Date of Award

2019

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Hickey, Christopher

Abstract

Over the past 90 years antibiotics have dramatically impacted healthcare. We now have cures for infections people once thought were deadly. Medical advances have contributed to an increase in life expectancy, spearheaded by antibiotics. If these antibiotics are so useful, why are 23,000 people still dying every year from antibiotic-resistant pathogens? The answer to this question is due to the increased exposure to antibiotics. The presence of antibiotics in our water system allows for harmful bacteria to develop resistance to antibiotics that eventually produce harmful strains. Water samples were tested for the presence of different antibiotics. After the analysis, antibiotics were found to be present in oceanwater, aquaculture, and wastewater at sewage treatment facilities. In order to combat this issue, we need to learn how these antibiotics are making their way into our water systems and how this increase in exposure could possibly contribute to an increase in antibiotic resistance.

Comments

Includes bibliography.

Extent

35 p.

Identifier

FAUHT00079

Download

Share

COinS