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Biochar as a strategy to intercept microplastic-mediated ARGs spread in soil: Mechanisms, predictive insights, and research framework
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Microplastics in soil can act like tiny rafts for bacteria, helping them swap genes that make them resistant to antibiotics — a growing problem for treating infections in humans. This review of existing research suggests that biochar (a charcoal-like material made from plant waste) may help fight this by changing soil microbial communities in ways that reduce this gene-swapping. While promising as a low-cost, eco-friendly fix, scientists still need to figure out exactly how these resistant genes move around before we know how well it protects human health in practice.
The proliferation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and microplastics (MPs) in the environment has raised growing public health concerns due to their potential risks to ecosystem safety and human health. Microplastics not only serve as carriers of resistant bacteria but also form unique niches for microbial colonization and biofilm development, thereby exerting selection pressure on ARGs and facilitating their horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Biochar, a widely used green adsorbent, offers a promising approach for contaminant mitigation. This review systematically examines current research on the influence of MPs and biochar on the behavior and spread of ARGs, with a particular emphasis on insights gained from data-driven approaches such as Random Forest analysis. These data-driven analyses identify specific microbial taxa (e.g., Verrucomicrobia) as key predictors for ARG proliferation, providing a mechanistic lens through which mitigation effects can be understood. We highlight that the high microbial density and pollutant accumulation on MPs favor ARG amplification and dissemination. In contrast, biochar amendment significantly reduces ARG levels in soil primarily by suppressing HGT and reducing the abundance of mobile genetic elements (MGEs), a process linked to its ability to restructure microbial communities and suppress key ARG-hosting phyla. However, further investigation is needed to clarify the enrichment, transport, and transfer mechanisms of ARGs at the interface of MPs and biochar, which is essential for accurately assessing human exposure risks and developing effective control strategies.
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The effect of bulk-biochar and nano-biochar amendment on the removal of antibiotic resistance genes in microplastic contaminated soil
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Researchers tested whether bulk-biochar and nano-biochar amendments could reduce antibiotic resistance genes in microplastic-contaminated soil. They found that microplastics initially increased the abundance of resistance genes, but both biochar types effectively inhibited their spread regardless of microplastic presence. The study suggests that biochar amendment is a promising strategy for managing antibiotic resistance in soils co-contaminated with microplastics.
Physiological Responses of Serratia marcescens to Magnetic Biochars and Coexisting Microplastics and the Relationships with Antibiotic Resistance Genes
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Researchers examined how magnetic biochars affect Serratia marcescens physiology and antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) dynamics in the presence of polybutylene microplastics, investigating molecular biological mechanisms underlying biochar inhibition of horizontal ARG transfer in soils.
Biochar as a Climate-Smart Approach for Soil Health Improvement and Nano-/Microplastic Mitigation in Sustainable Agriculture: A Review
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Tiny plastic particles are building up in farm soils, potentially getting absorbed by crops we eat—but this review of existing research suggests that biochar (a charcoal-like material made from organic waste) can act like a sponge to trap these plastics in soil before they reach our food. It also improves soil quality and helps fight climate change, though scientists still need more research to understand its limits, especially in certain soil types.
Microplastics as Microbial Hotspots for Antibiotic Resistance Gene Dissemination in Agricultural Soils: A Critical Appraisal of Mechanisms and Environmental Drivers
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This review of existing research finds that tiny plastic bits in farm soil host microbial communities carrying more antibiotic resistance genes than surrounding soil. It's unclear if plastic itself causes this or if it's just a good surface for bacteria to gather on, and whether this resistance actually spreads to harmful germs affecting people isn't yet proven. Surprisingly, "biodegradable" plastics showed the biggest effect, raising questions about promoting them as a safer alternative.
Application of food waste digestates and digestate-derived biochar for mitigating antibiotic, Pb, and ARGs pollution in soil containing biodegradable microplastics: The key role of exogenous dissolved organic carbon and organic nitrogen.
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In lab soil tests containing microplastics from biodegradable plastic mulch, three food-waste-based treatments reduced an antibiotic and lowered levels of antibiotic resistance genes, while two of them also reduced the mobility of lead. The treatments worked partly by changing soil chemistry and bacteria that carry resistance genes.
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