We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
The plastisphere: from microbial pollution to biodegradable solution
Summary
Tiny bits of plastic pollution floating around aren't just inert junk—they've become floating homes for microbes, including harmful germs and antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can spread more easily and potentially affect human health. This review pulls together existing research showing that while these plastic-dwelling microbe communities pose risks, some of them can also break down plastic, and scientists are working on ways to harness the helpful microbes while screening out the dangerous ones. The takeaway: microplastics may be quietly helping germs travel and multiply, but the same phenomenon could eventually help us clean up plastic pollution more safely.
Abstract Microplastic pollution is threatening planetary health and sustainable development. The microbiota colonizing microplastic surfaces, termed the plastisphere, has emerged as artificial niches that harbor both microbial risks and novel biodegradation potential. However, these two aspects of the plastisphere have often been investigated in isolation. In this review, we first elaborate on how microplastics act as vectors in facilitating the enrichment and dissemination of pathogens, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and even virus, thereby causing serious microbial and ecological risks, and eventually impacting human health. To address the potential risks, the key plastic-degrading resources, the underlying mechanisms, and recent advances in biodegradation technologies are synthesized. Given the dual roles of plastisphere microbes, we therefore propose a two-dimensional screening framework to identify safer and more efficient degraders. This review aims to guide the selection or synthesis of safe and highly efficient degrading microbial consortia, thereby providing sustainable and eco-friendly strategies for mitigating plastic pollution.