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Wang L, Tong J, Li Y, Zhu J, Zhang W, Niu L, Zhang H. Bacterial and fungal assemblages and functions associated with biofilms differ between diverse types of plastic debris in a freshwater system. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 196:110371. [PMID: 33130168 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Once in aquatic ecosystems, plastics can be easily colonized by diverse microbes, and these microbial communities on plastics-the 'plastisphere'-often differ from the communities in the surrounding water and other substrates. However, our knowledge of plastic-associated bacterial and fungal communities on diverse plastics in freshwater is poor, especially for fungal communities. Furthermore, intraspecies interactions among bacterial and fungal communities colonized on diverse plastics are poorly known. Here, we characterized the taxonomic composition and diversity of bacteria and fungi on three types of plastics in a lab-scale incubator with freshwater from an urban river. High-throughput sequencing revealed that the alpha diversity of bacterial communities was higher on polyethylene microplastics (MPs) than on polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) sheets. The structure of bacterial communities on MPs differed from those on plastic sheets. In contrast, no striking differences in alpha diversity and taxonomic composition were observed for fungal communities on different types of plastics. Members of Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Blastocladiomycota and Mucoromycota dominated fungal assemblages on plastics. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed that the biotic interactions between bacteria and fungi on MPs were less complex than those on PE and PP sheets. The three types of plastics shared no keystone taxa. The functional profiles (KEGG) predicted by Tax4Fun showed that the pathways of alanine, aspartate, glutamate and biotin metabolism were enriched in biofilms on MPs. Nonetheless, the higher complexity of plastic sheet-associated biofilms might make them more resistant to environmental perturbation and facilitate the maintenance of microbial activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longfei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210098, PR China; State Key Lab Hydraul & Mt River Engn, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, PR China
| | - Jiaxin Tong
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210098, PR China
| | - Yi Li
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210098, PR China.
| | - Jinxin Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210098, PR China
| | - Wenlong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210098, PR China
| | - Lihua Niu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210098, PR China
| | - Huanjun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210098, PR China
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152
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Rahman I, Mujahid A, Palombo EA, Müller M. A functional gene-array analysis of microbial communities settling on microplastics in a peat-draining environment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 166:112226. [PMID: 33711605 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Concerns about microplastic (MP) pollution arise from the rafting potential of these durable particles which potentially propagate harmful chemicals and bacteria across wide spatial gradients. While many studies have been conducted in the marine environment, knowledge of MPs in coastal and freshwater systems is limited. For this study, we exposed two MPs (polyethylene terephthalate and polylactic acid) to the undisturbed peat-draining Maludam River in Malaysia, for 6 months. The microbial communities on these MPs and the surrounding water were sequenced by MiSeq, while the genetic responses of these communities were assessed by GeoChip 5.0S. Microbial communities were dominated by the phyla Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria and Actinobacteria. Metabolic processes involved with carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, metal homeostasis, organic remediation and virulence had significantly different gene expression among the communities on MPs and in the surrounding water. Our study is the first to look at changes in gene expression of whole plastisphere communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishraq Rahman
- Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak Campus, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia; International University of Business, Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT), Uttara, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh
| | - Aazani Mujahid
- Faculty of Resource Science & Technology, University Malaysia Sarawak, 94300, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Enzo A Palombo
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Moritz Müller
- Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak Campus, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
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153
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Zhang X, Zhang Y, Wu N, Li W, Song X, Ma Y, Niu Z. Colonization characteristics of bacterial communities on plastic debris: The localization of immigrant bacterial communities. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 193:116883. [PMID: 33561605 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.116883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The unique characteristics of bacterial communities on plastic debris and microplastics in the environment have been widely studied in recent years. However, due to the randomness of sampling, it is hard to identify whether the unique characteristics of bacterial communities on plastic debris is due to the plastics as substrate itself, or the accumulation and transportation by plastics. Therefore, the ecological effects of bacterial communities on plastic debris, including the species invasion, are still not clear. To investigate such issue, we took the Haihe Estuary (Tianjin, China) as an example, and designed a strategy to sample and redeploy randomly collected environmental plastic debris for 6 weeks, thus the variation of bacterial communities on plastic debris could be assessed. At the same time, commercial experimental plastic debris was used as the control group to monitor the growth of local bacterial communities on plastics in the cultivation environment. Our study discussed the bacterial communities on the environmental plastic debris from three aspects, including colonization characteristics, taxonomic analysis and molecular metabolism estimation. We found that the bacterial communities on environmental plastic debris tended to show local characteristics, which were less affected by their original characteristics. Therefore, the results reminded us that the ecological risks of bacterial communities on plastics, which were brought by the transportation of plastic debris in the environment, may not be as serious as it was expected previously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohan Zhang
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria / Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Technology for Complex Trans-Media Pollution, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Nan Wu
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; School of Geography, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Wenjie Li
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Xiaocui Song
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria / Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Technology for Complex Trans-Media Pollution, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yongzheng Ma
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
| | - Zhiguang Niu
