Antimicrobials and anaerobic digesters: minimisation of the risks of AMR and optimisation of antimicrobial removal

The environment represents a significant reservoir for antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial compounds, antimicrobial resistant bacteria (ARBs) and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) are routinely released within treated wastewater and ubiquitous within municipal biosolids. The UK produces nearly 1.5 million tonnes of biosolids annually. Anaerobic digestion (AD) is becoming widespread for the treatment of sludge. AD can harness the energy remaining within sludge to generate biogas estimated to contribute nearly 7.5% of UK renewable energy. Microbes are the ‘powerhouse’ of ADs—responsible for gas production and transformation of sludge into biosolids.

The increasing abundance of antimicrobials in wastewater presents a challenge to the functioning of AD. To what extent is current antimicrobial use impacting AD function? Is there a need to bioengineer the removal of antimicrobial compounds in sludge? During this PhD you will work to:

1) Identify the extent to which antimicrobials in wastewater sludge impacts AD functioning,
2) Identify the most ‘potent’ antimicrobials for fouling AD systems, and
3) Determine if solutions to this toxic challenge could be found in bioengineering, thereby manipulating the microbial community within AD to reduce the amounts of antimicrobials, ARGs, and ARBs in the biosolids they produce.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to visit AD plants nationally and engage with researchers and regulators at national and international conferences. You will work with experts at the University of York and the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology Wallingford to develop skills in: environmental analytical chemistry, microbial ecology, and chemi- and bio-informatics.

The ACCE DTP is committed to recruiting extraordinary future scientists regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or career pathway to date. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in science, who have curiosity, creativity and a drive to learn new skills. Contact Dr. Brett Sallach ([Email Address Removed]) for information.