Critically important antimicrobial resistant Enterobacteriaceae in Irish farm effluent and their removal in integrated constructed wetlands.

This study investigated the ability of Integrated Constructed Wetlands (ICWs) to remove critically important antimicrobial resistant organisms (AROs) from farm wastewater. Influent samples from the untreated farm waste and effluent samples taken at the end of the ICW system were collected monthly from four ICWs, serving four different farm types (suckler, dairy, dairy & poultry and pig). Using selective media to screen for the presence of carbapenemase resistant organisms, plasmid mediated and AmpC β-Lactamase producing organisms (ESBL/pAmpC) and fluoroquinolone resistant organisms, a total of 82 AROs were obtained with the majority being E.

The universal design, operation and maintenance guidelines for farm constructed wetlands (FCW) in temperate climates.

This paper comprises the scientific justification for the Farm Constructed Wetland (FCW) Design Manual for Northern Ireland and Scotland. Moreover, this document addresses an international audience interested in applying wetland systems in the wider agricultural context. Farm constructed wetlands combine farm wastewater (predominantly farmyard runoff) treatment with landscape and biodiversity enhancements, and are a specific application and class of integrated constructed wetlands (ICW), which have wider applications in the treatment of other wastewater types such as domestic sewage.