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
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154
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Sehnal L, Brammer-Robbins E, Wormington AM, Blaha L, Bisesi J, Larkin I, Martyniuk CJ, Simonin M, Adamovsky O. Microbiome Composition and Function in Aquatic Vertebrates: Small Organisms Making Big Impacts on Aquatic Animal Health. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:567408. [PMID: 33776947 PMCID: PMC7995652 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.567408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Aquatic ecosystems are under increasing stress from global anthropogenic and natural changes, including climate change, eutrophication, ocean acidification, and pollution. In this critical review, we synthesize research on the microbiota of aquatic vertebrates and discuss the impact of emerging stressors on aquatic microbial communities using two case studies, that of toxic cyanobacteria and microplastics. Most studies to date are focused on host-associated microbiomes of individual organisms, however, few studies take an integrative approach to examine aquatic vertebrate microbiomes by considering both host-associated and free-living microbiota within an ecosystem. We highlight what is known about microbiota in aquatic ecosystems, with a focus on the interface between water, fish, and marine mammals. Though microbiomes in water vary with geography, temperature, depth, and other factors, core microbial functions such as primary production, nitrogen cycling, and nutrient metabolism are often conserved across aquatic environments. We outline knowledge on the composition and function of tissue-specific microbiomes in fish and marine mammals and discuss the environmental factors influencing their structure. The microbiota of aquatic mammals and fish are highly unique to species and a delicate balance between respiratory, skin, and gastrointestinal microbiota exists within the host. In aquatic vertebrates, water conditions and ecological niche are driving factors behind microbial composition and function. We also generate a comprehensive catalog of marine mammal and fish microbial genera, revealing commonalities in composition and function among aquatic species, and discuss the potential use of microbiomes as indicators of health and ecological status of aquatic ecosystems. We also discuss the importance of a focus on the functional relevance of microbial communities in relation to organism physiology and their ability to overcome stressors related to global change. Understanding the dynamic relationship between aquatic microbiota and the animals they colonize is critical for monitoring water quality and population health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludek Sehnal
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Elizabeth Brammer-Robbins
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Alexis M. Wormington
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Ludek Blaha
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Joe Bisesi
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Iske Larkin
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Christopher J. Martyniuk
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Marie Simonin
- Univ Angers, Institut Agro, INRAE, IRHS, SFR QUASAV, Angers, France
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155
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Qian J, Tang S, Wang P, Lu B, Li K, Jin W, He X. From source to sink: Review and prospects of microplastics in wetland ecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 758:143633. [PMID: 33223161 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The source, distribution, migration, and fate of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems have received much attention. However, the relevant reports in wetland ecosystems, the boundary area between water and land, are still rare. Where are the sources and sinks of MPs in the wetland? The latest researches have shown that the sources of MPs in wetlands include sewage discharge, surface runoff, and plastic wastes from aquaculture. Fibers and fragments are the most common shapes, and PE, PP, PS can be detected in water or sediment matrices, and biota of wetlands. The distribution is affected by hydrodynamic conditions, sediment properties, and vegetation coverage. Factors affecting the vertical migration of MPs include their own physical and chemical properties, the combination of substances that accelerate deposition (mineral adsorption and biological flocculation), and resuspension. Minerals tend to adsorb negatively charged MPs while algae aggregates have a preference for positively charged MPs. The wetlands vegetation can trap MPs and affect their migration. In water matrices, MPs are ingested by organisms and integrated into sediments, which makes them seem undetectable in the wetland ecosystem. Photodegradation and microbial degradation can further reduce the MPs in size. Although recent research has increased, we are still searching for a methodological harmonization of the detection practices and exploring the migration rules and fate patterns of MPs. Our work is the first comprehensive review of the source, distribution, migration, and fate of MPs in wetland ecosystems. It reveals the uniqueness of wetland habitat in the research of MPs and indicates the potential of wetlands acting as sources or sinks for MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Qian
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China.
| | - Sijing Tang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Peifang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Bianhe Lu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Li
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen Jin
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Xixian He
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
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156
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Dong H, Chen Y, Wang J, Zhang Y, Zhang P, Li X, Zou J, Zhou A. Interactions of microplastics and antibiotic resistance genes and their effects on the aquaculture environments. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 403:123961. [PMID: 33265004 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have become the increasing attention and global research hotpots due to their unique ecological and environmental effects. As susceptible locations for MPs and ARGs, aquaculture environments play an important role in their enrichment and transformation. In this review, we focused on the MPs, ARGs, and the effects of their interactions on the aquaculture environments. The facts that antibiotics have been widely applied in different kinds of agricultural productions (e.g., aquaculture) and that most of antibiotics enter the water environment with rainfall and residual in the aquaculture environment have been resulting in the emergence of antibiotic resistance bacteria (ARB). Moreover, the water MPs are effective carriers of the environmental microbes and ARB, making them likely to be continuously imported into the aquaculture environments. As a result, the formation of the compound pollutions may also enter the aquatic organisms through the food chains and eventually enter the human body after a long-term enrichment. Furthermore, the compound pollutions result in the joint toxic effects on the human health and the ecological environment. In summary, this review aims to emphasize the ecological effects and the potential hazards on the aquaculture environments where interactions between MPs and ARGs results, and calls for to reduce the use of the plastic products and the antibiotics in the aquaculture environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Dong
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yuliang Chen
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou 571158, China.
