The widespread use of antibiotics by humans and animals has led to antibiotics appearing in unexpected places, including vegetables and soil. This type of contamination is concerning because it can encourage the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which pose a serious health threat. Vergara points out the limitations of current methods, which fail to detect low concentrations of antibiotics often found in plants and worms. To address this shortcoming, he developed two new analytical methods that can simultaneously detect a wide range of antibiotics and their derivatives at very low levels.
The research team analyzed vegetable samples from different parts of the Basque Autonomous Community, including both organic and non-organic farms. The results confirmed the presence of antibiotics and their transformation products in vegetables and demonstrated their transfer from soil to crop.
The study found that the worms accumulated antibiotics in their bodies and produced new transformation products; This points to another potential pathway for the spread of antibiotics.
Vergara emphasizes that more research is needed to combat this growing problem. Interdisciplinary efforts are essential to develop effective solutions.
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Source: Ferra
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