Antibiotic resistance genes are also widespread in German inland waters. This is the result of a study by the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW) and the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (Leibniz-IGB). The researchers demonstrated a high diversity and concentration of resistance genes in water and sediment samples from six bodies of water in Berlin, Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, as well as from the inflow and outflow of a Berlin wastewater treatment plant.

The inflows and outflows of the sewage treatment plant were particularly heavily polluted. In urban areas, such as in the Müggelsee and the Weißer See, significantly more resistance genes were also found than in remote rural waters such as the Stechlinsee or the Haussee. Resistant germs were even detected in a pond in the middle of fields in Brandenburg – especially in the sediments, which apparently serve as reservoirs.

The analysis included 18 different classes of resistance genes, including those to aminoglycosides, phenicols and tetracyclines. These antibiotics are used in both human and animal husbandry and enter the environment via wastewater.

The results show that human activities – especially via wastewater treatment plants and intensive land use – significantly promote the spread of resistant bacteria in water bodies. The scientists emphasize that further long-term studies are needed to better understand the dynamics and impacts on ecosystems and public health.

The study has been published in the journal iScience .

Original Paper:

De Yebra P, Zoccarato L, Galdindo JA, Numberger D, Abdulkadir N, Grossart HP, Greenwood AD (2026): Diversity of antibiotic resistance genes increases in urbanized lakes: a multi-tool screening. iScience 115892. DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2026.115892

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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