| | - Yue Zhang
- Departments of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Pan Zhang
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 93 Mount Edward Road, Charlottetown, PEI C1A 5T1, Canada
| | - Jixing Zou
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Aiguo Zhou
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 93 Mount Edward Road, Charlottetown, PEI C1A 5T1, Canada; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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157
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Forero López AD, Truchet DM, Rimondino GN, Maisano L, Spetter CV, Buzzi NS, Nazzarro MS, Malanca FE, Furlong O, Fernández Severini MD. Microplastics and suspended particles in a strongly impacted coastal environment: Composition, abundance, surface texture, and interaction with metal ions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 754:142413. [PMID: 33254940 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The composition and the interaction of the suspended particulate matter (SPM) with metal ions, along with the presence and characteristics of microplastics, were analyzed for the first time in the water column of the inner zone of Bahía Blanca Estuary during winter (June, July, and August) 2019. Surface analysis techniques (Scanning Electron Microscopy combined with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, and X-ray Diffraction) were employed to obtain an in-depth characterization of the particulate matter, suggesting the presence of Fe in our samples, with a mixture of Fe3+/Fe2+ oxidation states. Microplastics ranged in concentrations between 3 and 11.5 items L-1, with an average of 6.50 items L-1 (S.E: ±4.01), being fibers the most abundant type. Infrared Spectroscopy suggests that these fibers correspond to semi-synthetic cellulose-based and poly(amide) remains. We concluded that the SPM is a significant vehicle for metals which might have adverse effects on marine organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Forero López
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CONICET/UNS, CCT-Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, Edificio E1, B8000FWB Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - D M Truchet
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CONICET/UNS, CCT-Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, Edificio E1, B8000FWB Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), San Juan 670, B8000ICN Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - G N Rimondino
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisicoquímica de Córdoba (INFIQC), Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA Córdoba, Argentina
| | - L Maisano
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CONICET/UNS, CCT-Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, Edificio E1, B8000FWB Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Departamento de Geología, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), San Juan 670, B8000ICN Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - C V Spetter
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CONICET/UNS, CCT-Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, Edificio E1, B8000FWB Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Departamento de Química, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Avenida Alem 1253, B8000CPB Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - N S Buzzi
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CONICET/UNS, CCT-Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, Edificio E1, B8000FWB Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), San Juan 670, B8000ICN Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M S Nazzarro
- Instituto de Física Aplicada (INFAP), Departamento de Física, CONICET-Universidad Nacional de San Luis, Av. Ejército de los Andes 950, 5700 San Luis, Argentina
| | - F E Malanca
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisicoquímica de Córdoba (INFIQC), Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria, X5000HUA Córdoba, Argentina
| | - O Furlong
- Instituto de Física Aplicada (INFAP), Departamento de Física, CONICET-Universidad Nacional de San Luis, Av. Ejército de los Andes 950, 5700 San Luis, Argentina
| | - M D Fernández Severini
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CONICET/UNS, CCT-Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, Edificio E1, B8000FWB Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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158
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Xie H, Chen J, Feng L, He L, Zhou C, Hong P, Sun S, Zhao H, Liang Y, Ren L, Zhang Y, Li C. Chemotaxis-selective colonization of mangrove rhizosphere microbes on nine different microplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 752:142223. [PMID: 33207502 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics pollution poses a new threat to the environment of intertidal zone. The sea forest, mangrove, has been polluted by a large number of plastic debris worldwide. To fill the gaps in knowledge of mangrove rhizosphere microbes connected with the 'plasticsphere', a semi-controlled in situ exposure experiment for nine different types of microplastics were conducted in mangrove ecosystem. A sign of biodegrading was observed on polyethylene, polyamide 6 and polyvinyl chloride microplastics surface after 3 months exposure. We discovered that the metabolic activities of the dominant bacteria on certain microplastics were related to the specific groups on polymers molecule. The selective colonization may be driven by the chemotaxis of bacteria. Specially, microplastics biofilms of polyethylene, polyamide 6, polyvinyl chloride and expanded polystyrene possess distinctive dominant bacteria assemblages which have great significance in ecosystem processes involving carbon cycle or sulfur cycle. Community of mangrove soil microorganism and microplastic biofilm varies as the seasons changes. As a new niche, microplastics has higher inclusivity to bacteria than surrounding soil. Additionally, pathogens for human beings (Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Escherichia-Shigella) were detected both in microplastics and soil. We stress that the interaction between microplastics and rhizosphere microorganisms may affect the growth and health of mangrove plants. Besides, we point out that mangrove rhizosphere microorganism can be an ideal candidate for plastics-degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huifeng Xie
- School of Chemistry and Environment, School of Food Science and Technology, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhanjiang 524088, PR China
| | - Jinjun Chen
- School of Chemistry and Environment, School of Food Science and Technology, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhanjiang 524088, PR China
| | - Limin Feng
- School of Chemistry and Environment, School of Food Science and Technology, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhanjiang 524088, PR China
| | - Lei He
- School of Chemistry and Environment, School of Food Science and Technology, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhanjiang 524088, PR China
| | - Chunxia Zhou
- School of Chemistry and Environment, School of Food Science and Technology, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhanjiang 524088, PR China; Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518120, PR China
| | - Pengzhi Hong
- School of Chemistry and Environment, School of Food Science and Technology, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhanjiang 524088, PR China; Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518120, PR China
| | - Shengli Sun
- School of Chemistry and Environment, School of Food Science and Technology, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhanjiang 524088, PR China
| | - Hui Zhao
- School of Chemistry and Environment, School of Food Science and Technology, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhanjiang 524088, PR China
| | - Yanqiu Liang
- School of Chemistry and Environment, School of Food Science and Technology, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhanjiang 524088, PR China
| | - Lei Ren
- School of Chemistry and Environment, School of Food Science and Technology, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhanjiang 524088, PR China
| | - Yueqin Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Environment, School of Food Science and Technology, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhanjiang 524088, PR China
| | - Chengyong Li
- School of Chemistry and Environment, School of Food Science and Technology, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhanjiang 524088, PR China; Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518120, PR China.
