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Nanoplastic Contamination in Freshwater Biofilms Using Gel Permeation Chromatography and Plasmonic Nanogold Sensor Approaches
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For the first time, nanoplastics were detected in freshwater biofilms — thin microbial communities that coat rocks and sediment in rivers and streams. The highest levels were found near plastic recycling industries and road runoff sites, and biofilms at these locations showed signs of oxidative stress, suggesting that nanoplastic contamination is already disrupting the base of freshwater food chains.
The worldwide contamination of aquatic ecosystems by plastics is raising concern, including their potential impacts on the base of the food chain, which has been poorly documented. This study sought to examine, for the first time, the presence of nanoplastics (NPs) in biofilms from freshwater streams/rivers. They were collected at selected polluted sites, such as the industrial sector for plastic recycling and production, miscellaneous industries, agriculture, municipal wastewaters/effluents and road runoffs. In parallel, the functional properties of sampled biofilms were determined by proteins, lipids, esterase (lipase), viscosity and oxidative stress. The results revealed that biofilms collected at the plastic industries and road runoffs contained the highest NP levels based on size exclusion chromatography, fluorescence detection and a new nanogold sensor visualization method. Examination of the chromatographic elution profiles showed increased abundance and size of NPs in the 10-150 nm size range at the polluted sites. Biofilms from the plastic industry site had elevated levels of aldehydes (oxidative stress) and lipids compared to the other sites. Biofilms collected at the municipal sites had elevated levels of proteins and esterases/lipases, with a decrease in total lipids. Biofilms collected at agriculture sites had the lowest levels of NPs in this campaign, but more samples would be needed to confirm these trends. In conclusion, biofilms represent an important sink for plastics in freshwater environments and display signs of distress upon oxidative stress.
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Effects of Nanoplastics on Freshwater Biofilm Microbial Metabolic Functions as Determined by BIOLOG ECO Microplates
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Nanoplastics were found to significantly alter the metabolic functions of freshwater biofilm microbial communities, as measured by BIOLOG ECO microplates, with effects varying by concentration and polymer type. The disruption of biofilm microbial metabolism by nanoplastics could have cascading effects on nutrient cycling in freshwater ecosystems.
Relathionships Between Nanoplastic Contamination and Biochemical Properties of Biofilms in the Saint-Lawrence River
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Biofilms collected from rivers downstream of urban and agricultural areas in the Saint Lawrence River system contained higher nanoplastics and the plasticizer dibutylphthalate, with reduced plastic biodegradation enzyme activity and signs of oxidative stress. The results suggest anthropogenic pollution impairs the natural capacity of aquatic biofilms to degrade plastic-related compounds.
The Effect of Microplastics on Microbial Succession at Impaired and Unimpaired Sites in a Riverine System
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Researchers compared microbial biofilm diversity on microplastic polymers and natural substrates at impaired and unimpaired riverine sites, examining how environmental nutrient loads, seasonality, and geography influence microbiome succession on plastic surfaces in freshwater ecosystems.
Accumulation of polypropylene microplastics within freshwater substrate biofilms alters microbial assembly processes and functionality
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Tiny plastic bits called microplastics build up in the slimy biofilms that coat rocks and plants in rivers and lakes—and these biofilms are crucial for keeping water ecosystems healthy by cycling nutrients and filtering pollutants. When microplastic levels get high enough, they damage the microbes' cells, reduce the diversity of helpful bacteria, and disrupt important chemical processes, which could weaken the natural water-cleaning systems we all depend on. While this study looked at freshwater ecosystems rather than humans directly, it's a reminder that plastic pollution can quietly break down the environ
Distinct community structure and microbial functions of biofilms colonizing microplastics
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Biofilm communities were established on polyethylene, polypropylene, cobblestone, and wood substrates over 21 days under controlled conditions and compared by 16S rRNA sequencing, finding that plastic substrates harbored distinct microbial communities and functional profiles compared to natural materials. The study demonstrates that microplastics in freshwater environments provide a selective niche that enriches for distinct microbial taxa and metabolic functions.
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