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Marine microbial biofilms on diverse abiotic surfaces
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This review provides an overview of how microbial biofilms form on various non-living surfaces in the ocean, including microplastics, seafloor sediments, and submerged structures. Researchers describe how these surface-attached microbial communities have unique compositions and functions that influence ocean ecology and biochemical processes. The study also examines how biofilms contribute to biocorrosion and biofouling, highlighting their broad significance for both natural marine systems and human-built infrastructure.
Marine biofilms are globally ubiquitous surface-associated microbial communities that have gained increasing attention due to their distinctive structure and functions. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current scientific understanding, with a specific focus on naturally occurring biofilms that develop on diverse marine abiotic surfaces, including microplastics, seafloor sediments, subsurface particles, and submerged artificial structures susceptible to biocorrosion and biofouling induced by marine biofilms. This article presents recent advancements and discoveries concerning the diversity, structure, function, and dynamics of these surface-associated microbial communities in the marine environment, highlighting their ecological and biogeochemical dimensions, while also serving as an inspiration for further investigations into marine biofilms.
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This review examines how microbial biofilms form on microplastics in marine environments and their potential role in degrading these persistent pollutants. Researchers found that plastic-associated biofilm communities are diverse and influenced by factors such as polymer type, particle size, and seasonal conditions. The study identifies knowledge gaps in understanding how bacterial and fungal communities on microplastics may contribute to their breakdown in ocean environments.
Marine microplastic-associated biofilms – a review
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This review synthesizes research on biofilm communities forming on marine microplastics, covering their composition, formation dynamics, and potential consequences for both plastic fate and ocean microbiology. The authors highlight that plastic-associated biofilms can include pathogens and toxin producers, and that the plastisphere community differs meaningfully from the surrounding seawater microbiome.
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This review examines how bacteria colonize microplastic surfaces in water, forming biofilms that change how the plastics behave in the environment. These biofilms alter the surface properties of microplastics and affect how they absorb and transport heavy metals and other pollutants. Understanding biofilm formation on microplastics is important because it can make the particles more dangerous by concentrating toxic substances that could eventually enter the food chain.
Marine biofouling organisms on macro and microplastics
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This thesis reviewed biofouling organisms — bacteria, algae, and invertebrates — that colonize both macro and microplastics in marine environments. Biofouling communities on plastic surfaces change the buoyancy and transport of plastic particles and can carry invasive species to new locations.
Marine Plastic Debris: A New Surface for Microbial Colonization
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This review examines the "Plastisphere" -- the community of microbes that rapidly colonizes plastic debris in the ocean -- covering biofilm development, potential biodegradation, and the hitchhiking of harmful bacteria. Researchers found that microbial communities on plastics do not dramatically differ from those on other inert surfaces, especially in mature biofilms. The study identifies key knowledge gaps and calls for more environmentally realistic research into how these plastic-associated microbes interact with marine ecosystems.
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.