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159
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Cheng J, Jacquin J, Conan P, Pujo-Pay M, Barbe V, George M, Fabre P, Bruzaud S, Ter Halle A, Meistertzheim AL, Ghiglione JF. Relative Influence of Plastic Debris Size and Shape, Chemical Composition and Phytoplankton-Bacteria Interactions in Driving Seawater Plastisphere Abundance, Diversity and Activity. Front Microbiol 2021; 11:610231. [PMID: 33519764 PMCID: PMC7838358 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.610231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The thin film of life that inhabits all plastics in the oceans, so-called "plastisphere," has multiple effects on the fate and impacts of plastic in the marine environment. Here, we aimed to evaluate the relative influence of the plastic size, shape, chemical composition, and environmental changes such as a phytoplankton bloom in shaping the plastisphere abundance, diversity and activity. Polyethylene (PE) and polylactide acid (PLA) together with glass controls in the forms of meso-debris (18 mm diameter) and large-microplastics (LMP; 3 mm diameter), as well as small-microplastics (SMP) of 100 μm diameter with spherical or irregular shapes were immerged in seawater during 2 months. Results of bacterial abundance (confocal microscopy) and diversity (16S rRNA Illumina sequencing) indicated that the three classical biofilm colonization phases (primo-colonization after 3 days; growing phase after 10 days; maturation phase after 30 days) were not influenced by the size and the shape of the materials, even when a diatom bloom (Pseudo-nitzschia sp.) occurred after the first month of incubation. However, plastic size and shape had an effect on bacterial activity (3H leucine incorporation). Bacterial communities associated with the material of 100 μm size fraction showed the highest activity compared to all other material sizes. A mature biofilm developed within 30 days on all material types, with higher bacterial abundance on the plastics compared to glass, and distinct bacterial assemblages were detected on each material type. The diatom bloom event had a great impact on the plastisphere of all materials, resulting in a drastic change in diversity and activity. Our results showed that the plastic size and shape had relatively low influence on the plastisphere abundance, diversity, and activity, as compared to the plastic composition or the presence of a phytoplankton bloom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingguang Cheng
- UMR 7621, CNRS, Laboratoire d’Océanographie Microbienne, Observatoire Océanologique de Banyuls-sur-Mer, Sorbonne Université, Banyuls-sur-Mer, France
| | - Justine Jacquin
- UMR 7621, CNRS, Laboratoire d’Océanographie Microbienne, Observatoire Océanologique de Banyuls-sur-Mer, Sorbonne Université, Banyuls-sur-Mer, France
| | - Pascal Conan
- UMR 7621, CNRS, Laboratoire d’Océanographie Microbienne, Observatoire Océanologique de Banyuls-sur-Mer, Sorbonne Université, Banyuls-sur-Mer, France
| | - Mireille Pujo-Pay
- UMR 7621, CNRS, Laboratoire d’Océanographie Microbienne, Observatoire Océanologique de Banyuls-sur-Mer, Sorbonne Université, Banyuls-sur-Mer, France
| | - Valérie Barbe
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, Evry, France
| | - Matthieu George
- Laboratoire Charles Coulomb (L2C), UMR 5221 CNRS-UM, Place Eugène Bataillon, Montpellier, France
| | - Pascale Fabre
- Laboratoire Charles Coulomb (L2C), UMR 5221 CNRS-UM, Place Eugène Bataillon, Montpellier, France
| | - Stéphane Bruzaud
- Institut de Recherche Dupuy de Lôme (IRDL), Université Bretagne Sud, UMR CNRS 6027, Lorient, France
| | | | | | - Jean-François Ghiglione
- UMR 7621, CNRS, Laboratoire d’Océanographie Microbienne, Observatoire Océanologique de Banyuls-sur-Mer, Sorbonne Université, Banyuls-sur-Mer, France
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160
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Kelly JJ, London MG, McCormick AR, Rojas M, Scott JW, Hoellein TJ. Wastewater treatment alters microbial colonization of microplastics. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0244443. [PMID: 33406095 PMCID: PMC7787475 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitous contaminants in aquatic habitats globally, and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are point sources of microplastics. Within aquatic habitats microplastics are colonized by microbial biofilms, which can include pathogenic taxa and taxa associated with plastic breakdown. Microplastics enter WWTPs in sewage and exit in sludge or effluent, but the role that WWTPs play in establishing or modifying microplastic bacterial assemblages is unknown. We analyzed microplastics and associated biofilms in raw sewage, effluent water, and sludge from two WWTPs. Both plants retained >99% of influent microplastics in sludge, and sludge microplastics showed higher bacterial species richness and higher abundance of taxa associated with bioflocculation (e.g. Xanthomonas) than influent microplastics, suggesting that colonization of microplastics within the WWTP may play a role in retention. Microplastics in WWTP effluent included significantly lower abundances of some potentially pathogenic bacterial taxa (e.g. Campylobacteraceae) compared to influent microplastics; however, other potentially pathogenic taxa (e.g. Acinetobacter) remained abundant on effluent microplastics, and several taxa linked to plastic breakdown (e.g. Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, and Sphingomonas) were significantly more abundant on effluent compared to influent microplastics. These results indicate that diverse bacterial assemblages colonize microplastics within sewage and that WWTPs can play a significant role in modifying the microplastic-associated assemblages, which may affect the fate of microplastics within the WWTPs and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J. Kelly
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Maxwell G. London
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Amanda R. McCormick
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Miguel Rojas
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - John W. Scott
- Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, Prairie Research Institute, Champaign, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Timothy J. Hoellein
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
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161
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Audrézet F, Zaiko A, Lear G, Wood SA, Tremblay LA, Pochon X. Biosecurity implications of drifting marine plastic debris: Current knowledge and future research. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 162:111835. [PMID: 33220912 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The introduction and spread of marine non-indigenous species (NIS) and pathogens into new habitats are a major threat to biodiversity, ecosystem services, human health, and can have substantial economic consequences. Shipping is considered the main vector for marine biological invasions; less well understood is the increased spread of marine NIS and pathogens rafting on marine plastic debris (MPD). Despite an increasing research interest and recent progress in characterizing the plastisphere, this manuscript highlights critical knowledge gaps and research priorities towards a better understanding of the biosecurity implications of MPD. We advocate for future research to (i) investigate plastisphere community succession and the factors influencing NIS propagules and pathogens recruitment through robust experimental investigations; (ii) combine microscopy and molecular approaches to effectively assess the presence of specific taxa; (iii) include additional genetic markers to thoroughly characterize the biodiversity associated with MPD and explore the presence of specific marine pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Audrézet
- Coastal and Freshwater Group, Cawthron Institute, Nelson, New Zealand; Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Anastasija Zaiko
- Coastal and Freshwater Group, Cawthron Institute, Nelson, New Zealand; Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Gavin Lear
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Susanna A Wood
- Coastal and Freshwater Group, Cawthron Institute, Nelson, New Zealand
| | - Louis A Tremblay
- Coastal and Freshwater Group, Cawthron Institute, Nelson, New Zealand; School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Xavier Pochon
- Coastal and Freshwater Group, Cawthron Institute, Nelson, New Zealand; Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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162
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Yi M, Zhou S, Zhang L, Ding S. The effects of three different microplastics on enzyme activities and microbial communities in soil. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2021; 93:24-32. [PMID: 32187766 DOI: 10.1002/wer.1327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Soils always receive microplastics (MPs) from plastic mulching, compost, and sewage irrigation, but the effects of MPs on soil environment remain largely unexplored. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of three MPs (membranous polyethylene (PE), fibrous polypropylene (PP), and microsphere PP) on enzyme activities and microbial community structure in one loamy and sandy soil. The concentration of microsphere PP (2 mg/g) was one-tenth of those of the other two MPs (20 mg/g). The results showed that the effects of three MPs on urease, dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatase activities followed the order: fibrous PP > membranous PE > microsphere PP, membranous PE > microsphere PP > fibrous PP and fibrous PP > microsphere PP > membranous PE, respectively. Results from high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA revealed that the membranous PE and fibrous PP raised the alpha diversities of the soil microbiota, whereas the diversity indexes of microbiota on MPs surfaces were significantly lower than those in the amended soils. MPs significantly altered the microbial community structure, especially for the enrichment of Acidobacteria and Bacteroidetes, the depletion of Deinococcus-Thermus and Chloroflexi. Aeromicrobium, Streptomyces, Mycobacterium, Janibacter, Nocardia, Arthrobacter were prone to inhabit on the MPs surfaces. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Three microplastics had different effects on soil enzyme activities. Fibrous PP had a more persistent effect on microbial activity. Membranous PE and fibrous PP raised the alpha diversities of soil microbiota. The effects of membranous PE and fibrous PP on microbial communities were similar. Distinct microbial communities were enriched on the surfaces of microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shaohong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lilan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shiyuan Ding
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
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163
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Schmid C, Cozzarini L, Zambello E. Microplastic's story. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 162:111820. [PMID: 33203604 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The problem of microplastic pollution is now the order of the day in front of everyone's eyes affecting the environment and the health of leaving creature. This work aims to retrace the history of microplastics in a critical way through a substantial bibliographic collection, defining the points still unresolved and those that can be resolved. Presence of marine litter in different environments is reviewed on a global scale, focusing in particular on micro and macro plastics definition, classification and characterization techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Schmid
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via Valerio 6A, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Luca Cozzarini
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via Valerio 6A, 34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Elena Zambello
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via Valerio 6A, 34127 Trieste, Italy
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164
