The link between antibiotic resistance level and soil physico-chemical properties

The study explores the relationship between soil physico-chemical properties and antibiotic resistance (ARB) abundance in various environments. Soil samples from agricultural fields and forests were analyzed for 24 parameters and DNA extraction. Results showed significant differences in soil properties between arable and forest soils, with arable soils having a higher abundance of ARGs and MGEs. The study also found strong positive associations between MGEs and ARGs, suggesting heavy metal contamination may play a significant role in AMR spread.