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Dynamics and implications of biofilm formation and community succession on floating marine plastic debris
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An in situ 42-day exposure experiment in a tropical coastal environment tracked the stepwise colonization of polyethylene plastics by microbial communities, revealing succession from initial Gammaproteobacteria attachment through secondary colonization by cyanobacteria, diatoms, and ultimately multicellular organisms including dinoflagellates and zooplankton. The plastisphere alters both the physical structure of plastic and the dispersal of microorganisms — including potential pathogens — raising concerns about plastic debris as a vector for biological hitchhiking across ocean systems.
The formation of the plastisphere has been suggested to be a stepwise process shaped by various interactions that have implications on both the fate of the plastic and key microbial processes. However, several aspects of the colonization process by microbial communities to the recruitment of multicellular groups, and the implications of their interactions remain poorly studied. Here, through an in situ exposure experiment, polyethylene (PE) plastics were exposed in a tropical coastal environment for over 42 days. Using high throughput amplicon sequencing (16 S and 18 S rRNA genes) and confocal laser scanning microscopy, we were able to profile the community and track changes in the plastisphere. Results further showed significant changes in some abundant bacterial and eukaryotic taxa over time in plastics but not in seawater. Specifically, Gammaproteobacteria abundantly colonized the plastics from Day 1 including putative hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria. During secondary colonization, a shift in community composition was observed where photosynthetic cyanobacteria and diatoms as well as several heterotrophic Bacteroidetes increased in abundance. Our results suggest that successful establishment of the biofilm may have influence in the attachment of mixotrophic and heterotrophic members such as dinoflagellates, zooplankton, and various metazoans towards its maturation. These changes were accompanied by modifications in both the morphology and molecular structure of the plastic surface, indicating potential degradation mediated by microbial action, making this microenvironment more habitable. Biological interactions may then influence the fate of plastics such as in facilitating ingestion by larger animals, change in density properties resulting in sinking, biodeterioration leading to production of microplastics, and production of byproducts and molecules.
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Microplastic: A New Habitat for Biofilm Communities
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Microplastics entering aquatic environments are rapidly colonized by microorganisms that form biofilms, creating a unique ecological niche known as the 'plastisphere' that differs markedly from surrounding water communities. These biofilms can harbor pathogens and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, raising concerns about microplastics serving as vectors for harmful microorganisms throughout aquatic food chains.
Microplastic – A New Habitat for Biofilm Communities
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Microplastics in aquatic environments rapidly become colonized by microbial biofilms forming a distinct 'plastisphere' community that differs markedly from surrounding water microbiomes and may include pathogens and antibiotic-resistant organisms. This novel microplastic-associated habitat raises concerns about plastics serving as vectors for harmful microorganisms that can travel long distances through aquatic systems.
Investigation of microplastic biofilm communities originated from freshwater
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Microplastic surfaces in freshwater develop biofilm communities structurally distinct from surrounding water, with specific bacterial taxa dominating depending on whether conditions are nutrient-rich or ambient, regardless of plastic polymer type. These unique MP-associated microbial communities matter because they can alter nutrient cycling, harbor potential pathogens, and serve as vehicles for spreading antimicrobial resistance through aquatic ecosystems.
Biofilms of Microplastics
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Researchers found that microplastics in the environment become colonized by unique communities of microorganisms forming biofilms, raising concern that these plastic particles may serve as rafts that transport harmful bacteria, pathogens, and pollutants to new locations in ecosystems.
The Aquatic Plastisphere: Methodology, Biofilm Formation Mechanism, and Microbial Diversity
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Researchers reviewed how microbial communities form biofilms on microplastics in aquatic environments — creating a unique man-made ecosystem called the plastisphere — and found that these biofilms significantly alter how microplastics move, transform, and affect other organisms in freshwater, marine, and wetland settings.
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