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The “net-capturing” effect of bacteria on the transport of fibrous and fragmental microplastics in porous media: Revealed with the real-time pore-scale visualized and quantitative experiments
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Scientists discovered that bacteria living in soil and sand act like tiny "nets," physically trapping microplastic particles as water flows through the ground, sort of like how a spiderweb catches debris. This matters because it suggests natural bacteria could help prevent microplastics from traveling through soil into groundwater, which is a source of drinking water for many people. The study also found that fiber-shaped microplastics (like those shed from clothing) get stuck more easily than fragment-shaped ones, meaning different types of plastic pollution may behave differently once they enter the environment.
The transport behaviors of microplastics (MPs) in porous media can be significantly influenced by bacteria, yet the underlying pore-scale mechanisms remain unclear. To address this knowledge gap, this study employed a real-time pore-scale visualized and quantitative system to directly investigate the transport and retention patterns of fragmental and fibrous MPs in porous media attached with bacteria (Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis) and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). The videos revealed that biofilms inhibited the surface movement of MPs and intercepted suspended MPs at pore throats. Notably, the "net-capturing" effect of bacteria on MPs retention was observed, wherein biofilms dynamically captured moving MPs through in-situ swinging induced by near-wall shear flow like a "butterfly net", or by filling narrow flow paths like a "fishing net". Some MPs were retained in "cages" constructed with the bacteria and pore throats. Compared to fragmental MPs (TMR ranged from 9.15% to 33.24%), fibrous MPs (TMR ranged from 6.45% to 16.73%) exhibited lower mobility due to morphology-dominated mechanical straining. The presence of bacteria and EPS significantly reduced the mobility of fragmental MPs. This study advanced the novel insights into a critical biogeochemical retention mechanism in subsurface environments.
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Evolving Biofilm Morphology Controls Microplastic Transport in Porous Media
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Scientists found that the shape of bacterial slime (biofilm) in soil, not just how much builds up, controls whether microplastics get trapped or flow freely through the ground. Stringy, "streamer" biofilms trap microplastics longer, while clogged biofilms create fast lanes for plastics to travel through, potentially reaching groundwater we drink.
Effects of co-present mineral colloids on the transport of microplastics in porous media: The key role of hydrochemical and hydrodynamic conditions
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Scientists studied how tiny plastic particles (microplastics) move through soil and sand when mixed with natural clay particles. They found that the combination of different clay types and water conditions can either help microplastics travel further underground or trap them in place. This research helps us better understand how microplastics might contaminate groundwater sources that provide our drinking water.
Multiscale reorganisation of colloidal aggregation by percolating bacterial networks
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Scientists found that even "non-swimming" bacteria can act like scaffolding, causing tiny particles (colloids) to clump together into branching networks—and in turn, those particles help reinforce the bacterial structure. This matters because similar clumping could happen with microplastics in water or soil, meaning bacteria might influence how microplastic pollution spreads, sinks, or gets trapped in the environment—which could ultimately affect our exposure to these particles through water and food.
The Effect of Polymer Type and Particle Concentration on Microplastic Transport Mechanisms in Saturated Porous Media
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Scientists studied how tiny plastic particles move through soil and groundwater by testing different types of plastics at various concentrations. They found that the amount and type of plastic affects how far these particles travel underground, and that bacteria growing on the plastic surfaces can change how they move through soil. This research helps us better understand how microplastics might contaminate our drinking water sources and food supply.
Enhanced mobility and dynamic retention of nanoplastics in mineral coated porous media.
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Scientists studied how tiny plastic particles move through different types of soil and sand that might be found in groundwater systems. They discovered that these nanoplastics travel much farther and faster through soil than previously thought, especially when water flows quickly. This matters because it suggests that plastic pollution from things like food packaging and cosmetics could spread more widely through our drinking water sources than we realized.
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