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Biofilm-associated microplastic contamination in rural soil and water: emerging hazards to ecosystems
Summary
Researchers found significant microplastic contamination in soil and water near rural dumpsites in areas with poor waste management, with polystyrene and PET being the most common plastic types. The microplastic surfaces were colonized by bacteria that showed resistance to the antibiotic streptomycin, highlighting a dual threat of chemical pollution and drug resistance. These findings show that unregulated rural waste disposal creates hotspots where microplastics and antibiotic-resistant bacteria can enter local water supplies.
Lack of regulation on disposal of plastic materials in rural areas has led to constant infiltration of microplastics (MPs) into soil and water cycle, threatening ecological stability. This paper examines micro plastics contamination within rural dumpsites and surrounding water bodies through an amalgamation of FTIR spectroscopy, microbial examination, as well as antibiotic resistance testing. Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were the dominant polymers detected, with PET and PS comprising 56.43 % and 29.46 % of soil MPs, while PS alone contributed 51.36 % in water samples. FTIR spectra showed oxidized functional group, hence, accorded high degradation of the polymer when subjected to environmental exposure. In microbial examination, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacillus were found to be colonizing the MP surfaces and the observation highlighted high resistance toward streptomycin in disk diffusion analysis. Conversely, imipenem and sulfisomidine had good bacterial inhibitory effect whereby the zones of inhibition were greater than 1200 μm. This indicated that they retained their activities. These discoveries indicate the twofold threat of pollution with chemicals and the rise of antimicrobial resistance caused by the collection of microplastic in the rural ecosystems with low regulatory capacities. The results imply that the enhanced strategy on waste management and environmental monitoring in the given setting is vital. The work is effectively linked to the Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 3 (good health and well-being), SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation), and SDG 15 (life on land); this effort will enhance the One Health approach and its comprehensive form.