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Marine microbes in the Plastic Age
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This review examines how marine microbes interact with plastic debris in the ocean, describing the physical threats of plastic ingestion and entanglement as well as chemical threats from plastic-associated toxins that can bioaccumulate through food webs. Researchers call for greater investigation into how plastic pollution alters microbial community composition, biodegradation potential, and the broader functioning of ocean ecosystems.
We are living in the 'Plastic Age', but unfortunately our nonhuman relatives with whom we share our planet are not adapted to cope with the thousands of tons of plastic waste entering rivers, seas and oceans each year. Plastic poses both physical and chemical threats to aquatic life. It leads to damage or death of animals following plastic entanglement or ingestion and/or can lead to bioaccumulation of co-pollutants absorbed on plastic surfaces. Once ingested, copollutants can be absorbed into tissues and accumulated in the food chain. As nature's biodegraders and recyclers, microorganisms may play a role in mitigating the impact of our disposable plastic lifestyle, or alternatively, plastic may serve as a vector for transport of pathogenic microorganisms into marine fauna. Here, we review current understanding of the microbiology of marine plastics and highlight future challenges for this emerging research discipline.
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The threat of microplastics and microbial degradation potential; a current perspective
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This review covers the growing threat of microplastics in marine environments, where they enter the food chain and can transfer to humans along with pathogenic organisms, causing various toxic effects. The paper also explores how bacteria and fungi found in ocean environments could be harnessed to biodegrade different types of plastics as a future strategy for reducing microplastic pollution.
Micro-by-Micro Interactions: How Microorganisms Influence the Fate of Marine Microplastics
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This review examines how microorganisms interact with microplastics in water environments, affecting the transport, breakdown, and toxicity of plastic particles. Microbes colonize plastic surfaces rapidly, altering particle density, chemical composition, and how likely organisms are to ingest them, which has major implications for ecosystem exposure.
Marine Microbial Assemblages on Microplastics: Diversity, Adaptation, and Role in Degradation
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This review examines microbial communities that colonize microplastics in the ocean, collectively known as the plastisphere. Researchers found that these biofilms differ significantly from those on natural surfaces and may include pathogenic bacteria and species capable of partially degrading plastics. The study highlights both the ecological risks of microplastics as vectors for harmful microbes and the potential for harnessing plastic-degrading organisms.
Microbial Ecotoxicology of Marine Plastic Debris: A Review on Colonization and Biodegradation by the “Plastisphere”
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This review synthesizes 15 years of research on microbial life colonizing marine plastic debris, known as the plastisphere, examining how plastic pollution affects microbial communities and how microorganisms influence plastic degradation. The authors identify key knowledge gaps regarding plastic biodegradation pathways and the potential for plastic debris to serve as a vector for dispersing harmful pathogens.
Micro‐by‐micro interactions: How microorganisms influence the fate of marine microplastics
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This review examines how microorganisms interact with microplastics in marine environments, including biofilm formation, biodegradation, and effects on plastic transport and sedimentation. Researchers found that microbial colonization of plastics can influence how microplastics move through the water column and enter food webs. The study highlights that understanding these micro-by-micro interactions is essential for assessing the environmental fate of microplastic pollution.
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.