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The effects of different types of micro/nano-plastics on the spread of antibiotic resistance genes in soil-lettuce systems
Summary
Tiny plastic particles in soil, especially microplastics rather than even smaller nanoplastics, can help antibiotic-resistant genes spread from soil into lettuce roots and leaves, according to new research. This matters because eating produce grown in plastic-contaminated soil could be a hidden pathway for antibiotic resistance to reach our dinner plates, making it harder for antibiotics to treat infections down the line. The type of plastic (like polyethylene, commonly found in bags and packaging) made a notable difference, suggesting not all plastic pollution poses equal risk.
Micro/nanoplastics are ubiquitous and persistent in soils, serving as potential carriers for the dissemination of antibiotic resistance. This study introduced microplastics and nanoplastics of varying types and sizes into loess soil and black soil to investigate their impact on the distribution of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) within the soil-lettuce system and identify key driving factors. Results indicated that, compared to nanoplastic additions, microplastic additions more significantly enhanced the propagation of ARGs in the soil-lettuce system, with increases in ARG abundance observed in rhizosphere soil (22.46%-233.15%), lettuce roots (17.22%-284.72%), and leaves (0.26%-1428.58%). Polyethylene particles exhibited a greater capacity to promote the transfer of acrB resistance genes from roots to leaves, showing increases ranging from 3.00 to 13.87 times compared to polypropylene (1.79-4.70 times) and polystyrene (-0.66-4.55 times). Ammonia nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, organic matter content, and pH were identified as primary factors influencing ARG abundance, with these environmental parameters correlating closely with soil type. Mobile genetic elements and bacterial communities play critical roles in the transformation and migration of ARGs within the soil-lettuce system, while Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria represent key potential hosts for ARGs in soils.