Increase in Antibiotic Resistance of Soil Microbes Found Near Hospital Sites
Chris Horga
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Summary
Human activities such as industrialized animal farming, hospital usage, and improper antibiotic disposal by individuals are all potential sources of environmental antibiotic pollution. This pollution directly impacts the biodiversity of our soil by causing selective pressure for antibiotic resistant soil microbes. Our study asked whether the percentage of antibiotic resistant soil microbes would differ between two soil environments: schools and hospitals. We hypothesized the use and disposal of antibiotics in hospitals would significantly increase the percentage of antibiotic resistant microbes compared to schools.