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Krause S, Baranov V, Nel HA, Drummond JD, Kukkola A, Hoellein T, Sambrook Smith GH, Lewandowski J, Bonet B, Packman AI, Sadler J, Inshyna V, Allen S, Allen D, Simon L, Mermillod-Blondin F, Lynch I. Gathering at the top? Environmental controls of microplastic uptake and biomagnification in freshwater food webs. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 268:115750. [PMID: 33172701 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitous in the environment, with high concentrations being detected now also in river corridors and sediments globally. Whilst there has been increasing field evidence of microplastics accumulation in the guts and tissues of freshwater and marine aquatic species, the uptake mechanisms of microplastics into freshwater food webs, and the physical and geological controls on pathway-specific exposures to microplastics, are not well understood. This knowledge gap is hampering the assessment of exposure risks, and potential ecotoxicological and public health impacts from microplastics. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of key research challenges in analysing the environmental fate and transport of microplastics in freshwater ecosystems, including the identification of hydrological, sedimentological and particle property controls on microplastic accumulation in aquatic ecosystems. This mechanistic analysis outlines the dominant pathways for exposure to microplastics in freshwater ecosystems and identifies potentially critical uptake mechanisms and entry pathways for microplastics and associated contaminants into aquatic food webs as well as their risk to accumulate and biomagnify. We identify seven key research challenges that, if overcome, will permit the advancement beyond current conceptual limitations and provide the mechanistic process understanding required to assess microplastic exposure, uptake, hazard, and overall risk to aquatic systems and humans, and provide key insights into the priority impact pathways in freshwater ecosystems to support environmental management decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Krause
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR5023, Ecologie des Hydrosystèmes Naturels et Anthropisés (LEHNA), 69622, Villeurbanne, France.
| | - Viktor Baranov
- Department of Biology II, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Holly A Nel
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer D Drummond
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Kukkola
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy Hoellein
- Loyola University Chicago, Department of Biology, Chicago, United States
| | - Gregory H Sambrook Smith
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Joerg Lewandowski
- Department of Ecohydrology, Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany; Department of Geography, Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Berta Bonet
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Aaron I Packman
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern Center for Water Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, Chicago, United States
| | - Jon Sadler
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Valentyna Inshyna
- Department of Biology II, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Steve Allen
- Strathclyde University, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Laurent Simon
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR5023, Ecologie des Hydrosystèmes Naturels et Anthropisés (LEHNA), 69622, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Florian Mermillod-Blondin
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR5023, Ecologie des Hydrosystèmes Naturels et Anthropisés (LEHNA), 69622, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Iseult Lynch
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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165
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Hou D, Hong M, Wang K, Yan H, Wang Y, Dong P, Li D, Liu K, Zhou Z, Zhang D. Prokaryotic community succession and assembly on different types of microplastics in a mariculture cage. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 268:115756. [PMID: 33162209 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have emerged as a new anthropogenic substrate that can readily be colonized by microorganisms. Nevertheless, microbial community succession and assembly among different microplastics in nearshore mariculture cages remains poorly understood. Using an in situ incubation experiment, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, and the neutral model, we investigated the prokaryotic communities attached to polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP) in a mariculture cage in Xiangshan Harbor, China. The α-diversities and compositions of microplastic-attached prokaryotic communities were significantly distinct from free-living and small particle-attached communities in the surrounding water but relatively similar to the large particle-attached communities. Although a distinct prokaryotic community was developed on each type of microplastic, the communities on PE and PP more closely resembled each other. Furthermore, the prokaryotic community dissimilarity among all media (microplastics and water fractions) tended to decrease over time. Hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria Alcanivorax preferentially colonized PE, and the genus Vibrio with opportunistically pathogenic members has the potential to colonize PET. Additionally, neutral processes dominated the prokaryotic community assembly on PE and PP, while selection was more responsible for the prokaryotic assembly on PET. The assembly of Planctomycetaceae and Thaumarchaeota Marine Group I taxa on three microplastics were mainly governed by selection and neutral processes, respectively. Our study provides further understanding of microplastic-associated microbial ecology in mariculture environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandi Hou
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China; School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Man Hong
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Kai Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China; School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China.
