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Tardigrades in the marine plastisphere: New hitchhikers surfing plastics
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This study documents tardigrades — microscopic aquatic invertebrates — colonizing the surface biofilms of marine plastic debris, establishing them as previously unrecognized members of the plastisphere community. The finding suggests that plastic particles can serve as rafts dispersing tardigrades across ocean distances far beyond their typical range, with potential consequences for marine biodiversity. This adds to growing evidence that plastic pollution reshapes microbial and microinvertebrate communities in the ocean.
Tardigrades are remarkable microorganisms known for their extraordinary resilience in diverse environments, including extreme conditions such as outer space. They are known for their interactions with natural substrates in terrestrial and aquatic systems, but have remained largely unexplored in relation to marine plastics. This study aims to investigate the colonization of plastics, ranging from fossil fuel-based to bioplastics, in the coastal zones of four countries (Brazil, Ireland, France and Italy). Here, we report the first documented occurrence of tardigrades colonizing plastic substrates. We identified five amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) belonging to the Tardigrada phylum, specifically in a post-consumer polypropylene, in the coastal zone of Galway, Ireland. This discovery raises questions about the characteristics of different plastics influencing on tardigrades' adhesion. Tardigrades hitchhiking on plastics in the oceans could expand their habitat range, possibly displacing native species and altering trophic interactions, with potential consequences for the overall biodiversity.
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Scanning electron microscopy revealed that diatoms are the most abundant organisms colonizing plastic debris in both surface waters and on the seafloor across Mediterranean coastal waters. The distinct microbial communities found on plastics — the 'plastisphere' — may facilitate the spread of non-native species to new environments when plastic rafts travel long distances.
Millimeter-Sized Marine Plastics: A New Pelagic Habitat for Microorganisms and Invertebrates
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Scanning electron microscopy of small floating plastics from around Australia revealed diverse colonizing organisms including bacteria, diatoms, barnacle larvae, and bryozoans — some of which are potential invaders in non-native regions. The study demonstrates that millimeter-scale marine plastics function as long-distance transport rafts for diverse biota.
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Researchers examined the microbial communities living on plastic debris in the North Atlantic garbage patch, finding that plastics host unique communities of bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes distinct from surrounding seawater. The study highlights that floating plastics act as "microbial islands" that could facilitate the long-distance transport of potentially invasive or pathogenic organisms.
Spatial and seasonal variation in diversity and structure of microbial biofilms on marine plastics in Northern European waters
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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.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.