Role of Microplastics as Attachment Media for the Growth of Microorganisms

Owing to their size (<5 mm), microplastics (MPs) serve as ideal matrices, initially for the attachment of microorganisms and eventually for their growth. The linkage between MPs and microorganisms is established primarily through the formation of biofilms. The microbial consortia in biofilms typically include organisms of the same species. Contrarily, in many cases, it is a combination of organisms from various species and genera or even from other kingdoms and domains. Biofilms serve as microcosms for establishing a syntrophic relationship between the associated microorganisms. Though the biofilm gets formed on MPs’ surface, to unleash this association’s intricacies, deep-dwelling of the phenomena is imperative. Hence, the first part of this review aims to cater to comparative and conclusive data regarding the permitted reuse of different grades of plastic drinking water bottles based on their potential to contribute to the formation of MPs. While the second part explores various mechanisms and stages by which microorganisms form biofilms and describes the specific interactions between MPs and microorganisms in sustaining their contact. The last part of the review highlights the fate of MPs in various marine conditions and briefs about MPs’ potential as media for transporting pathogens when they contact human beings.