance. Designed as a companion volume to Antimicrobial Resistance in the Environment (Wiley-Blackwell, 2012), this book is a multi-disciplinary synthesis of topics related to antimicrobial resistance and wastewater treatment processes.
Antimicrobial Resistance in Wastewater Treatment Processes assembles detailed discussions written by many of the world's best-known experts in microbiology, civil engineering, chemistry, environmental science, public health and related fields. The book presents a collection of subjects that includes:
- Current knowledge of the role of the environment in development and spread of antimicrobial resistance
- Chemical analysis of antibiotics in environmental samples
- Molecular methods for analysis of antimicrobial resistance genes
- Advanced wastewater treatment processes and antimicrobial resistance effects
- Public perception of risk related to health consequences of antimicrobial resistance
- Public health implications of antimicrobial resistance with focus on wastewater treatment processes
Antimicrobial resistance has gained a foothold in the global consciousness as a serious public health threat. There is a much greater appreciation for the role of the environment in the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance and the effects of pollutants that can potentially promote development of resistance in bacteria. Contaminants released from wastewater treatment plants are a concern. In Antimicrobial Resistance in Wastewater Treatment Processes, readers will be guided through examinations of the current science related to this important health issue.
About the Author: Patricia Keen is a researcher and instructor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of British Columbia. She has more than 30 years of extensive experience in environmental chemistry, toxicology, ecosystem health, environmental risk assessment, resource management and environmental impacts of contaminants. The principle focus of her research is related to antimicrobial resistance in environment and together with Dr. Mark Montforts, she is the co-editor of the book published in 2012 by Wiley Blackwell entitled Antimicrobial Resistance in the Environment. Patricia is actively engaged in water and wastewater research at UBC and maintains a consulting role in projects related to environmental health and integrated resource management.
Raphaël Fugère is a biologist and environmental engineer with more than seven years of experience in designing, building, optimizing, operating and troubleshooting drinking water and wastewater treatment plants, from small to very large-scale. He has experience in process related research as well as on the practical side associated with industrial and municipal plants. He has actively participated in roles involving water management governance for small and mid-sized cities, ensuring coordination between agricultural needs, municipal needs, industrial needs and the need for resource conservation. Some of those efforts date back to 2006 where, even at the time, the need for fracturing fracking fluid was putting pressure on the scarce water resources in northern British Columbia. Raphaël maintains a support role on various research projects at conducted at UBC.
