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(Nano)microplastics promote the propagation of antibiotic resistance genes in landfill leachate
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Researchers found that (nano)microplastics in municipal landfill leachate actively promote the spread of antibiotic resistance genes, highlighting landfill sites as dual reservoirs of plastic pollution and antimicrobial resistance threats.
Municipal landfill leachate is a huge reservoir of (nano)microplastics (N/MPs) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs).
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Microplastics as carriers of antibiotic resistance genes and pathogens in municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill leachate and soil: a review
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This review examines how microplastics in landfill leachate and soil can serve as carriers for antibiotic resistance genes and disease-causing bacteria. Researchers describe how microplastic surfaces create favorable environments for bacterial colonization and gene transfer, potentially spreading antimicrobial resistance. The study highlights an underappreciated pathway through which plastic waste in landfills may contribute to the broader antibiotic resistance crisis.
Microplastics enrichment characteristics of antibiotic resistance genes and pathogens in landfill leachate
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Researchers found that microplastics in landfill leachate serve as surfaces that selectively accumulate antibiotic resistance genes and disease-causing bacteria. Incubation experiments with PET and polypropylene particles showed that pathogens were more abundant on microplastic surfaces than in the surrounding leachate. The study raises concerns that microplastics in landfills may act as vehicles for spreading antibiotic resistance and pathogenic organisms in the environment.
Microplastics act as vectors for antibiotic resistance genes in landfill leachate: The enhanced roles of the long-term aging process
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This study examined whether the aging of microplastics in aquatic environments influences their role as vectors for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Aged microplastics showed different ARG enrichment patterns on their surfaces compared to pristine particles, suggesting that weathering changes the capacity of plastic debris to accumulate and spread antibiotic resistance.
Microplastics as hubs enriching antibiotic-resistant bacteria and pathogens in municipal activated sludge
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Researchers demonstrated that microplastics in municipal wastewater treatment plants act as "hubs," selectively concentrating antibiotic-resistant bacteria and pathogens in their surface biofilms, with antibiotic-resistance genes enriched up to 4.5-fold compared to sand particles — raising concerns about microplastics spreading drug-resistant microbes into the environment.
Contribution of microplastic particles to the spread of resistances and pathogenic bacteria in treated wastewaters
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Researchers studied microplastic particles collected from treated wastewater effluents and found that MPs harbored significantly higher loads of antibiotic resistance genes and pathogenic bacteria compared to surrounding water, suggesting MPs facilitate their environmental spread.
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.