| | - Huizhen Yan
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Yanting Wang
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Pengsheng Dong
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
| | - Daoji Li
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Kai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Zhiqiang Zhou
- Xiangshan Fisheries Technology Extension Center, Ningbo, 315700, China
| | - Demin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China; School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China
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166
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Vibrio Colonization Is Highly Dynamic in Early Microplastic-Associated Biofilms as Well as on Field-Collected Microplastics. Microorganisms 2020; 9:microorganisms9010076. [PMID: 33396691 PMCID: PMC7823642 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9010076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitous in aquatic ecosystems and provide a habitat for biofilm-forming bacteria. The genus Vibrio, which includes potential pathogens, was detected irregularly on microplastics. Since then, the potential of microplastics to enrich (and serve as a vector for) Vibrio has been widely discussed. We investigated Vibrio abundance and operational taxonomic unit (OTU) composition on polyethylene and polystyrene within the first 10 h of colonization during an in situ incubation experiment, along with those found on particles collected from the Baltic Sea. We used 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and co-occurrence networks to elaborate the role of Vibrio within biofilms. Colonization of plastics with Vibrio was detectable after one hour of incubation; however, Vibrio numbers and composition were very dynamic, with a more stable population at the site with highest nutrients and lowest salinity. Likewise, Vibrio abundances on field-collected particles were variable but correlated with proximity to major cities. Vibrio was poorly connected within biofilm networks. Taken together, this indicates that Vibrio is an early colonizer of plastics, but that the process is undirected and independent of the specific surface. Still, higher nutrients could enhance a faster establishment of Vibrio populations. These parameters should be considered when planning studies investigating Vibrio on microplastics.
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167
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Wang T, Wang L, Chen Q, Kalogerakis N, Ji R, Ma Y. Interactions between microplastics and organic pollutants: Effects on toxicity, bioaccumulation, degradation, and transport. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 748:142427. [PMID: 33113705 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), defined as particles with diameters <5 mm and including nanoplastics (NPs), with diameters <1 μm, are characterized by large specific surface areas and hydrophobicity. In aquatic and terrestrial environments, MPs interact with co-occurring organic pollutants through sorption and desorption, which alters the environmental behavior of the pollutants, such as their toxicity, bioaccumulation, degradation, and transport. In this review, we summarize the results of current studies of the interactions between MPs and organic contaminants, and focus on the different mechanisms and subsequent ecological risks of contaminant transfer among environmental media, MPs and organisms. The sorption/desorption of organic pollutants on/from MPs is discussed with respect to solution conditions and the properties of both the MPs and the pollutants. More importantly, the ability of MPs to alter the toxicity, bioaccumulation, degradation, and transport of organic pollutants through these interactions is considered as well. We then examine the interrelationships of the different environmental behaviors of MPs and organic pollutants and the roles played by environmental processes. Finally, we identify the remaining knowledge gaps that must be filled in further studies in order to accurately evaluate the environmental risks of MPs and their associated organic pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Lin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Qianqian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Nicolas Kalogerakis
- School of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, Chania, Greece
| | - Rong Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yini Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; International Institute for Environmental Studies, Nanjing 210023, China.
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168
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Di Pippo F, Venezia C, Sighicelli M, Pietrelli L, Di Vito S, Nuglio S, Rossetti S. Microplastic-associated biofilms in lentic Italian ecosystems. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 187:116429. [PMID: 32961457 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
In this study, 16S rRNA gene high throughput sequencing and Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) combined with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) were used to assess for the first time biodiversity and structure of microplastic-associated biofilms (plastisphere) collected from Italian lentic ecosystems. The analysis revealed clear differences in microbial community composition among biofilms and corresponding planktonic populations indicating a selective adhesion on microplastics (MP). Although geographical variations in taxa composition were observed, a plastisphere core microbiome, composed by known biofilm formers found in freshwater ecosystems (e.g. Sphingorhabdus, Sphingomonas, Rhodobacter, Aquabacterium and Acidovorax genera) was found. Species composition of plastisphere did not substantially differ between the diverse polymers, while a clear link with the MP exposure time was found by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis. Generalist planktonic taxa (e.g. members of the families Sphingomonadaceae and Rhodobacteraceae) were found on MPs with the lowest degradation level whereas the biodiversity increased with the increase of MP degradation. FISH-CLSM analysis confirmed the Burkolderiaceae dominance in most of the analyzed plastisphere samples and revealed a patchy microbial colonization and a complex biofilm architecture with bacterial micro-colonies and cyanobacterial aggregates occurring together with microalgae assemblages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Di Pippo
- Water Research Institute, CNR-IRSA, National Research Council, Rome, Italy.
