Nitrogen form-driven shifts in microbial community and nitrogen cycling of microplastic surface biofilms

Microplastic: A New Habitat for Biofilm Communities

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Microplastics entering aquatic environments are rapidly colonized by microorganisms that form biofilms, creating a unique ecological niche known as the 'plastisphere' that differs markedly from surrounding water communities. These biofilms can harbor pathogens and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, raising concerns about microplastics serving as vectors for harmful microorganisms throughout aquatic food chains.

Microplastic – A New Habitat for Biofilm Communities

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Microplastics in aquatic environments rapidly become colonized by microbial biofilms forming a distinct 'plastisphere' community that differs markedly from surrounding water microbiomes and may include pathogens and antibiotic-resistant organisms. This novel microplastic-associated habitat raises concerns about plastics serving as vectors for harmful microorganisms that can travel long distances through aquatic systems.

Effects of plastispheres and pristine microplastics on sediment microbial communities and nitrogen cycling under global warming

Investigation of microplastic biofilm communities originated from freshwater

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Microplastic surfaces in freshwater develop biofilm communities structurally distinct from surrounding water, with specific bacterial taxa dominating depending on whether conditions are nutrient-rich or ambient, regardless of plastic polymer type. These unique MP-associated microbial communities matter because they can alter nutrient cycling, harbor potential pathogens, and serve as vehicles for spreading antimicrobial resistance through aquatic ecosystems.

Microbial Relationship of Marine Microplastics

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Researchers examined how microplastics in the ocean interact with microbial communities, finding that plastic surfaces attract and harbor unique assemblages of bacteria — a concern because these 'plastisphere' microbes can spread pathogens and antibiotic-resistant genes through marine food chains.