Distribution and transformation of antibiotic resistance genes in Soil

Soil is considered as one of the primary receivers of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Hence, clarifying the distribution, transfer of ARGs in soil, is very important to evaluate the potential ecological risks of ARGs. In this paper, the origin, distribution and transfer of ARGs in soil were examined systematically, the major environmental factors that influenced the transmission of ARGs were summarized, and the necessity of the ARGs research in soil was also emphasized. Results showed that the previous studies mostly focus on the abundance and variety of exogenous ARGs in soil, while spatial distribution, propagation and behavior mechanism of ARGs are still found to be insufficient. Based on current research, prospective ARGs research in soil should master the distribution, source, rule of transformation and the key restriction factors. Furthermore a corresponding quantitative relationship should be established to provide a scientific basis data for the assessment of ARGs pollution and ecological risk © 2018, Editorial Board of China Environmental Science. All right reserved.