Reduction of Antimicrobial Resistance: advancements in Nature-Based wastewater treatment.

Water scarcity, affecting one-fifth of the global population, is exacerbated by industrial, agricultural, and population growth pressures on water resources. Wastewater, containing Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) such as antibiotics, presents environmental and health hazards. This study explores a Nature-Based Solution (NBS) using Constructed Wetlands (CWs) for wastewater reclamation and CECs removal. Two CW configurations (Vertical-VCW and Hybrid-HCW) were tested for their efficacy. Results show significant reduction in for all the chemico-physical and biological parameters meeting Italian water reuse standards. Furthermore, Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria (ARB) and Genes (ARGs) were effectively reduced, emphasizing CWs potential in mitigating Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). Lettuce seedlings irrigated with treated wastewater exhibited no ARB/ARGs transfer, indicating the safety of reclaimed water for agricultural use. Overall, CWs emerge as sustainable NBS for wastewater treatment, contributing to global water conservation efforts amid escalating water scarcity challenges.