Exploring antimicrobial resistance in Australian wastewater

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an escalating global health challenge increasingly detected in environmental systems. This PhD research investigated AMR in Australia using wastewater-based approaches integrating analytical chemistry, microbiology, and demographic data. Wastewater samples from 20 wastewater treatment plants were analysed to characterise resistance genes, assess chemical drivers of selection using the SELECT assay, and explore socioeconomic associations with AMR prevalence. Results revealed widespread multidrug resistance, reduced selective risk in effluent, and weak correlations with demographic factors. Collectively, this work advances wastewater-based epidemiology for AMR surveillance, providing an integrated framework to inform public health policy and environmental management.