UCLA

The presence of antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) and antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) in aquatic environments is cause for concern. Research studies have linked animal and human waste as a source for ARGs and ARB found in stormwater runoff, agricultural runoff, wastewater treatment plants, and hospital effluents. Several of these pathways connect to the ocean, potentially creating another reservoir for ARGs. Coastal environments are relied on for recreational uses, food, and more, but the relationship between pathogens present in coastal environments and human health have not been fully established. Thus, quantifying the amount of ARGs present in ocean water, particularly in surface coastal waters where humans are more likely to encounter any harmful pathogens, is pivotal to understanding and mitigating the threat of antibiotic resistance in aquatic environments. This thesis is divided into two chapters. Chapter one is a systematic review for quantitative resistance data available for coastal surface waters. Chapter two investigates ARGs in ocean water at two California beaches.