Rapid methods for antimicrobial resistance diagnosis in contaminated soils for effective remediation strategy

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the environment is a global concern for public health and recent studies have shown that various soil pollutants (e.g. heavy metals, petroleum hydrocarbons) can cause the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic-resistance genes in the soil. This emergence of AMR in soil is therefore prompting the research community for the development of rapid and real-time monitoring tools to better understand the source, fate and transfer pathway of AMR in contaminated soils. In this respect, the recent development of rapid sensors-based methods has been critically reviewed. The analytical performance of each sensing technique along with their advantages and limitations is further discussed to inform future development needs for the next generation sensors that would allow rapid and multiplexed detection of AMR in contaminated soils. By doing so, it would assist the decision making during remediation project and provide crucial insights into the risk assessment for contaminated sites.