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Colonization of Plastic Marine Debris
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This review examines a decade of research on the 'Plastisphere,' the thin microbial community that colonizes plastic marine debris, addressing what is known, unknown, and possibly unknowable about this ecosystem. It highlights the shift from early bacteria-focused studies toward broader recognition of eukaryotes and complex microbial consortia including symbiotic, parasitic, and predator-prey relationships shaping Plastisphere structure.
The call for research concerning microbial interactions with marine microplastics has reached a decadal milestone, leaving scientists with not only novel insights into this field of investigation but also many unanswered questions. This chapter reflects on this decade of discovery with respect to the "Plastisphere" that refers to the thin layer of life that colonizes the outside of plastic debris, with a focus on the microscopic life that colonizes plastics in marine systems. It revisits the state of knowledge regarding the Plastisphere in the context of the Known, Unknown, and Unknowable. Early studies concentrated on bacterial members of the Plastisphere, but recently, there is greater recognition that eukaryotes are important members of this ecosystem and increasing numbers of studies are including them. Microbial consortia, as well as symbiotic, parasitic, and predator–prey relationships, undoubtedly play a role in shaping Plastisphere community structure and function.
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This review examines the "Plastisphere" -- the community of microbes that rapidly colonizes plastic debris in the ocean -- covering biofilm development, potential biodegradation, and the hitchhiking of harmful bacteria. Researchers found that microbial communities on plastics do not dramatically differ from those on other inert surfaces, especially in mature biofilms. The study identifies key knowledge gaps and calls for more environmentally realistic research into how these plastic-associated microbes interact with marine ecosystems.
Plastisphere microbiome: Methodology, diversity, and functionality
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This review explores the plastisphere, the community of microorganisms that colonize plastic debris in the environment. The authors cover methods for studying these microbial communities, the diversity of organisms found living on plastics, and their functional roles including potential plastic degradation and pathogen harboring. Understanding the plastisphere is important because these microbial communities can influence how plastics break down and what health risks plastic pollution may pose.
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This review examines the microbial communities — the "plastisphere" — that colonize floating plastic debris in the ocean, discussing how these biofilms form, who lives in them, and what risks they may pose to marine ecosystems and human health. The unique chemistry and buoyancy of plastic creates a novel habitat that can transport potentially harmful microbes across ocean basins.
It s all about the base : Marine biofilms in the plastic age
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This paper reviews the "Plastisphere" — the dense community of microorganisms that colonize plastic debris in the ocean — explaining how these biofilms on floating plastic surfaces can transport potentially harmful microbes and alter how plastic interacts with marine ecosystems.
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This review explores the "plastisphere" — the community of microorganisms that colonize microplastics floating in the ocean. Researchers found that bacteria, fungi, algae, and other microbes form unique biofilm communities on plastic surfaces, some of which can partially degrade the plastic while others include potentially harmful pathogens. Understanding these microbial communities is important for assessing both the ecological risks and possible bioremediation potential of marine microplastic pollution.
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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.