We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Pyraclostrobin and polyethylene nanoplastics jointly interfere with the antibiotic resistome in earthworm gut
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed earthworms to polyethylene nanoplastics and the fungicide pyraclostrobin, finding that the combination increased antibiotic resistance gene diversity and abundance in earthworm guts, expanded the range of bacterial hosts carrying resistance genes, and elevated mobile genetic elements — suggesting nanoplastics may accelerate the spread of antibiotic resistance through soil ecosystems.
Antibiotic resistance has emerged as a global threat to public health. However, the current information is insufficient to understand how other pollutants, such as fungicides and nanoplastics, affect the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) among bacteria in the soil. Here, our findings revealed that polyethylene nanoplastics (PENPs) prolonged the persistence of pyraclostrobin (PYR) in the soil by 13 days, increased PYR bioaccumulation in earthworm (Eisenia fetida) by 8.4%, and reduced its weights by 26.8%. PYR alone or combined with PENPs significantly increased the microbiome diversities of earthworm guts, while PENPs alone decreased those but increased the relative abundances of Proteobacteria and Firmicute. PYR and/or PENPs enhanced the diversity and abundance of ARGs in earthworm guts, the range of ARG hosts, and the complexity of ARGs and antibiotic-resistant bacteria coexistence network. The abundance of plasmid-origin ARG-harboring contigs in PYR, PENP, and PYR + PENP treatments was 1.5-, 3.8-, and 2.4-fold higher than that in the control, respectively. Overall, PYR and/or PENPs specifically disturbed the antibiotic resistome in earthworm guts by altering the bacterial community composition and richness, increasing the abundance of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and ARGs, and modifying the co-occurrence pattern of ARGs-MGEs, particularly plasmids.
More Papers Like This
Effects of Micro-Nanoplastics Exposure to Earthworms in the Soil System
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how micro- and nanoplastic exposure affects earthworms in soil systems, examining toxicity mechanisms and interactions with co-occurring heavy metals and other contaminants. The findings indicate that MNP contamination can impair soil productivity and earthworm health, threatening the foundation of terrestrial food webs.
Microplastics In The Environment Help Spread Antibiotic Resistance And Change Microbial Interactions
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastics in soil and aquatic environments serve as selective surfaces where antibiotic-resistant bacteria and resistance genes accumulate at higher concentrations than in surrounding water, accelerating the spread of antibiotic resistance through ecosystems. This interaction between plastic pollution and antimicrobial resistance represents a compounding public health threat, as microplastics could help propagate resistant pathogens into drinking water and food supplies.
Meta-analysis reveals contrasting effects of biodegradable and conventional microplastics on earthworm fitness, physiology, and gut microbiota
AI summary Read the abstract
A large analysis of over 100 studies found that both regular plastic pollution and "biodegradable" plastics harm earthworms, shrinking their survival, growth, and gut bacteria, while causing cell damage from oxidative stress. The key takeaway: switching to biodegradable plastics doesn't actually protect these important soil creatures, so it's not a guilt-free fix. Since earthworms keep soil healthy for growing our food, this matters for the whole food chain, including us, and it's a reminder that "biodegradable" labels don't always mean "harmless."
Interaction of Antibiotics with Microplastics in Agricultural Soils
AI summary Read the abstract
This study investigates how co-occurring antibiotics and microplastics interact in agricultural soils, finding that plastic particles can adsorb antibiotics and alter their mobility, persistence, and bioavailability to soil organisms. The antibiotic-microplastic interaction in farmland soils raises concerns about accelerated antibiotic resistance development and the contamination of crops grown in affected fields.
Viral metagenome reveals microbial hosts and the associated antibiotic resistome on microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Metagenomic analysis of polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics along a river revealed diverse viral communities linked to bacterial hosts including Proteobacteria and Firmicutes, with evidence of horizontal gene transfer of antibiotic resistance genes and metal resistance genes between viruses and bacteria on MP surfaces. Microplastics act as ecological niches that shape viral diversity and facilitate the spread of resistance genes, adding a virome dimension to the already-concerning role of plastic pollution in amplifying antimicrobial resistance.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.