Plastisphere assemblages differ from the surrounding bacterial communities in transitional coastal environments

Summary

Microplastic surfaces in coastal transitional environments host distinct bacterial communities — called the plastisphere — that differ significantly from the surrounding water and sediment microbiomes. This selective microbial colonization may influence the transport of plastics and the spread of potentially harmful bacteria in coastal ecosystems. The results suggest the plastisphere acts as an ecological niche that could alter microbial dynamics in sensitive transitional zones.