• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the growing concerns that is known to affect the ecosystem.

• Antibiotic resistance in the environment is one of the most underreported and growing concerns due to the uncontrolled and untreated discharge of antibiotics into the environment.

• Hence, a study was conducted in Hyderabad from December 2021 to April 2022, to assess the temporal dynamics of AMR in wastewater.

• Wastewater was sampled at monthly intervals. 

• Thirteen mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and 123 antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs) were analyzed in the wastewater samples using quantitative real-time PCR.

• A few of the essential results are as follows:

1. 70% of the examined ARGs were detected.

2. Nine out of 10 examined ARGs and 28 out of 52 antibiotics were detected.

3. An estimated 50% of the tested ARG subtypes were found consistently each month, with a frequency of 52–61%.

4. The antibiotic showing the highest resistance was found to be aminoglycosides.

5. The frequency of detection of ARGs and MGEs markedly increased in the winter.

• This study addresses AMR through the One health approach, connecting all three aspects of human health, animal health and environment .

• This study provides evidence to develop sustainable policies and promote the rational use of antibiotics.

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