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The Nexus of Plastic Pollution, Climate Change, and Antibiotic Resistance: An Interdisciplinary Study
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Researchers integrated global datasets, statistical analysis, and laboratory experiments to quantify how microplastics, temperature, and antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) prevalence interact to drive horizontal gene transfer. A strong correlation (R² = 0.987) between temperature and ARG transfer rates was found, with a 40% increase in HGT at 35°C, and both plastic density and ARG prevalence confirmed as significant predictors of resistance gene dissemination.
Background: Plastic pollution, climate change, and antibiotic resistance (AR) are interconnected global crises. Microplastics provide substrates for biofilm formation, which fosters horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs). Climate change accelerates microbial activity, exacerbating ARG dissemination. Methods: The study integrated global datasets, statistical analysis, and laboratory experiments. Predictors, including temperature, plastic density, ARG prevalence, UV exposure, and antibiotic concentration, were analyzed for their impact on ARG dissemination. Results: Significant correlations (R² = 0.987, p < 0.05) were observed between temperature and ARG transfer rates. Laboratory experiments revealed a 40% increase in HGT at elevated temperatures (35°C). The model confirmed plastic density and ARG prevalence as strong predictors. Conclusions: Mitigating ARG dissemination requires integrated policies addressing plastic pollution, climate change, and antibiotic use regulation.
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This review examined microplastics in marine environments as carriers of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and resistance genes, finding that plastic surfaces selectively enrich resistance genes through horizontal gene transfer and co-selection pressure, making ocean microplastics a vector for resistance dissemination across ecosystems.
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