We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Diagnostic strategy for the combined effects of microplastics and potentially toxic elements on microbial communities in catchment scale
Summary
Researchers investigated the combined effects of microplastics and potentially toxic elements on microbial communities in soils and river sediments from a headwater catchment on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, finding significant accumulation of both fragment-shaped microplastics and copper as dominant contaminants. Their diagnostic strategy revealed that microplastics and potentially toxic elements significantly co-affect microbial community composition, with fiber-shaped microplastics preferentially transported into river systems while fragment-shaped particles dominated in soils.
Combined effects of potentially toxic materials (PTMs) released from production activities on microbial communities in environmental flimsy area are poorly recognised. Microplastics (MPs) and potentially toxic elements (PTEs) were investigated in soils and river sediments in a headwater catchment from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Their co-effects on microbial communities and the controlling factors affecting communities were further explored. Results showed that MPs and PTEs significantly accumulated in soils and sediments. Among which fragment-shaped MPs and copper (Cu) dominated, with mean contents of 1.11 × 10 and 1.81 × 10 items kg and 13.80 and 7.33 mg kg in soils and sediments, respectively. Distribution index (0.54) suggested that fiber-shaped MPs preferred to transport into rivers and deposited in sediments. The film mulching contributed significantly to the occurrence of fragment-shaped MPs, while Cu may be derived from industrial wastewater. The antagonistic effect between fiber-shaped MPs and zinc (Zn) on soil microbial structure was found based on their obtuse angle in canonical correlation analysis. While the synergistic effect between total phosphorus (TP) and Cu on diversity was detected by interaction detector model (q(TP ∩ Cu) >q(TP) >q(Cu), p < 0.05). Soil TP and Cu were identified as controlling factors influencing diversity through random forest model and factor detector (q(TP) = 0.49, q(Cu) = 0.36, p < 0.05), which may be related to direct nutrient supply and microbial resistance, respectively. The negative effects of MPs on structure might be counteracted by increasing Zn content, while the co-existence of TP and Cu further increased diversity. A diagnostic framework, which involves background data collection, sampling analysis, characterisation and relationship investigation, was proposed to explore the co-effects of complex pollution and factors on communities. This study may provide strategies to mitigate the negative effects on microorganisms in the environment.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
An integrated evaluation of potentially toxic elements and microplastics in the highland soils of the northeastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Researchers conducted the first integrated assessment of toxic elements and microplastics in grassland and farmland soils on the northeastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. They found microplastic abundances ranging from 200 to over 3,600 particles per kilogram, with polypropylene dominating in grasslands and polyethylene in farmlands. The study reveals that even remote highland ecosystems on the Tibetan Plateau are not immune to microplastic contamination.
Interaction and bacterial effects of microplastics pollution on heavy metals in hyporheic sediments of different land-use types in the Beiluo River Basin
Researchers studied how microplastics and heavy metals interact in river sediments across different land-use types in a Chinese river basin. They found that microplastics concentrated more heavily in shallow sediments and that the metals detected on microplastic surfaces were present at much higher levels than in surrounding sediment. The study suggests that microplastics may serve as concentrators and carriers of heavy metal contamination, potentially amplifying pollution risks.
Potential risk of microplastics in plateau karst lakes: Insights from metagenomic analysis
Researchers surveyed microplastic pollution in remote alpine lakes on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau, finding concentrations of 20 to 59 particles per liter in water and up to 997 particles per kilogram in sediments. Using metagenomic analysis, they discovered that microplastic surfaces harbored distinct microbial communities carrying antibiotic resistance and virulence genes. The study suggests that even pristine high-altitude ecosystems are affected by microplastic contamination with potential ecological risks.
Comparative analysis of microplastic and microbial communities in varied aquatic environments: Disparities in occurrence, interconnections, and ecological implications
Comparative surveys of microplastics and associated microbial communities across river, reservoir, and bay environments in the Dongjiang watershed found that MP abundance and microbial community composition differed significantly by water type, with MP surfaces hosting distinct microbial assemblages.
Microplastic pollution in surface water and sediments of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau: Current status and causes
A survey of microplastic pollution across rivers and lakes on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau found surface water concentrations averaging 856 items/m³ and sediment concentrations averaging 362 items/m², with river sediments more contaminated than lake sediments and domestic wastewater and tourism identified as primary sources.