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.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in Aquatic Environments
This review summarizes the current state of microplastic research in aquatic environments, covering the plastisphere — the microbial community that colonizes plastic surfaces — and the ways microplastics interact with other aquatic organisms. The paper highlights microplastics as a growing ecological concern that affects food webs and ecosystem processes.
Mechanisms of interaction between microplastics and microorganisms in the environment
This review summarized the sources, environmental distribution, and hazards of microplastics, focusing on how MPs influence both individual microorganisms and microbial communities in the environment. Microbial degradation pathways and methods were analyzed, and future research directions proposed to better understand the environmental behavior of microplastics and their interactions with microorganisms.
Microbial colonization of microplastic particles in aquatic systems
This review examined how microplastic particles become colonized by diverse microbial communities in aquatic environments, forming the so-called plastisphere. The research highlights that microplastics create novel ecological niches and may facilitate the spread of pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes in freshwater and marine systems.
Biofilm formation on microplastics and interactions with antibiotics, antibiotic resistance genes and pathogens in aquatic environment
This review explains how microplastics in waterways develop bacterial biofilms on their surfaces that can harbor antibiotic-resistant bacteria and help spread antibiotic resistance genes to new environments. This is concerning for human health because these resistant microbes could eventually reach people through drinking water or seafood consumption.
Microplastics in fresh- and wastewater are potential contributors to antibiotic resistance - A minireview
Researchers reviewed the link between microplastic pollution and the spread of antibiotic resistance in freshwater environments, finding that microplastic surfaces host unique bacterial communities enriched in antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the resistance genes they can share with other microbes. The close packing of bacteria in these plastic-surface biofilms may accelerate the spread of drug-resistant pathogens through drinking water sources, though the full health implications remain poorly understood.