Author: Jessica Davis, Colorado State University. In general, most measured concentrations have been well below the levels known to be toxic to aquatic organisms. However, the presence of antibiotics contributes to genetic mutations that could result in antibiotic resistance. The spread of antibiotic resistance genes is a serious concern because they are the agents that allow pathogens (both human and animal) to become resistant to antibiotics, thus rendering antibiotics ineffective in fighting disease. In addition, other impacts may include potential effects on soil fauna (such as earthworms) and microbial populations and processes. Preliminary data show that antibiotics may inhibit the mineralization of manure nutrients in soil, an essential process in making manure nitrogen available for plants to use. Recent research has shown that chlortetracycline can be taken up by plants intact, meaning that chlortetracycline could enter the food chain through manure application to land. Taken as a whole, these issues do present serious concerns regarding antibiotics in the environment.

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