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The effects of different types of micro/nano-plastics on the spread of antibiotic resistance genes in soil-lettuce systems
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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.
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Effects and mechanisms of polystyrene micro- and nano-plastics on the spread of antibiotic resistance genes from soil to lettuce
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Researchers investigated how polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics affect the spread of antibiotic resistance genes from soil into lettuce plants. They found that these plastic particles significantly increased the transfer of resistance genes by damaging root cell membranes and altering the microbial community in the soil around the roots. The study suggests that microplastic contamination in agricultural soils could make it easier for antibiotic-resistant bacteria to reach the food we eat.
Distribution and major driving elements of antibiotic resistance genes in the soil-vegetable system under microplastic stress
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Researchers investigated how microplastic contamination in agricultural soil affects the distribution and spread of antibiotic resistance genes through the soil-vegetable system. The study found that microplastic treatment promoted the enrichment of antibiotic resistance genes and mobile genetic elements in lettuce tissues, with higher polyethylene concentrations driving the spread of sulfonamide resistance genes from roots to leaves, suggesting microplastics may facilitate antibiotic resistance entering the food chain.
Effect of polyethylene microplastics on antibiotic resistance genes: A comparison based on different soil types and plant types
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This study compared how polyethylene microplastics affect antibiotic resistance genes across different soil types and found that contaminated soils and the presence of certain plants influenced which resistance genes proliferated. The results suggest that microplastics in agricultural soil can help spread antibiotic resistance, which is a serious concern for human health because resistant bacteria can enter the food supply through crops.
Nanoplastics promote the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes and diversify their bacterial hosts in soil
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Nanoplastics in soil were found to promote the spread of antibiotic resistance genes far more than larger microplastics, even at very low concentrations. The nanoplastics changed which bacteria carried resistance genes and enabled some bacteria to develop resistance to multiple antibiotics simultaneously. This is a significant concern for human health because nanoplastics in agricultural soil could accelerate the spread of drug-resistant bacteria that make infections harder to treat.
Differential physiological and biochemical responses of lettuce cultivars to polyethylene microplastic stress
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Scientists exposed two types of lettuce to microplastic-contaminated soil and found that different lettuce varieties react differently, activating their own internal antioxidant defenses to cope with the stress. This matters because microplastics are already widespread in farm soils, and understanding how crops respond could help researchers breed more resilient produce, though this study looked at plant stress responses, not yet whether eating the lettuce itself poses risks to people.
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