We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics and Microorganisms: A Evolutionary Symbiosis in Terrestrial Environment
AI summary Read the abstract
This review explores the evolutionary relationship between microplastics and soil microorganisms in terrestrial environments, examining how the plastisphere — microbial communities colonizing plastic surfaces — develops and functions over prolonged plastic exposure. These plastic-microbe interactions can alter soil health and facilitate the spread of pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes, compounding the environmental and public health risks of microplastic pollution.
Plastics, an inevitable, unavoidable synthetic resource, have become part of every individual. The application of plastics has gained importance and increased in demand due to its cost-effectiveness and resistance to biotic and abiotic factors. Prolonged use of...
More Papers Like This
Microbial Relationship of Marine Microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined how microplastics in the ocean interact with microbial communities, finding that plastic surfaces attract and harbor unique assemblages of bacteria — a concern because these 'plastisphere' microbes can spread pathogens and antibiotic-resistant genes through marine food chains.
Unravelling the Complex Relationship Amongst Microplastics and Microbes and Its Bioremediation
AI summary Read the abstract
This review explored the complex relationship between microplastics and microbial communities, including biofilm formation on plastic surfaces and the potential for microbial bioremediation to degrade plastic polymers. The microplastic-microbe interface has direct human health implications because plastisphere communities can harbor antibiotic-resistant genes and pathogens that may be transported through aquatic environments and food sources.
Identification of Microorganisms Related to Microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Plastic debris in aquatic environments attracts diverse microbial communities that differ from those in surrounding water, with these plastisphere microorganisms influencing both the degradation fate of plastics and the dispersal of potentially pathogenic or plastic-degrading microbes. Identifying which microorganisms colonize microplastics is essential for understanding both environmental risks and potential bioremediation opportunities.
Identification of Microorganisms Related to Microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Plastic debris in aquatic environments is rapidly colonized by diverse microbial communities, with phototrophic organisms like cyanobacteria and diatoms attaching first before being succeeded by proteobacteria, forming what is known as the plastisphere. These microbial biofilms can alter plastic degradation rates and potentially harbor and transport pathogenic organisms, adding a biological dimension to microplastic pollution risks.
Feedback, synergy and antagonism between microplastics and soil organisms
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastics, tiny plastic fragments from industrial waste and vehicle exhaust, are building up in soil, and this review pulls together research on how they disrupt soil life, from bacteria to earthworms to crop plants like wheat and tomatoes. The effects are a mixed bag: some microbes actually thrive, while earthworms can suffer toxic effects and plants may absorb harmful chemicals through their roots. This matters because these plastics can accumulate over time and potentially move up the food chain into the foods we eat, though scientists say more research is needed to fully understand the risks.
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.