We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics as Vectors of Chemicals and Microorganisms in the Environment
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines microplastics as vectors for chemicals and microorganisms in the environment, discussing the 'plastisphere' concept, hydrophobic surface interactions that facilitate pollutant adsorption, biofilm formation, and the mechanisms by which microplastics transport contaminants and pathogens through aquatic systems.
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.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic-Associated Biofilms and Their Role in the Fate of Microplastics in Aquatic Environment
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how microbial biofilms attached to microplastics in aquatic environments mediate the accumulation and transfer of chemical pollutants, exploring how the 'plastisphere' community influences the fate and ecotoxicological impact of microplastics and co-contaminants.
Microplastics: A Potential Vector for Pathogens in Aquatic Ecosystems
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines the evidence that microplastics act as vectors for pathogens in aquatic environments, summarizing how the large surface area and persistence of microplastics promote pathogen adhesion, biofilm formation, and transport of harmful microorganisms.
Biofilm formation and its implications on the properties and fate of microplastics in aquatic environments: A review
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed how microplastics in water attract and support communities of bacteria and other microorganisms that form biofilms — living coatings that alter the plastic particles' movement, help them carry pathogens, and affect how toxic chemicals attached to the plastic are absorbed by living things. Understanding this "plastisphere" ecosystem is critical for predicting where microplastics go and how harmful they become.
Beyond the Surface: Biofilms and Microplastics in Aquatic Systems
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how microbial biofilms that form on microplastic surfaces (the 'plastisphere') influence particle transport, degradation rates, and potential toxicity in aquatic environments, including the role of biofilms in carrying pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes.
Biofilm-Developed Microplastics As Vectors of Pollutants in Aquatic Environments
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how biofilms that form on microplastics in aquatic environments change their ability to absorb and transport pollutants. Researchers found that biofilm-coated microplastics can absorb more contaminants than clean microplastics and serve as vectors that transfer both pollutants and potentially harmful microorganisms through aquatic ecosystems.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.