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Ingested Microplastics Can Act as Microbial Vectors of Ichthyofauna
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Nylon strips ingested and excreted by wild fish were found to harbor adherent microbiota including potential pathogens, demonstrating that microplastics can vector microorganisms through fish gut passage and into aquatic environments.
Microplastics (plastic particles < 5 mm) are ubiquitous pollutants that have the ability to carry microbiota, including pathogens. Microbial adhesion is usually a sign of pathogenicity; thus, we investigated the adherent microbiota found on 4 mm nylon strips, which were ingested and excreted by wild fish specimens. Retention times were recorded and the polymer analysis of the excreted samples was performed, which showed no signs of degradation, nor did their controls, represented by the nylon strips submerged in the same water tanks. Both the ingested samples and controls presented pathogens in large quantities. Following Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-Of-Flight identification, the dominant genus was represented by Aeromonas, revealing the fact that nylon microplastics can serve as undegradable physical carriers for this pathogen, among others, in the aquatic environment.
More Papers Like This
Ingested Microplastics Act as Microbial Vectors
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Researchers investigated whether ingested microplastics act as vectors for pathogenic microorganisms by exposing wild fish to 4 mm nylon strips and analysing bacterial communities on strips retrieved after excretion. They found that both ingested strips and water-submerged controls harboured large numbers of pathogens including known pathogenic strains, demonstrating that nylon microplastics can transport and potentially amplify microbial communities including pathogens within fish digestive systems.
Plastics in our water: Fish microbiomes at risk?
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This review examined how microplastics and leached plasticizers affect the gut microbiomes of freshwater and marine fish, summarizing evidence for dysbiosis and reduced microbial diversity and discussing potential consequences for fish immunity, metabolism, and environmental fitness.
Microplastics: A Potential Vector for Pathogens in Aquatic Ecosystems
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This review examines the evidence that microplastics act as vectors for pathogens in aquatic environments, summarizing how the large surface area and persistence of microplastics promote pathogen adhesion, biofilm formation, and transport of harmful microorganisms.
Occurrence and characterization of microplastic content in the digestive system of riverine fishes
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Researchers found microplastics in 93.8% of riverine fish examined, with polystyrene, polyethylene, and nylon being the most common polymer types concentrated near urban and industrial areas, and small particles (0.025-1 mm) predominating across species.
Micro(nano)plastics in the fish gastrointestinal tract: A mini review and relevance to One Health perspective
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Researchers reviewed how microplastics and nanoplastics accumulate in fish digestive systems and enter the broader food web, highlighting that the fish gut acts as a critical pathway for these particles — and the chemicals stuck to them — to travel from the environment into the human food supply.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.