We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic – A New Habitat for Biofilm Communities
Summary
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.
Since half a century, aquatic environments are polluted by plastic debris resulting in its global distribution even to remote systems. Immediately after entering the aquatic environment, microorganisms colonize on plastic surfaces and build up a biofilm, the...