We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, micro-nanoplastics and cetaceans: A lot of food for evidence-based thoughts
Summary
This editorial examines the complex interactions between micro-nanoplastics, persistent environmental pollutants, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria in marine mammals (cetaceans), taking a One Health perspective. The authors argue that cetaceans serve as sentinel species for this multi-contaminant threat and call for integrated research linking marine pollution, microbial ecology, and zoonotic disease risk.
The present Editorial takes into consideration, from a "One Health, One Earth, One Ocean" perspective, the complex interplay between micro-nanoplastics (MNPs), persistent environmental pollutants (PEPs) and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, representing a major concern not just for people but also for wildlife inhabiting terrestrial and marine ecosystems. This holds especially true for free-ranging cetaceans, with particular emphasis on whales, which due to their filter feeding activity may become highly susceptible to the toxic effects displayed by PEPs attracted and concentrated by MNPs.