We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Ecological Rolesand Shared Microbes Differentiatethe Plastisphere from Natural Particle-Associated Microbiomes in UrbanRivers
Summary
Researchers compared the microbiomes on microplastics (the 'plastisphere') versus natural particles in ten urban rivers using metagenomics, finding similar overall taxonomic and functional compositions between the two. However, the plastisphere harbored distinct specialist taxa with enhanced capacity for complex carbohydrate metabolism and unique ecological strategies.
The “plastisphere,” comprising microbes associated with microplastics (MPs), may have substantial ecological impacts on riverine ecosystems. However, little is known about how the microbiomes associated with anthropogenic MPs compare with those associated with natural particles (NPs) in urban rivers with varying MP pollution levels. We therefore conducted a comparative analysis of the metagenomes associated with MPs and NPs (100–5000 μm) and river water (RW) across 10 urban river systems. Although we found similarities in taxonomic and functional compositions between the microbiomes associated with MPs and NPs, the plastisphere exhibited distinct associations with specialized taxa and life-history strategies. These unique traits enhanced the potential of the plastisphere for complex carbohydrate and plastic degradation, nitrate and nitric oxide reduction, and antibiotic resistance and virulence compared with the NP or RW microbiomes. Furthermore, MPs supported the sharing of unique microbes with the surrounding RW; these shared microbes possessed enhanced horizontal gene transfer capabilities and potentially could disperse traits of the plastisphere into the broader RW microbiomes. This study highlights the distinct ecological roles and shared microbes of the plastisphere, indicating that MP pollution may substantially and uniquely impact the function and health of riverine ecosystems.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Ecological Rolesand Shared Microbes Differentiatethe Plastisphere from Natural Particle-Associated Microbiomes in UrbanRivers
This metagenomics study across ten urban rivers confirmed that the plastisphere shares broad taxonomic and functional similarities with microbiomes on natural particles, but exhibits unique ecological roles through specialist taxa. These differences may amplify the plastisphere's capacity for nutrient cycling and potentially harbor pathogens or antibiotic resistance genes.
Ecological Roles and Shared Microbes Differentiate the Plastisphere from Natural Particle-Associated Microbiomes in Urban Rivers
Researchers compared the microbial communities living on microplastics versus natural particles in ten urban river systems. While the two communities shared many similarities, the microplastic-associated community, known as the plastisphere, harbored distinct bacteria with specialized abilities to break down complex carbon compounds. The study suggests that microplastics in rivers create unique microbial habitats that may influence nutrient cycling and pollutant degradation differently than natural particles.
Microplastic is an Abundant and Distinct Microbial Habitat in an Urban River
Researchers demonstrated that microplastic surfaces in an urban river host a microbial community that is distinct from surrounding water and sediment communities, establishing microplastic as an abundant and ecologically distinct habitat for river microorganisms.
Plastisphere as a unique metabolic hotspot in river water: Impact of plastic substrate biodegradability
A study of river water found that microplastic surfaces — even from tiny 100-micrometer particles — host distinct microbial communities called plastispheres that function as metabolic hotspots, with richer carbon and nitrogen cycling activity than the surrounding water. The biodegradability of the plastic substrate influenced which microbes colonized it and how they interacted, with biodegradable plastics supporting different communities than conventional plastics. This matters because plastisphere microbes can include potential pathogens and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and they alter the ecological function of freshwater environments.
Deciphering the distinct successional patterns and potential roles of abundant and rare microbial taxa of urban riverine plastisphere
Researchers examined how microbial communities colonize microplastics in urban river environments, distinguishing between abundant and rare bacterial species. The study found that rare taxa played critical roles in maintaining community stability on plastic surfaces, while abundant taxa drove community succession, and both groups contributed to nutrient cycling functions.