Superbug fragment study in Duluth

Paul Lundgren Nov 27, 2011 4 Comments

Timothy LaPara and a team of researchers at the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities, testing water pouring from a modern water treatment facility in Duluth, found genes of drug-resistant bacteria in the discharge. Most American cities do not have facilities as good as Duluth’s, but no one knows for sure how much worse the situation may be at those facilities because it has not been measured.

Inside Science News Service: The best wastewater treatment plants can’t filter out superbug fragments

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4 Comments

Jon

about 13 years ago 

I for one, welcome our new microbial over-lords.

RightElbow

about 13 years ago 

Interesting, but it doesn't say if the fragments mean anything actually possibly infectious is in the discharge.

I got a little eyebrow raise out of their description of the St. Louis River estuary as "pristine."

If this study leads to further testing and better treatment, fabulous. I wouldn't panic just yet, though. And not drinking river water straight would have been good advice even before this article came out.

Fred

about 13 years ago 

Maybe the super-bug microbial genetic pieces will combine with all the heavy metals sitting on the bottom of our "pristine" estuary to allow Godzilla and Mothra to arise and do battle. Minnesota style -- it'll be Pikezilla vs. Wallra.

Ramos

about 13 years ago 

I, for one, take comfort in knowing we have the "Lamborghini of sewer plants."

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