We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Metatranscriptome profile of agricultural microbial communities enriched for plastitrophy
Summary
Researchers used metatranscriptomic profiling of agricultural soil microbial communities enriched via a Winogradsky column with polyethylene and then minimal media with low-density polyethylene to identify novel plastic-degrading microorganisms and candidate enzymes for plastitrophic metabolism.
This study identified potential plastic-degrading microorganisms and enzymes in agricultural soils using a novel two-phase enrichment approach. By culturing agricultural soil in a Winogradsky column supplemented with polyethylene (PE) sheets, followed by culture in minimal medium with low-density polyethylene (LDPE) microplastic, we identified 192 genes specifically upregulated in LDPE conditions, including 10 genes encoding known plastizymes and 182 genes encoding putative plastic-degrading enzymes. Detailed enzyme classification revealed predominant roles for oxygenases (20%) and dehydrogenases (19%), with specific subclasses showing distinct distribution patterns. These findings expand our understanding of microbial responses to plastics in agricultural environments and provide a foundation for developing bioremediation strategies to address plastic contamination in soils.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Metatranscriptomics of microbial biofilm succession on HDPE foil: uncovering plastic-degrading potential in soil communities
Using genetic analysis, researchers examined which microbial genes are active on polyethylene plastic surfaces in landfill soil versus undisturbed forest soil. They found that both communities carry genes capable of degrading plastic, with plastic-degrading enzymes being most active during early biofilm formation. The discovery that even undisturbed soils harbor plastic-degrading microbes is promising for bioremediation strategies, though the slow rate of natural breakdown means microplastics still persist in soils for very long periods.
Metagenomic exploration of microbial and enzymatic traits involved in microplastic biodegradation
A metagenomic study of agricultural soil microcosms containing low-density polyethylene and polylactic acid mulch films revealed the diversity of plastic-degrading enzymes and associated microbial communities capable of microplastic biodegradation.
Microbial communities associated with plastic mulch debris in agricultural soils
Researchers characterized microbial communities colonizing agricultural plastic mulch debris in soil using both culture-dependent and high-throughput sequencing methods. The plastic surfaces harbored distinct microbial communities compared to surrounding soil. Understanding which microbes colonize agricultural plastic debris is important for assessing biodegradation potential and the ecological role of the plastisphere in farmland.
Metagenomic Analysis of Polypropylene and Low-Density Polyethylene Plastispheres from an Intensive Agriculture Waste Landfill
Researchers used shotgun metagenomics to analyze the microbial communities growing on polyethylene and polypropylene plastic surfaces collected from an agricultural waste landfill. The analysis identified enzymes potentially involved in plastic biodegradation, particularly from the bacterial genus Phyllobacterium, including sarcosine oxidases, cytochrome P450, and multicopper oxidases that may initiate the breakdown of these plastics.
Microbial Diversity of the Surface of Polypropylene and Low Density Polyethylene‐Based Materials (Plastisphere) From an Area Subjected to Intensive Agriculture
Researchers analyzed the microbial communities colonizing polypropylene and polyethylene plastic debris from an agricultural landfill site. They found that while overall bacterial diversity was similar between plastic surfaces and surrounding soil, the plastic-associated communities had distinct compositions with higher proportions of certain bacterial groups. The study suggests that these plastisphere communities may be actively degrading plastic additives and could harbor potential plastic-degrading organisms.