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Biofilm-induced effect on the buoyancy of plastic debris: An experimental study
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This study investigated the neurobehavioral effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on adult zebrafish, finding altered anxiety-related behaviors, impaired spatial learning, and changes in neurotransmitter levels after sub-chronic waterborne exposure. The behavioral alterations were associated with neuroinflammation and structural changes in the brain, indicating significant central nervous system toxicity.
Plastic floating on the ocean surface represents about 1 % of all plastic in the ocean, despite the buoyancy of most plastics. Biofouling can help to sink debris, which could explain this discrepancy. A set of laboratory experiments was conducted to investigate biofilm-induced effects on the buoyancy of different plastic debris. Ten materials of different densities (buoyant/non-buoyant), sizes (micro/meso/macro), and shapes (irregular/spherical/cylindrical/flat), including facemasks and cotton swabs, were evaluated. Biofilm was incubated in these materials from a few weeks to three months to investigate the effect of different growth levels on their buoyancy. Biofilm levels and rising/settling velocities were measured and compared at seven time-points. The results show a hindered buoyancy for solid materials, while hollow and open materials showed the opposite trend in early biofilm colonization stages. A relationship was established between biofilm-growth and equivalent sphere diameter that can be used to improve predictive modeling of plastic-debris transport.
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Effects of Biofouling on the Properties and Sinking Behavior of Disposable Face Masks in Seawater: A Systematic Comparison with Microplastic Films and Particles
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A 16-week seawater incubation showed that disposable face masks accumulated biofilm at roughly ten times the rate of microplastic films or particles, causing the masks to eventually sink rather than float at the surface. This demonstrates that mask-derived microplastic fibers are rapidly transferred to the seafloor, where their ecological impacts and persistence may be far greater than previously assumed.
Experimental assessment of settling velocity of pristine and biofouled microplastics
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Researchers experimentally measured how biofouling alters the settling velocity of microplastic particles, finding that biofilm growth on buoyant plastic fragments caused them to sink more rapidly. The results demonstrate that biological colonization of plastic surfaces is a key mechanism driving the vertical transport of microplastics from surface water to the seafloor.
The role of buoyancy in the dispersal of marine plastic debris and the impact of biofouling : does size matter?
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This thesis examined why smaller microplastic particles (less than 5mm) appear to be disappearing from the ocean surface at higher rates than expected, investigating how biofouling—colonization by organisms that adds weight—affects the buoyancy and sinking of differently sized plastic items. The study found that size significantly influences how biofouling affects plastic transport, with smaller particles more prone to sinking.
Sinking of microbial-associated microplastics in natural waters
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Researchers investigated how microbial biofilm colonization of microplastics affects their buoyancy and sinking behavior in natural waters, finding that biological ballasting from attached microorganisms can significantly increase particle density and promote vertical transport toward sediments. The results suggest that biofouling is a key mechanism driving the removal of microplastics from surface waters.
Integrated effects of polymer type, size and shape on the sinking dynamics of biofouled microplastics
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Researchers investigated how polymer type, size, and shape interact with biofouling to influence microplastic sinking dynamics, finding that biofilm growth altered buoyancy and settling rates in ways that depend on the physical characteristics of each particle.
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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.