We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microbiological perspectives on the effects of microplastics on the aquatic environment
Summary
This review examines how microplastics interact with microorganisms in aquatic environments, highlighting risks to microbial communities and the potential for microplastics to disrupt ecosystem functions. Microplastics may alter microbial diversity and promote the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Abstract Plastic waste has been known as threatening pollution, especially to the aquatic environment. Larger-sized plastic particles have noticeable impacts on the marine ecosystem. Current studies have revealed serious menaces of small plastic particles namely Microplastics (MPs). In contrast to the larger particles, little is known about the interaction between MPs and the surrounding microorganisms. MPs pose more threats to the environment and human health due to their abilities to influence the microbial ecology of the marine environment. This paper will discuss the MPs effect on the aquatic environment from the microbiological points of view consisting of the biofilm formation on MPs, the exchange of microbial genes on MPs particles and also the role of MPs as the reservoir for antimicrobial and metal resistance genes.