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Seasonal variation of microplastics in tagus estuary and its interaction with microbial community
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Researchers examined seasonal variation in microplastic abundance and characteristics in sediments from the Tagus estuary in Portugal while also assessing interactions with the local microbial community via DNA extraction and taxonomic analysis. They found concentrations of 52-233 particles per kilogram of dry sediment with higher levels in winter, and that microplastics harbored distinct microbial communities compared to surrounding sediment.
Microplastics (Ø ¡ 5 mm, MPs) are widespread pollutants in aquatic environments where they adsorb microorganisms and form surface biofilms. This study evaluates the abundance and characteristics of MPs and assess the interaction between MPs and microbial community. The urban area of Tagus estuary, Barreiro (38.7, -9.1), was selected as a case study with sampling campaigns conducted April and December of 2023 (spring and winter respectively). Sediment samples were collected from three locations. MPs was isolated and characterized physical and chemically with a stereomicroscope and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). DNA was extracted from the MPs and sediments for taxonomic analysis of microorganisms. Results showed a concentration of MPs from 109 ± 71.6 to 52 ± 8.7 particles.kg-1 of dry sediment, increasing in winter to 233 ± 51.2 to 57.0 ± 27.3 particles.kg-1 of dry sediment. Fibers and fragments were the most common. Color differences were noted: predominantly blue and black in spring and in winter a trend blue ¿ white ¿ green ¿ black. FTIR analysis showed expanded polystyrene (ρ = 1.05 g.cm-3) and polyester (ρ = 1.70 g.cm-3) as the most prevalent polymers in spring and in winter expanded polystyrene and polypropylene (ρ = 0.90 g.cm-3). Taxonomic analysis of the extracted DNA showed the presence of Bacteria and Archaea associated to MPs surface, exhibiting higher biodiversity when compared with the sediment (Shannon H index of 7.50 and 4.23, respectively). The microbial community associated to MPs included pathogenic bacteria. Overall, the results showed a seasonal variation in MPs composition and abundance in Tagus Estuary. Regardless the season, microorganisms are colonizing the surface of these MPs, reinforcing the threat of MPs as vector for pathogenic bacteria and introduction of non-native species. This study highlights the importance of further investigation to assess the impact of MPs in marine ecosystems. Also see: https://micro2024.sciencesconf.org/559646/document
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Seasonal variation of microplastics in tagus estuary and its interaction with microbial community
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Researchers evaluated microplastic abundance, characteristics, and microbial community interactions in sediments from the Tagus Estuary in Barreiro, Portugal, conducting sampling campaigns in spring and winter 2023 using FTIR for polymer identification and DNA extraction for taxonomic analysis of associated microorganisms. They found microplastic concentrations increased from spring to winter, with expanded polystyrene and polyester dominant, and discovered that microbial diversity on microplastic surfaces was substantially higher than in surrounding sediments, with a Shannon H index of 7.50 on plastics versus 4.23 in sediment.
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