Microplastics as Vectors of Chemicals and Microorganisms in the Environment

This chapter discusses the microbial community and pollutants associated with Microplastics (MPs) in the environment, the interactions of MPs with microorganisms and pollutants, and MPs as vectors for pollutants and microbes in the environment. It also discusses the term “plastisphere” is used to refer to the complex system of plastics-attached biofilms and adsorbed pollutants, nutrients, and minerals. The hydrophobic surface of plastic debris suspended in the water column stimulates the rapid formation of biofilms, giving rise to an artificial “microbial reef”. A global survey showed that up to 50% of floating debris, including plastics and natural organic particles, are colonized by marine organisms. The diverse communities of active microbes and the high concentrations of organic pollutants adsorbed on MPs contribute substantially to the potential impact of plastics on global biogeochemical cycles and ecosystem health. The purified MPs can then be extracted with organic solvents for analysis by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.