Scientists at the University of Utah have identified natural compounds derived from plants that could be used to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria found in wastewater. Research published in Frontiers in Microbiology indicates that curcumin, sourced from turmeric, and emodin, found in rhubarb, are effective at significantly suppressing the growth and activity of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains.
The study involved analyzing wastewater samples collected from treatment facilities in Logan, Utah. From these samples, researchers isolated nine distinct strains of bacteria exhibiting resistance to multiple antibiotics. While some of these bacteria may not be inherently harmful, they possess the capability to transfer antibiotic resistance genes to more dangerous pathogens, such as E. coli.
Laboratory experiments tested the efficacy of 11 natural compounds against colonies of these resistant bacteria. Curcumin and emodin yielded the most favorable outcomes, demonstrating a reduction in bacterial proliferation, biofilm formation, and overall cellular activity. However, the study noted that Gram-negative bacteria, including Chryseobacterium, proved resistant to all the compounds tested.
The authors of the study highlight the potential significance of their findings. If the effectiveness of these plant-derived substances is validated in practical, large-scale applications, they could represent a safe and viable alternative to traditional antibiotics for use during the wastewater treatment process. This could play a crucial role in preventing the further dissemination of “superbugs” into the environment.
In related research, scientists have previously pointed out that even advanced wastewater treatment systems struggle to efficiently remove microplastics. These tiny plastic particles can then enter rivers and groundwater, carrying potentially hazardous chemicals with them.
