We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microbial communities associated with plastic fishing nets: diversity, potentially pathogenic and hydrocarbon degrading bacteria
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers monitored the microbial communities colonizing three types of plastic fishing nets submerged in a Portuguese marina over one year, finding that fishing gear develops biofilms with greater diversity than the surrounding seawater, including bacteria that can degrade plastics and some potentially pathogenic genera. The type of plastic had little effect on which microbes settled — instead, the community changed predictably over time through seasonal succession.
Abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) represent a major source of marine plastic litter pollution. Similar to other plastic litter, these items can provide a new surface for the growth of biofilms harboring distinct microbial communities, containing potential opportunistic pathogens or pollutant-degrading microorganisms. While knowledge is increasing for marine plastic litter and microplastic-associated biofilms, there is a gap on the plastisphere research for fishing gear. This study aimed to comprehend the structure and dynamics of the microbial communities attached to plastic fishing nets, mimicking a scenario when lost at sea, but also to assess if polymer type can influence these communities. For that, a one-year in situ experiment was employed inside a recreational marina (port of Leixões, Portugal), using 3 types of plastic fishing nets (Braided Polyethylene (PE), Braided Nylon and Thin Nylon) submersed in the seawater. Seasonal samplings of nets and surrounding seawater were performed for microbial community analysis by 16 S rRNA metabarcoding. One month-old-nets samples were additionally collected for cultivation of bacterial strains in the laboratory. In general, microbial communities found in the biofilms attached to fishing nets were taxonomically distinct and more diverse, when compared to the surrounding seawater. Biofilm communities were not shaped by the polymer type, instead, they displayed a succession pattern over time. Biofilm communities were predominantly composed of the phyla Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Verrucomicrobiota. Additionally, the families Sphingomonadaceae, Rubritaleaceae, Rhizobiaceae and Saprospiraceae were specifically associated with fishing net biofilms. From the 3 nets, a total of 123 bacterial strains from 46 bacterial genera were recovered. The genera Acinetobacter, Bacillus, Rhodococcus, Shewanella, Streptomyces and Vibrio were common to all nets. Commonly associated hydrocarbon and plastic - degrading taxa were highly abundant in the biofilm communities (> 2% abundance) and some were even possible to cultivate in laboratory. In addition, biofilm communities presented as well, potentially pathogenic genera, such as Clostridium and Mycobacterium, but in low abundances (< 1%). With this work, a deeper knowledge on the plastisphere associated with different plastic fishing gear was obtained, along with the isolation of bacterial strains with potential for future exploration of plastic biodegradation.
More Papers Like This
Impact of mariculture-derived microplastics on bacterial biofilm formation and their potential threat to mariculture: A case in situ study on the Sungo Bay, China
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists examined biofilm colonization on mariculture-derived microplastics (fishing nets, foams, floats) in Sanggou Bay, China over 21 days and found distinct microbial communities including potential fish pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes, raising concerns for mariculture safety.
Seasonal biofilm formation on floating microplastics in coastal waters of intensified marinculture area
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated seasonal biofilm formation on floating polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics in four coastal mariculture zones in southeast China, finding that biofilm bacterial community composition differed less between winter and summer than the surrounding planktonic bacteria. The results suggest biofilms on microplastics provide a buffering microenvironment that stabilizes bacterial communities across seasons.
Dynamics and implications of biofilm formation and community succession on floating marine plastic debris
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined how biofilms form on plastic debris in aquatic environments and how the resulting microbial communities evolve over time, finding that the plastisphere hosts distinct microbial assemblages including potential pathogens. The study has implications for understanding plastic debris as a vector for microbial dispersal.
Spatial and seasonal variation in diversity and structure of microbial biofilms on marine plastics in Northern European waters
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how microbial biofilm communities on marine plastics vary by season, location, and plastic type in Northern European waters. The study found distinct spatial and seasonal patterns in plastisphere microbial communities on polyethylene terephthalate surfaces, providing insights into how plastic debris develops unique biological communities in marine environments.
Dynamics and functions of microbial communities in the plastisphere in temperate coastal environments
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers explored microbial communities colonizing microplastics in coastal environments of Japan, comparing bacterial and fungal communities across different plastic types, water, sediment, and sand. The study found that while microbial communities varied by sample type and location rather than plastic shape, microplastics harbored hydrocarbon-degrading organisms as well as potential pathogens, highlighting the ecological significance of plastic-associated biofilms.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.