A more-than-human health approach to ensure the rights of rivers: The case of antibiotics in household waste

Lovleen Bhullar

doi:10.4324/9781003681410-7

A more-than-human health approach to ensure the rights of rivers: The case of antibiotics in household waste

Lovleen Bhullar^*

^*Corresponding author for this work

Birmingham Law School

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter

Abstract

It is a right of rivers to be free from pollution that exceeds their assimilative capacity. One source of river pollution is the discharge of antibiotics as part of household liquid and solid waste. Such discharge can also lead to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the environment. AMR refers to the ability of microorganisms to resist antimicrobial drugs, which can be transferred between human beings, animals and the environment with significant multi-species health impacts. The One Health approach to address AMR recognises the connections between human, animal, and environmental health but it remains inherently anthropocentric. Using the example of India, this chapter advocates for the adoption of a more-than-human health approach, which considers the impacts of human antibiotic use on the environment, to prevent or control river pollution and the emergence of AMR in the river environment, and to contribute to the operationalisation of rights of rivers.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	River Rejuvenation and River Rights
Subtitle of host publication	Evolving Debates in India
Editors	Philippe Cullet, Ruchi Shree
Publisher	Taylor and Francis
Chapter	4
Pages	72-90
Number of pages	19
Edition	1st
ISBN (Electronic)	9781040827949, 9781003681410
ISBN (Print)	9781041158295, 9781041158301
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003681410-7
Publication status	Published - 29 Jan 2026

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2026 selection and editorial matter, Philippe Cullet and Ruchi Shree; individual chapters, the contributors. All rights reserved.

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production

ASJC Scopus subject areas

General Agricultural and Biological Sciences
General Environmental Science
General Social Sciences

Access to Document

10.4324/9781003681410-7Licence: None: All rights reserved

Cite this

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A more-than-human health approach to ensure the rights of rivers: The case of antibiotics in household waste

Abstract

Bibliographical note

UN SDGs

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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Cite this