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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Distribution and major driving elements of antibiotic resistance genes in the soil-vegetable system under microplastic stress
ClearEffects and mechanisms of polystyrene micro- and nano-plastics on the spread of antibiotic resistance genes from soil to lettuce
Researchers investigated how polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics affect the spread of antibiotic resistance genes from soil into lettuce plants. They found that these plastic particles significantly increased the transfer of resistance genes by damaging root cell membranes and altering the microbial community in the soil around the roots. The study suggests that microplastic contamination in agricultural soils could make it easier for antibiotic-resistant bacteria to reach the food we eat.
Fate and abundance of antibiotic resistance genes on microplastics in facility vegetable soil
This study found that microplastics in vegetable farm soils serve as hotspots for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), potentially amplifying the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in agricultural environments. The co-presence of microplastics and ARGs in food-producing soils raises concerns about pathways for resistance genes to enter the food chain.
Characteristics of tetracycline antibiotic resistance gene enrichment and migration in soil–plant system
This review examines how tetracycline antibiotic resistance genes spread through soil and into plants, with microplastics identified as one of the factors that accelerate this process. Resistance genes can transfer from soil bacteria into plant tissues through root absorption, ultimately accumulating in edible parts like leaves and fruits. This means microplastic-contaminated agricultural soil could help spread antibiotic resistance to humans through the food they eat.
Effect of polyethylene microplastics on antibiotic resistance genes: A comparison based on different soil types and plant types
This study compared how polyethylene microplastics affect antibiotic resistance genes across different soil types and found that contaminated soils and the presence of certain plants influenced which resistance genes proliferated. The results suggest that microplastics in agricultural soil can help spread antibiotic resistance, which is a serious concern for human health because resistant bacteria can enter the food supply through crops.
Food safety risks from soil-borne microplastics and antibiotic resistance across vegetable production and consumption pathways
This review examines how microplastics enter agricultural systems through plastic mulch degradation, wastewater irrigation, and organic amendments, and subsequently translocate into plant tissues. The study highlights that microplastics can also carry antibiotic resistance genes that persist through the food chain into human digestion, raising concerns about food safety from soil-borne microplastic contamination.
Tracking antibiotic resistance genes in microplastic-contaminated soil
Researchers used metagenomics to track antibiotic resistance genes in agricultural soils with long histories of plastic mulch use across eight Chinese provinces, identifying 204 subtypes of resistance genes alongside thousands of mobile genetic elements, demonstrating that microplastic-contaminated soils are significant reservoirs for antibiotic resistance spread.
Varying characteristics and driving mechanisms of antibiotic resistance genes in farmland soil amended with high-density polyethylene microplastics
A 60-day soil experiment found that high-density polyethylene microplastics containing phthalate additives significantly enhanced antibiotic resistance gene abundance in farmland soil compared to plastics without phthalates, identifying phthalate release as a key driver of microplastic-associated ARG enrichment.
Antibiotic sorption onto MPs in terrestrial environment: a critical review of the transport, bioaccumulation, ecotoxicological effects and prospects
This review examines how microplastics in soil absorb and transport antibiotics, creating complex pollutants that can spread antibiotic resistance genes through the environment. When antibiotic-carrying microplastics are taken up by plants or soil organisms, the resistance genes can eventually reach humans through the food chain. The authors highlight the need for better strategies to reduce microplastic contamination in soil to help slow the growing crisis of antibiotic resistance.
An Overview of Antibiotic Resistance and Abiotic Stresses Affecting Antimicrobial Resistance in Agricultural Soils
This systematic review found that soil contaminants from organic and chemical fertilizers, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and untreated sewage sludge significantly promote antimicrobial resistance by increasing the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes in agricultural soils. Abiotic stresses like salinity and drought further amplify this effect. The findings connect to microplastic research because microplastics have been shown to serve as vectors for antibiotic-resistant bacteria and resistance genes in soil environments.
Effects of microplastic degradability and concentrations on antibiotic resistance genes between soil and phyllosphere
Researchers investigated how biodegradable polyglycolic acid and non-degradable high-density polyethylene microplastics at varying concentrations affected antibiotic resistance gene distribution and transfer between soil and phyllosphere in a greenhouse germination experiment. They found that biodegradable microplastics had a more pronounced effect on antibiotic resistance gene abundance in the phyllosphere, while soil antibiotic resistance genes were jointly regulated by both microplastic type and concentration.
Sources, interactions, influencing factors and ecological risks of microplastics and antibiotic resistance genes in soil: A review
Microplastics in soil serve as hotspots for antibiotic resistance genes, with the plastisphere — the microbial community colonizing plastic surfaces — facilitating horizontal gene transfer of resistance markers. Key factors driving this interaction include microplastic properties, soil chemistry, and agricultural practices, though research in soil environments is still at an early stage compared to aquatic systems.
