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Potential Interactions Between Pharmaceuticals and Microbial Biofilms on Microplastic Surfaces
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Researchers exposed polyester fiber microplastics to seven pharmaceuticals in laboratory stream mesocosms and confirmed via HPLC that all compounds adsorbed onto the plastic surface, but found that pharmaceutical exposure at environmentally relevant concentrations did not meaningfully alter bacterial or algal biofilm communities over 15 days.
Microplastics (MPs) and pharmaceuticals are common contaminants in urban streams, where MPs are colonized by microbial biofilms. This study tested whether pharmaceuticals adsorb onto MPs and alter microbial biofilm communities. Polyester fibers were added to twelve laboratory stream mesocosms, and a subset received seven pharmaceuticals at environmentally relevant concentrations. After 15 days, MP and water samples were collected. HPLC confirmed the adsorption of all pharmaceuticals onto MPs. Amplicon sequencing revealed that pharmaceutical exposure did not significantly change bacterial or algal diversity or community composition on MPs or in stream water. The lack of effect may reflect the low pharmaceutical concentrations or the short experimental duration.
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Impacts of Pharmaceuticals on Microbial Colonization of Microplastic in Streams
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This study examined how pharmaceutical contaminants in streams affect microbial communities that colonize microplastics. Pharmaceutical-exposed microplastics developed distinctly different microbial communities than unexposed ones, suggesting that the combined presence of microplastics and pharmaceuticals creates novel ecological conditions in urban waterways.
Interactions between Microplastics, Biofilms, and Antimicrobials in Freshwater Streams
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This research investigated how microplastics interact with antimicrobial compounds and microbial biofilms in freshwater streams. The study hypothesized that antimicrobials adsorbed onto microplastic surfaces would alter the diversity, composition, and antimicrobial resistance of colonizing microbial communities, examining multiple polymer types including acrylic and nylon in microcosm experiments.
Microplastics influence the fate of antibiotics in freshwater environments: Biofilm formation and its effect on adsorption behavior
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Researchers found that biofilm formation on microplastics in freshwater environments enhanced antibiotic adsorption by 24-51%, with potential pathogens detected in all biofilm communities across PVC, PA, and HDPE plastics.
Sorption of selected pharmaceutical compounds on polyethylene microplastics: Roles of pH, aging, and competitive sorption
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Researchers found that polyethylene microplastics adsorb pharmaceutical compounds including an antibiotic, a beta-blocker, and an antidepressant, with sorption capacity influenced by pH, aging of the plastic, and competition between compounds — raising concern about microplastics as carriers of pharmaceuticals in aquatic environments.
Biofilm formation on polyethylene microplastics and their role as transfer vector of emerging organic pollutants
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This study examined how bacteria form biofilms on polyethylene microplastics and whether those biofilms help transport organic pollutants like common pharmaceuticals and pesticides. Researchers found that the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa readily colonized microplastics, and the presence of contaminants in the water altered biofilm characteristics. The findings suggest that microplastics in waterways may act as carriers that help spread pharmaceutical and chemical pollutants through aquatic 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.