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Biofilms of Microplastics

˜The œhandbook of environmental chemistry 2020 40 citations

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Researchers found that microplastics in the environment become colonized by unique communities of microorganisms forming biofilms, raising concern that these plastic particles may serve as rafts that transport harmful bacteria, pathogens, and pollutants to new locations in ecosystems.

The occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in the terrestrial and marine environment has been gaining global attention. These microparticles carry biofilm communities that are distinct from the surrounding environment. MP-colonizing microorganisms are important links for...

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Microplastics in aquatic environments rapidly become colonized by microbial biofilms forming a distinct 'plastisphere' community that differs markedly from surrounding water microbiomes and may include pathogens and antibiotic-resistant organisms. This novel microplastic-associated habitat raises concerns about plastics serving as vectors for harmful microorganisms that can travel long distances through aquatic systems.

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Microplastics entering aquatic environments are rapidly colonized by microorganisms that form biofilms, creating a unique ecological niche known as the 'plastisphere' that differs markedly from surrounding water communities. These biofilms can harbor pathogens and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, raising concerns about microplastics serving as vectors for harmful microorganisms throughout aquatic food chains.

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Plastic debris in aquatic environments is rapidly colonized by diverse microbial communities, with phototrophic organisms like cyanobacteria and diatoms attaching first before being succeeded by proteobacteria, forming what is known as the plastisphere. These microbial biofilms can alter plastic degradation rates and potentially harbor and transport pathogenic organisms, adding a biological dimension to microplastic pollution risks.

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