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Microbial Bioindicators for Monitoring the Impact of Emerging Contaminants on Soil Health in the European Framework
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This study analyzed soil samples from across EU countries to investigate how microplastics may help spread antibiotic resistance. Researchers found that bacterial communities on microplastic surfaces can harbor antibiotic resistance genes, and the plastisphere environment facilitates the transfer of these genes between microbes. The findings suggest microplastics in soil could serve as hotspots for antibiotic resistance, posing potential risks to human health.
Antibiotic resistance (AR) is recognized by the World Health Organization as a major threat to human health, and recent studies highlight the role of microplastics (MPs) in its spread. MPs in the environment may act as vectors for antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Bacterial communities on the plastisphere, the surface of MPs, are influenced by plastic properties, allowing ARB to colonize and form biofilms. These biofilms facilitate the transfer of ARGs within microbial communities. This study analyzed data from the LUCAS soil dataset (885 soil samples across EU countries) using the Emu tool to characterize microbial communities at the genus/species level. Functional annotation via PICRUSt2, supported by a custom tool for Emu output formatting, revealed significant correlations between the genera Solirubrobacter, Bradyrhizobium, Nocardioides, and Bacillus with pathways linked to microplastic degradation and antibiotic resistance. These genera were consistently present in various soil types (woodland, grassland, and cropland), suggesting their potential as bioindicators of soil health in relation to MP pollution. The findings underscore MPs as hotspots for ARB and ARGs, offering new insights into the identification of bioindicators for monitoring soil health and the ecological impacts related to MP contamination.
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The formation of specific bacterial communities contributes to the enrichment of antibiotic resistance genes in the soil plastisphere
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Researchers used metagenomic approaches to study how microplastic surfaces in soil become enriched with antibiotic resistance genes through the formation of specific bacterial communities. The study tested three types of microplastics at two particle sizes and found that antibiotic resistance gene abundances significantly increased in the plastisphere compared to surrounding soil. Evidence indicates that microplastics in soil may serve as hotspots for the spread of antibiotic resistance.
Sources, interactions, influencing factors and ecological risks of microplastics and antibiotic resistance genes in soil: A review
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Microplastics in soil serve as hotspots for antibiotic resistance genes, with the plastisphere — the microbial community colonizing plastic surfaces — facilitating horizontal gene transfer of resistance markers. Key factors driving this interaction include microplastic properties, soil chemistry, and agricultural practices, though research in soil environments is still at an early stage compared to aquatic systems.
Soil plastispheres as hotspots of antibiotic resistance genes and potential pathogens
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Researchers investigated microbial communities and antibiotic resistance genes on microplastic surfaces (the plastisphere) in soil environments. They found that plastispheres harbor enriched levels of potential pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes compared to surrounding soil, and that adding manure or increasing temperature and moisture further amplified these concerning microbial communities.
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.
Microplastics as Microbial Hotspots for Antibiotic Resistance Gene Dissemination in Agricultural Soils: A Critical Appraisal of Mechanisms and Environmental Drivers
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This review of existing research finds that tiny plastic bits in farm soil host microbial communities carrying more antibiotic resistance genes than surrounding soil. It's unclear if plastic itself causes this or if it's just a good surface for bacteria to gather on, and whether this resistance actually spreads to harmful germs affecting people isn't yet proven. Surprisingly, "biodegradable" plastics showed the biggest effect, raising questions about promoting them as a safer alternative.
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