The article discusses the global threat of antibiotic resistance (AR) and the need for measures to reduce the risks posed by antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment. Key points include: 1. **Current Challenges**: The spread of ARGs and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) is linked to increased hospitalization and mortality rates, and current risk assessment models are inadequate for evaluating the environmental impact of ARB and ARGs. 2. **Environmental Persistence**: Unlike chemical contaminants, bacterial contaminants and their ARGs can persist and spread in the environment, leading to potential health risks for humans. 3. **Mechanisms of Dissemination**: The dissemination of ARB in the environment is driven by horizontal gene transfer, genetic mutation, and selective pressures from antimicrobial compounds or other contaminants. 4. **Hotspots and Impact**: ARB and ARGs are found in various environmental compartments, such as municipal wastewater systems and aquaculture facilities, contributing to the discharge of these contaminants into the environment. 5. **Knowledge Gaps and Future Research**: Standardization of resistance testing methods, the development of global databases, and the integration of research and routine monitoring data are crucial for improving understanding and risk assessment. 6. **Risk Assessment**: Integrated risk assessment should consider the potential of subinhibitory antibiotic concentrations to promote ARB development and the transmission of resistance determinants from anthropogenic sources to human bacteria. 7. **Management and Policy Options**: Recommendations include listing ARB and ARGs as contaminants of emerging concern, setting differentiated maximum admissible levels, and identifying critical control points for prevention and remediation. 8. **Conclusion**: The article emphasizes the need for improved surveillance, standardized methods, and effective management strategies to combat the evolution and spread of antibiotic resistance in the environment, while protecting human health and the environment.The article discusses the global threat of antibiotic resistance (AR) and the need for measures to reduce the risks posed by antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment. Key points include: 1. **Current Challenges**: The spread of ARGs and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) is linked to increased hospitalization and mortality rates, and current risk assessment models are inadequate for evaluating the environmental impact of ARB and ARGs. 2. **Environmental Persistence**: Unlike chemical contaminants, bacterial contaminants and their ARGs can persist and spread in the environment, leading to potential health risks for humans. 3. **Mechanisms of Dissemination**: The dissemination of ARB in the environment is driven by horizontal gene transfer, genetic mutation, and selective pressures from antimicrobial compounds or other contaminants. 4. **Hotspots and Impact**: ARB and ARGs are found in various environmental compartments, such as municipal wastewater systems and aquaculture facilities, contributing to the discharge of these contaminants into the environment. 5. **Knowledge Gaps and Future Research**: Standardization of resistance testing methods, the development of global databases, and the integration of research and routine monitoring data are crucial for improving understanding and risk assessment. 6. **Risk Assessment**: Integrated risk assessment should consider the potential of subinhibitory antibiotic concentrations to promote ARB development and the transmission of resistance determinants from anthropogenic sources to human bacteria. 7. **Management and Policy Options**: Recommendations include listing ARB and ARGs as contaminants of emerging concern, setting differentiated maximum admissible levels, and identifying critical control points for prevention and remediation. 8. **Conclusion**: The article emphasizes the need for improved surveillance, standardized methods, and effective management strategies to combat the evolution and spread of antibiotic resistance in the environment, while protecting human health and the environment.