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Effects and mechanisms of polystyrene micro- and nano-plastics on the spread of antibiotic resistance genes from soil to lettuce
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Researchers investigated how polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics affect the spread of antibiotic resistance genes from soil into lettuce plants. They found that these plastic particles significantly increased the transfer of resistance genes by damaging root cell membranes and altering the microbial community in the soil around the roots. The study suggests that microplastic contamination in agricultural soils could make it easier for antibiotic-resistant bacteria to reach the food we eat.
Effects of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) on the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in soil-plant systems are still unclear. To investigate the spread and mechanisms of ARGs from soil to lettuce, lettuce was exposed to soil spiked with two environmentally relevant concentrations of polystyrene MPs (100 μm) and NPs (100 nm). Results showed that microorganisms that carried ARGs in soil were increased after exposure to MPs/NPs, which led to an increase in ARGs in roots. NPs were absorbed by roots and can be transported to leaves. Analysis of transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics indicated that high concentration of NPs regulated the expression of related genes and proteins and improved the accumulation of flavonoids in the lettuce, therefore decreased the abundance of microorganisms that contained ARGs. Our work emphasizes the size and dose influences of MPs and NPs on the spread of ARGs from soil to plant.
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The effects of different types of micro/nano-plastics on the spread of antibiotic resistance genes in soil-lettuce systems
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Tiny plastic particles in soil, especially microplastics rather than even smaller nanoplastics, can help antibiotic-resistant genes spread from soil into lettuce roots and leaves, according to new research. This matters because eating produce grown in plastic-contaminated soil could be a hidden pathway for antibiotic resistance to reach our dinner plates, making it harder for antibiotics to treat infections down the line. The type of plastic (like polyethylene, commonly found in bags and packaging) made a notable difference, suggesting not all plastic pollution poses equal risk.
Distribution and major driving elements of antibiotic resistance genes in the soil-vegetable system under microplastic stress
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Researchers investigated how microplastic contamination in agricultural soil affects the distribution and spread of antibiotic resistance genes through the soil-vegetable system. The study found that microplastic treatment promoted the enrichment of antibiotic resistance genes and mobile genetic elements in lettuce tissues, with higher polyethylene concentrations driving the spread of sulfonamide resistance genes from roots to leaves, suggesting microplastics may facilitate antibiotic resistance entering the food chain.
Effect of polyethylene microplastics on antibiotic resistance genes: A comparison based on different soil types and plant types
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This study compared how polyethylene microplastics affect antibiotic resistance genes across different soil types and found that contaminated soils and the presence of certain plants influenced which resistance genes proliferated. The results suggest that microplastics in agricultural soil can help spread antibiotic resistance, which is a serious concern for human health because resistant bacteria can enter the food supply through crops.
Dynamic impact of polyethylene terephthalate nanoplastics on antibiotic resistance and microplastics degradation genes in the rhizosphere of Oryza sativa L.
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This study found that PET nanoplastics in rice paddy soil boosted the spread of antibiotic resistance genes in soil bacteria by up to significant levels. The plastics provided surfaces for bacteria to grow on and produced toxic byproducts that sped up gene sharing between microbes. This means microplastic pollution in agricultural soil could make antibiotic-resistant infections harder to treat in people.
Dual roles of polystyrene nanoplastics in reshaping antibiotic resistance genes dynamics in soil–plant systems: Highlighting shifts in specific hosts and functions
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Researchers found that polystyrene nanoplastics elevated antibiotic resistance gene abundance in soil by 11–18% while simultaneously hindering ARG transfer into plant root tissues, and stimulated the proliferation of key pathogenic ARG-carrying bacteria including Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
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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.