Editing Antimicrobial resistance (section)

=== Environmental pollution ===
Considering the complex interactions between humans, animals and the environment, it is also important to consider the environmental aspects and contributors to antimicrobial resistance.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Musoke D, Namata C, Lubega GB, Niyongabo F, Gonza J, Chidziwisano K, Nalinya S, Nuwematsiko R, Morse T | title = The role of Environmental Health in preventing antimicrobial resistance in low- and middle-income countries | journal = Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine | volume = 26 | issue = 1 | pages = 100 | date = October 2021 | pmid = 34610785 | pmc = 8493696 | doi = 10.1186/s12199-021-01023-2 | doi-access = free | bibcode = 2021EHPM...26..100M}}</ref> Although there are still some knowledge gaps in understanding the mechanisms and transmission pathways,<ref name="UC">{{cite journal | vauthors = Fletcher S | title = Understanding the contribution of environmental factors in the spread of antimicrobial resistance | journal = Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine | volume = 20 | issue = 4 | pages = 243–252 | date = July 2015 | pmid = 25921603 | pmc = 4491066 | doi = 10.1007/s12199-015-0468-0 | bibcode = 2015EHPM...20..243F}}</ref> environmental pollution is considered a significant contributor to antimicrobial resistance.<ref name="EA">{{cite journal | vauthors = Ahmad I, Malak HA, Abulreesh HH | title = Environmental antimicrobial resistance and its drivers: a potential threat to public health | journal = Journal of Global Antimicrobial Resistance | volume = 27 | pages = 101–111 | date = December 2021 | pmid = 34454098 | doi = 10.1016/j.jgar.2021.08.001 | doi-access = free}}</ref> Important contributing factors are through "antibiotic residues", "industrial effluents", " [[Agricultural pollution|agricultural runoffs]]", "heavy metals", "[[biocide]]s and [[pesticide]]s" and "sewage and wastewater" that create reservoirs for resistant genes and bacteria that facilitates the transfer of human pathogens.<ref name="UC" /><ref name="EA" /> Unused or expired antibiotics, if not disposed of properly, can enter water systems and soil.<ref name="EA" /> Discharge from pharmaceutical manufacturing and other industrial companies can also introduce antibiotics and other chemicals into the environment.<ref name="EA" /> These factors allow for creating selective pressure for resistant bacteria.<ref name="EA" /> Antibiotics used in livestock and [[aquaculture]] can contaminate soil and water, which promotes resistance in environmental microbes.<ref name="UC" /> Heavy metals such as [[zinc]], copper and [[Mercury (element)|mercury]], and also biocides and pesticides, can co- select for antibiotic resistance,<ref name="EA" /> enhancing their speed.<ref name="UC" /> Inadequate [[Wastewater treatment|treatment of sewage and wastewater]] allows resistant bacteria and genes to spread through water systems.<ref name="UC" />