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The Impact of Microplastics on the Dissemination, Persistence, and Ecotoxicological Effects of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Terrestrial Ecosystems
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This review examined a decade of research on microplastics as carriers of antibiotic resistance genes in terrestrial ecosystems, showing that plastic surfaces enhance gene transmission and soil abundance while exerting toxic effects on microorganisms, plants, and animals. The coupling of microplastic pollution with antibiotic resistance spread represents a compounding public health threat with implications for food safety and the global antimicrobial resistance crisis.
Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and microplastics are emerging pollutants that are widespread in the environment and pose significant threats to ecosystems. Microplastics have been demonstrated to be important carriers of ARGs, increasing the transmission potential and soil abundance of these genes. However, research concerning their impact on the soil environment is still in its infancy. This paper reviews the publication status and regional differences in research on microplastics and ARGs over the past decade. Additionally, the primary factors influencing the migration and transformation of ARGs via microplastics are introduced, including the characteristics of microplastics, soil physicochemical properties, environmental factors, and agricultural activities. Furthermore, the ecological effects of microplastics and ARGs on the soil environment are summarized, with a detailed analysis of the main toxic effects from the perspectives of microorganisms, vertebrates, non-vertebrates, and plants. Nevertheless, research on the biotoxic effects caused by microplastics and ARGs remains insufficient, leading to many phenomena that lack reasonable explanations. Finally, the challenges and prospects of addressing microplastics and ARGs in soil pollution control and remediation research are presented, with the hope that this paper will aid relevant disciplines in better understanding the interaction mechanisms and environmental risks associated with microplastics and ARGs.
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Microplastics (MPs) and Antimicrobial Resistance Gene (ARG) Dissemination: Impacts on Ecosystem Sustainability
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Researchers found that microplastics act as surfaces where antibiotic-resistant bacteria can form biofilms and share resistance genes, potentially helping dangerous superbugs spread through ecosystems. This connection between plastic pollution and antibiotic resistance poses a compounding threat to both environmental and human health.
Microplastics as a Carrier of Antibiotic Resistance Genes: A Revision of Literature
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Researchers review evidence that microplastics act as carriers and hotspots for antibiotic resistance genes, influencing bacterial community composition in the environment and potentially accelerating the spread of antibiotic resistance — a dual threat to ecosystem and human health.
Effects and mechanism of microplastics on abundance and transfer of antibiotic resistance genes in the environment - A critical review
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Tiny plastic particles polluting our water, soil, and even the air don't just sit there, this review of existing research shows they can act like rafts that help bacteria pick up antibiotic-resistance genes and spread them more easily, including in our gut environments. That's concerning because it means microplastic pollution could be quietly fueling the growing problem of antibiotic-resistant infections, making it harder to treat illnesses in the future. The researchers reviewed how this happens but say scientists still don't fully understand all the mechanisms behind it, so more research is needed to address the risk.
Microplastics In The Environment Help Spread Antibiotic Resistance And Change Microbial Interactions
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Microplastics in soil and aquatic environments serve as selective surfaces where antibiotic-resistant bacteria and resistance genes accumulate at higher concentrations than in surrounding water, accelerating the spread of antibiotic resistance through ecosystems. This interaction between plastic pollution and antimicrobial resistance represents a compounding public health threat, as microplastics could help propagate resistant pathogens into drinking water and food supplies.
Microplastics enhance the enrichment and dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes in aquatic environments: A meta-analysis
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Tiny plastic particles in water aren't just pollution, this analysis of multiple studies found they nearly double the amount of antibiotic-resistant bacteria genes in aquatic environments, essentially acting as gathering spots where these genes multiply and spread more easily. This matters because antibiotic resistance is already a major public health threat, and if microplastics in our waterways are helping resistant bacteria thrive and share their resistance traits, that could make infections harder to treat down the line, especially since smaller plastic particles seemed to make the problem worse.
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