Alteration of Microbial-Mediated Carbon Cycle and Antibiotic Resistance Genes During Plastisphere Formation in Coastal Area

Plastisphere as an eco-site for horizontal gene transfer: Enhancing antibiotic resistance in marine biofilms

Microbial Ecology of the Plastisphere in Soil Plant Uptake

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Researchers examined the microbial ecology of the plastisphere in soil environments and its role in plant uptake, finding that microplastic-associated microbial communities alter soil health and can facilitate transfer of plastic particles and associated contaminants into plant tissues.

A comprehensive pan-European exploration of fungal plastisphere dynamics along river-to-sea continuums

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Scientists studying microplastics in nine major European rivers found that these tiny plastic bits act like rafts, carrying their own distinct communities of fungi, including some potentially disease-causing types, as they travel from rivers toward the ocean. The good news: this study suggests these harmful fungi mostly stay behind in freshwater and don't hitch a ride into marine waters, meaning microplastics may not be as effective at spreading river-based fungal pathogens to the ocean as previously feared. Still, this highlights how microplastics can act as unexpected vehicles for microorganisms, which is worth continued monitoring as pl

Alteration of microbial mediated carbon cycle and antibiotic resistance genes during plastisphere formation in coastal area

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Researchers investigated how microplastic surfaces in coastal environments develop biofilm communities, known as the plastisphere, and whether these biofilms enrich antibiotic resistance genes. The study found that incubation time, habitat type, and microplastic aging state all significantly influenced biofilm composition, and that aged microplastics accumulated more antibiotic resistance genes than new ones, suggesting microplastics may serve as vectors for spreading resistant bacteria.

Plastisphere: Marine Microbial Assemblages for Biodegradation of Microplastics

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Researchers reviewing the plastisphere — microbial communities colonizing marine plastic debris — found that these assemblages harbor plastic-degrading microorganisms and examined their potential role in biodegrading microplastics, while also noting risks of pathogen dispersal on plastic surfaces.