Fates of antibiotic resistance genes and bacterial/archaeal communities of activated sludge under stress of copper: Gradient increasing/decreasing exposure modes

Effect of copper (Cu) on antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and bacterial/archaeal community of activated sludge under gradient increasing (0.5-10 mg/L) or decreasing exposure (10-0.5 mg/L) modes was explored. Here, 29 genes were detected among 48 selected ARGs and mobile gene elements (MGEs). Two exposure modes showed dissimilar effects on ARGs and distribution was more affected by environmental concentrations of Cu, which promoted transmission of ARGs (multiple drug resistance and sulfonamide). Cellular protection was main resistance mechanism, which was less inhibited than efflux pumps. The tnpA-02, as main MGE, interacted closely with ARGs (sul2, floR, etc.). Gradient increasing exposure mode had more effects on bacterial/archaeal structure and composition. Bacteria were main hosts for specific ARGs and tnpA-02, while archaea carried multiple ARGs (cmx(A), adeA, etc.), and bacteria (24.24 %) contributed more to changes of ARGs than archaea (19.29 %). This study clarified the impacts of Cu on the proliferation and transmission of ARGs.