A recent study published in Environmental Science and Ecotechnology reveals significant changes in antibiotic pollution patterns in China's water systems over the past decade, driven by evolving manure management practices. Conducted by researchers from China Agricultural University and Wageningen University, the study developed the MARINA-Antibiotics (China-1.0) model to track antibiotic flows from livestock manure into rivers and groundwater across 395 sub-basins between 2010 and 2020.
The study found a 59% decrease in antibiotic pollution in rivers, primarily due to improved manure recycling and reduced direct manure discharge into waterways. However, this improvement came with an unintended consequence: antibiotic leaching into groundwater increased by 15%, largely as a result of expanded manure use as fertilizer on farmland.
Key findings indicate that fluoroquinolones remain the dominant antibiotics in rivers, primarily sourced from pig, cattle, and chicken manure, while sulfonamides account for over 90% of antibiotics in groundwater, mainly originating from pig and sheep manure.
The study emphasizes the success of existing agricultural policies in mitigating river pollution but highlights the urgent need for strategies that address the growing risks of groundwater contamination. Researchers call for integrated manure management policies that balance both river and groundwater protection.
This research provides valuable insights for policymakers and serves as a model for other countries tackling antibiotic pollution from intensive livestock farming.
