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Microplastics as emerging threats: advancement in biofilm interactions and remediation technologies
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This review examines how biofilms on microplastic surfaces serve as hotspots for virulent pathogens, evaluates microbial degradation pathways using bacteria, fungi, algae, and engineered enzymes, and surveys nanotechnology-based remediation approaches including TiO2 and Fe3O4 nanoparticles. Understanding how biofilm communities colonize and spread on microplastics is critical, as these plastisphere communities can harbor and transport antibiotic-resistant pathogens through aquatic ecosystems.
Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as a significant global pollutant due to their massive toxicity, posing increasing environmental concerns for both aquatic and human health. However, studies on the threats posed by MPs to aquatic and terrestrial environments, and their interactions with other environmental components show considerable variability. Therefore, this scientific review aims to describe diverse microorganisms, biofilm, nanotechnology and microbial electro-system (MES) for emerging MPs degradation. Initially, the review discussed the distribution and influence of MPs on different biomes including environment, food web and human health. Further, the study on mechanism of biofilm formation and hotspot for virulent pathogen on MPs were emphasized. Moreover, the various microorganisms including bacteria and its consortium, fungi, algae and their enzymes were discussed, and focused on specific enzymatic mechanism and genetically engineered bacteria, and enzymes that proven a potent candidate with limitation as well for remediation of MPs from aquatic ecosystem. The advance, cost effective, less energy and promising technology for complete MPs mitigation were explored. Nanotechnology using various nanoparticles (NPs) including TiO2, Fe3O4, and ZnO in amalgamation with nano-enzyme technology based on the previous review literature has been discussed. Owing to NPs specific characteristics, enable it to be a better technology based on the concentration of NPs input. The factor affecting and challenges impeding the mitigation of MPs pollution and future perspectives were thoroughly discussed.
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Microplastics Pollution: Occurrence, Behaviour and Microbial Remediation Technologies
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This review covers the occurrence, environmental behavior, and microbial remediation technologies for microplastic pollution, noting their diverse physical and chemical properties that make them persistent environmental hazards. Microplastics pose risks across ecosystems by carrying toxic chemicals and physically harming organisms, making microbial cleanup strategies a promising tool for reducing contamination before it reaches human bodies.
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.
Impacts of Biofilm Formation on the Physicochemical Properties and Toxicity of Microplastics: A Concise Review
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Researchers reviewing biofilm formation on microplastics found that microbial colonization alters the particles' surface chemistry, density, and pollutant adsorption capacity, ultimately affecting how microplastics are ingested by organisms and how they influence nutrient cycling in aquatic ecosystems.
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.
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.
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