Antibiotics pollution in Jiulong River estuary: Source, distribution and bacterial resistance

► Jiulong River estuary and upstream rivers have been contaminated with antibiotics. ► The antibiotics were mainly from the rivers, especially downstream watersheds. ► Antibiotic concentration was low in mid-stream of North River. ► Most of the bacteria from estuary show antibiotic resistance or multi-resistance. ► Resistance rates were significantly correlated with antibiotic pollution levels.