We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Wastewater-induced microplastic biofouling in freshwater: role of particle size and flow velocity
AI summary Read the abstract
This study examined how wastewater discharge promotes biofouling — the colonization of microplastics by microorganisms — in freshwater environments, finding that particle size and wastewater-derived nutrients both influenced biofilm formation rates and community composition. Wastewater-exposed microplastics rapidly developed distinct microbial communities.
Illustrating microplastics' pivotal role in freshwater biofilm dynamics and pathogen transport.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic biofilm in fresh- and wastewater as a function of microparticle type and size class
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compared the biofilm communities that form on microplastics of different types and sizes in both freshwater and wastewater, finding that biofilm composition was influenced by particle type, size, and water source. These findings advance understanding of the plastisphere — the microbial community unique to plastic surfaces — and its potential role in spreading microorganism-associated risks.
Assessment of Biofilm Growth on Microplastics in Freshwaters Using a Passive Flow-Through System
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a laboratory flow-through system to study how biofilms grow on microplastics under controlled freshwater conditions. They found that biofilm formation varied depending on the polymer type, water temperature, and nutrient levels, with warmer and more nutrient-rich conditions promoting faster colonization. The study provides a standardized method for assessing how microplastics in freshwater systems become platforms for microbial communities that could include harmful organisms.
The role of biofouling and microbial colonization in shaping macroplastic fate in freshwaters
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers ran a 12-week mesocosm experiment showing that biofouling by algae-dominated biofilms drives most tested plastics to sink in freshwater, with surface roughness governing colonization density and water quality — rather than polymer type — shaping the resulting microbial community.
Enhanced settling of microplastics after biofilm development: A laboratory column study mimicking wastewater clarifiers
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that biofilm development on microplastics significantly enhances their settling velocity in laboratory columns mimicking wastewater clarifiers, suggesting that biological fouling is an important mechanism for microplastic removal during wastewater treatment and sedimentation in water bodies.
Shifting settling regimes of aquatic microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted laboratory settling experiments and modeling to understand how physical properties of microplastics influence their settling velocity and transport behavior in aquatic environments. They found that biofilm colonization significantly increases settling rates, suggesting that biofouling is a key factor controlling microplastic fate and distribution in rivers and lakes.
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.