We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Papers
6 resultsShowing papers from University of Reunion Island
ClearMicroplastics in the insular marine environment of the Southwest Indian Ocean carry a microbiome including antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria: A case study from Reunion Island
Researchers studied the microbial communities growing on microplastics collected from the waters around Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean. They found that these plastic-associated microbiomes included bacteria carrying antimicrobial resistance genes, which differ from what is typically found in the surrounding seawater. The findings highlight that ocean microplastics can serve as floating platforms for potentially harmful, drug-resistant microbes even in remote island environments.
Microbial degradation of microplastics: Effectiveness, challenges, and sustainable solutions
This review summarizes current knowledge on microbial degradation of microplastics, examining the effectiveness of bacteria, fungi, and algae in breaking down various plastic polymers. Researchers found that while certain microorganisms show promising degradation capabilities, the process remains slow and faces challenges in real-world conditions. The study identifies key research gaps and potential strategies for developing more effective biological microplastic remediation approaches.
Microplastics in the insular marine environment of the Southwest Indian Ocean carry a microbiome including antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria: A case study from Reunion Island
Researchers assessed plastic pollution along the coast of Reunion Island in the Southwest Indian Ocean and analyzed the microbial communities living on the microplastics. They found up to 10,000 plastic items per square kilometer, predominantly polyethylene and polypropylene, harboring dense bacterial communities including pathogenic Vibrio species and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The study raises concerns about marine microplastics serving as vectors for spreading antimicrobial resistance in island marine environments.
A global assessment of microplastic abundance and characteristics on marine turtle nesting beaches
Researchers coordinated a global sampling effort across 209 marine turtle nesting beaches in six ocean basins to assess microplastic contamination in beach sediments. They found microplastics present on 45% of beaches, with the Mediterranean showing the highest contamination rate at 80%. The study provides an open-access dataset to support ongoing monitoring of plastic pollution in critical nesting habitats.
Microplastics in the Indian Ocean: a review of the ingestion and trophic transfer in commercial pelagic fish
This review examined microplastic ingestion and trophic transfer in the Indian Ocean, synthesizing evidence that MPs accumulate across marine food webs from zooplankton to large fish and marine mammals, and estimating the dietary MP exposure of human consumers of Indian Ocean seafood.
Plastic ingestion in seabirds of the western Indian Ocean
Researchers examined stomach contents of 222 seabirds from nine species in the western Indian Ocean and found plastic in all species, with tropical shearwaters (79%) and Barau's petrels (59%) most affected, and juvenile birds carrying significantly greater plastic mass than adults, indicating regional ocean plastic pollution and age-dependent exposure risks.