Deciphering the role of polyethylene microplastics on antibiotic resistance genes and mobile genetic elements fate in sludge thermophilic anaerobic digestion process
Researchers investigated how polyethylene microplastics affect antibiotic resistance genes and mobile genetic elements during sewage sludge thermophilic anaerobic digestion. The study found that microplastic contamination increased the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes and showed a strong positive correlation between microplastic concentration and mobile genetic element content, suggesting microplastics may promote the spread of antibiotic resistance.
Polyvinyl chloride microplastics disseminate antibiotic resistance genes in soil: A metagenomic analysis
This study used metagenomic analysis to show that polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics promote the spread of antibiotic resistance genes in soil, acting as a vehicle that transfers resistance between different soil bacteria. This is alarming because it links plastic pollution directly to the antibiotic resistance crisis — one of the greatest threats to modern medicine.
Polyvinyl chloride microplastics disseminate antibiotic resistance genes in soil: A metagenomic analysis
This study used metagenomic analysis to show that polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics promote the spread of antibiotic resistance genes in soil, acting as a vehicle that transfers resistance between different soil bacteria. This is alarming because it links plastic pollution directly to the antibiotic resistance crisis — one of the greatest threats to modern medicine.
Microplastics exacerbate antibiotic resistance by regulating microbial and functional gene dynamics in sludge and food waste composting
Researchers analyzed the impact of polyethylene, polypropylene, and mixed PE+PP microplastics on antibiotic resistance gene propagation during sewage sludge and food waste composting. Microplastics significantly increased ARG abundance — with PE showing the highest enrichment at 2.06 log-fold — by altering microbial community dynamics and promoting horizontal gene transfer through mobile genetic elements.
Polyvinyl chloride microplastics disseminate antibiotic resistance genes in Chinese soil: A metagenomic analysis
Researchers used metagenomic analysis to investigate how polyvinyl chloride microplastics affect the spread of antibiotic resistance genes in Chinese soils. They found that PVC microplastics significantly influenced soil bacterial community composition and increased the abundance of certain antibiotic resistance genes. The study raises concerns that microplastic contamination in agricultural soils may accelerate the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance.
Effects of freeze-thaw dynamics and microplastics on the distribution of antibiotic resistance genes in soil aggregates
Researchers investigated how freeze-thaw cycles and microplastics together affect the spread of antibiotic resistance genes in soil. The study found that repeated freezing and thawing significantly increased antibiotic resistance genes across different soil particle sizes. Interestingly, the presence of polyethylene microplastics actually reduced some of the resistance gene increases caused by freeze-thaw, suggesting a complex interaction between these two environmental stressors.
Host species and microplastics differentiate the crop root endophytic antibiotic resistome
Researchers found that crop species and microplastic contamination significantly shape the antibiotic resistance gene profile in plant root endophytes, with microplastics enhancing resistance gene abundance via changes in root-associated microbial communities.
Biodegradable microplastics induced the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors in soil: A metagenomic perspective
Researchers found that biodegradable microplastics promoted the spread of antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors in soil at levels comparable to conventional microplastics, challenging assumptions about their environmental safety.
Effects of coexistence of tetracycline, copper and microplastics on the fate of antibiotic resistance genes in manured soil
Researchers investigated how the co-presence of tetracycline, copper, and microplastics in manured agricultural soil affects antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) abundance, finding that microplastics amplified ARG spread when combined with the other stressors.
Interaction of Microbes with Microplastics and Nanoplastics in the Agroecosystems—Impact on Antimicrobial Resistance
This review examines how microplastics and nanoplastics in agricultural soil serve as hotspots for spreading antibiotic resistance genes between bacteria. The plastic particles provide surfaces where bacteria exchange genetic material, potentially accelerating the spread of drug-resistant microbes. This is a public health concern because resistant bacteria from farm soil can enter the food chain and make infections harder to treat.
Microplastic diversity increases the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes in soil
When different types of microplastics accumulate together in soil, they increase the spread of antibiotic resistance genes in bacteria. The more diverse the mix of microplastic shapes, colors, and types, the greater the increase in these resistance genes. This is concerning for human health because antibiotic-resistant bacteria in soil can potentially transfer to people through food and water.
Microplastics combined with tetracycline in soils facilitate the formation of antibiotic resistance in the Enchytraeus crypticus microbiome
Soil invertebrates (Enchytraeus crypticus) were exposed to microplastics and tetracycline alone and in combination; combined exposure promoted greater shifts in gut microbiome composition and higher levels of antibiotic resistance genes than either stressor alone, suggesting microplastics exacerbate antibiotic resistance spread in soil.
The formation of specific bacterial communities contributes to the enrichment of antibiotic resistance genes in the soil plastisphere
Researchers used metagenomic approaches to study how microplastic surfaces in soil become enriched with antibiotic resistance genes through the formation of specific bacterial communities. The study tested three types of microplastics at two particle sizes and found that antibiotic resistance gene abundances significantly increased in the plastisphere compared to surrounding soil. Evidence indicates that microplastics in soil may serve as hotspots for the spread of antibiotic resistance.