Occurrence and drivers of antibiotic resistance genes in sediments of Ya'er Lake, a historically polluted lake in China
This study aims to explore the occurrence, distribution, and potential drivers of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in sediments of Ya'er Lake, a historically polluted lake in central China. Metagenomic sequencing was applied to reveal the composition and ecological risk of ARGs and to understand their association with microbial communities and environmental factors. The findings contribute to evaluating the long-term persistence of antibiotic resistance in lake sediments and provide a scientific basis for pollution control and ecological restoration.