NATIONAL PRIORITIES: EVALUATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE IN WASTEWATER AND SEWAGE SLUDGE TREATMENT AND ITS IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT

Background
In recent years, concern has increased about the occurrence of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) that could make it more difficult to treat certain infections in animals and people. Wastewater treatment facilities are believed to be potential receptors and sources for ARB and ARGs and can act as a bridge to the environment. The RFA seeks research that will address knowledge gaps in the occurrence, fate and transport, and persistence of antimicrobial resistant organisms and genes found in municipal wastewater effluent and biosolids.

Grant Details
The Office of Research and Development’s (ORD) Consolidated Research/Training/Fellowships program supports research and development to determine the environmental effects of air quality, drinking water, water quality, hazardous waste, toxic substances, and pesticides; identify, develop, and demonstrate effective pollution control techniques; perform risk assessments to characterize the potential adverse health effects of human exposures to environmental hazards; facilitate training and program participant support in these areas. Awards made under this program further EPA’s priorities supporting robust science for air quality, safe and sustainable water resources, sustainable and healthy communities, chemical safety, and human health risk assessment. The national priorities competition under this program supports high-priority water quality and availability research.

Eligibility Requirements
EPA strongly encourages all eligible applicants including minority serving institutions (MSIs) to apply under this opportunity. MSIs include Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions, and Predominately Black Institutions.

Grant Value
The total value of the grant is not provided in the document.