Warming exacerbates the effects of pesticides on the soil collembolan gut microbiome and antibiotic resistome

In the context of global climate warming, studies have yet to fully clarify how pollutants affect the gut microbiome and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in nontarget soil fauna. This study investigates the interactive effects of pesticide exposure (imidacloprid) and elevated temperature on the gut bacterial community and ARGs in the model soil collembolan Folsomia candida. Our results demonstrate warming exacerbates the toxicity of imidacloprid in collembolans. While exposure to both warming and pesticide significantly altered the gut microbial composition of F. candida, impairing microbial metabolic diversity and potential host defense mechanisms, it also increased collembolan mortality. This combined exposure significantly enhanced the abundance and diversity of ARGs in the collembolan gut. A notable correlation between ARGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) underscores the potential risk of ARG transmission. Co-occurrence network analysis identified 52 bacterial genera as potential ARG hosts. Additionally, pure-culture exposure experiments with the isolated bacterium Serratia liquefaciens revealed the adaptability of ARG hosts to pesticide and warming stress plays an important role in driving the observed increase in ARGs. In conclusion, this study highlights the synergistic effects of climate warming and pesticide contamination on nontarget soil organisms, emphasizing the potential long-term risks to soil ecosystem health and stability.