Work

Spore-forming Clostridia as overlooked determinants of microbial risk in wastewater reuse systems

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Using treated municipal wastewater for crop irrigation is a key strategy to combat drought-induced water scarcity. However, current wastewater reclamation standards systematically underestimate risks from spore-forming pathogens. As highlighted in a recent minireview by A. Mrozinski, C. Le Maréchal, and E. Topp in Applied and Environmental Microbiology (92:e00173-26, 2026, https://doi.org/10.1128/aem.00173-26 ), Clostridioides difficil e and Clostridium perfringens survive conventional disinfection, persist indefinitely in agricultural soils, and harbor critical antibiotic resistance genes. To safeguard the food supply and protect public health, regulatory frameworks must shift from relying solely on standard vegetative bacterial indicators and include monitoring resilient, spore-forming pathogens.

Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology

DOI: 10.1128/aem.01000-26

Authors: Daniel N. Miller, Lisa M. Durso

Institution: Agricultural Research Service

Language: English

Topic: Wastewater Treatment and Reuse

Subfield: Waste Management and Disposal

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Zero hunger, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: U.S. Department of Agriculture