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The Impact of Microplastics on the Dissemination, Persistence, and Ecotoxicological Effects of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Terrestrial Ecosystems
Summary
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.