| | - Cristina Venezia
- Water Research Institute, CNR-IRSA, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Sighicelli
- Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA) CR Casaccia, Rome, Italy
| | - Loris Pietrelli
- Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA) CR Casaccia, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Simona Rossetti
- Water Research Institute, CNR-IRSA, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
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169
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Zhu J, Wang C. Biodegradable plastics: Green hope or greenwashing? MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 161:111774. [PMID: 33122148 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The universality of plastic has an inescapable responsibility for the large-scale production of plastic wastes. Fossil-based plastics, which account for the majority of the market, are dazzling, and the global environmental pollution caused by them is also becoming more and more complicated. In addition to controlling the total amount at the source, people have also actively sought some emerging materials to replace existing conventional plastics so that they can be handled better and easier at the end. Biodegradable plastics (BPs) can theoretically shorten the life cycle of plastics and reduce environmental stress. However, in the natural environment, many factors are uncontrollable, and whether BPs can alleviate white pollution needs further certification. Due to the wide and complex physical and chemical conditions encountered in natural ecosystems, great care must be taken in trying to define this term. The current standards and test methods are insufficient to predict the biodegradability of BPs in the natural environment. Additionally, the existing standards and test methods for biodegradability of water environment do not involve toxicity tests, nor do they consider the potentially adverse ecological effects of BPs or micro BPs particles that may be produced by crushing. Therefore, this article mainly discusses whether BPs are green hope or greenwashing: 1) Degradability in the environment; 2) Impact of existing waste management; and 3) Recycling Impact of resources and impact on global carbon sequestration. Successfully solving these knowledge gaps is the key requirement of the new standard for the production of BPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingkun Zhu
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Can Wang
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China.
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170
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Mammo FK, Amoah ID, Gani KM, Pillay L, Ratha SK, Bux F, Kumari S. Microplastics in the environment: Interactions with microbes and chemical contaminants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 743:140518. [PMID: 32653705 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are contaminants of emerging concern that have gained considerable attention during the last few decades due to their adverse impact on living organisms and the environment. Recent studies have shown their ubiquitous presence in the environment including the atmosphere, soil, and water. Though several reviews have focused on the occurrence of microplastics in different habitats, little attention has been paid to their interaction with biological and chemical pollutants in the environment. This review therefore presents the state of knowledge on the interaction of MPs with chemicals and microbes in different environments. The distribution of MPs, the association of toxic chemicals with MPs, microbial association with MPs and the microbial-induced fate of MPs in the environment are discussed. The biodegradation and bioaccumulation of MPs by and in microbes and its potential impact on the food chain are also reviewed. The mechanisms driving these interactions and how these, in turn, affect living organisms however are not yet fully understood and require further attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- F K Mammo
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Treatment, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - I D Amoah
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Treatment, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - K M Gani
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Treatment, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - L Pillay
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Treatment, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - S K Ratha
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Treatment, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - F Bux
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Treatment, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - S Kumari
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Treatment, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa.
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171
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Wright RJ, Langille MGI, Walker TR. Food or just a free ride? A meta-analysis reveals the global diversity of the Plastisphere. ISME JOURNAL 2020; 15:789-806. [PMID: 33139870 PMCID: PMC8027867 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-020-00814-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
It is now indisputable that plastics are ubiquitous and problematic in ecosystems globally. Many suggestions have been made about the role that biofilms colonizing plastics in the environment—termed the “Plastisphere”—may play in the transportation and ecological impact of these plastics. By collecting and re-analyzing all raw 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metadata from 2,229 samples within 35 studies, we have performed the first meta-analysis of the Plastisphere in marine, freshwater, other aquatic (e.g., brackish or aquaculture) and terrestrial environments. We show that random forest models can be trained to differentiate between groupings of environmental factors as well as aspects of study design, but—crucially—also between plastics when compared with control biofilms and between different plastic types and community successional stages. Our meta-analysis confirms that potentially biodegrading Plastisphere members, the hydrocarbonoclastic Oceanospirillales and Alteromonadales are consistently more abundant in plastic than control biofilm samples across multiple studies and environments. This indicates the predilection of these organisms for plastics and confirms the urgent need for their ability to biodegrade plastics to be comprehensively tested. We also identified key knowledge gaps that should be addressed by future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn J Wright
- School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada. .,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada.
| | - Morgan G I Langille
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Tony R Walker
- School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
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172
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Wen B, Liu JH, Zhang Y, Zhang HR, Gao JZ, Chen ZZ. Community structure and functional diversity of the plastisphere in aquaculture waters: Does plastic color matter? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 740:140082. [PMID: 32927571 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) serve as a niche for colonization of biofilm-forming microorganisms, termed as plastisphere. Distinct microbial assemblages between MPs and surrounding waters have been well reported, but little is known about driving factors affecting biofilm development on plastic surfaces. Here, to investigate the influence of plastic colors on microbial assemblages, we performed a biofilm incubation experiment, in an aquaculture pond, using MPs in colors (blue, yellow and transparent) that commonly found in the aquatic environments for 30 days. We examined the community structure and function of plastisphere by using 16S rRNA sequencing. The results showed that plastisphere communities exhibited a higher diversity and evenness compared with the water community. MPs especially the blue MPs had more unique species, which might indicate a plastic color/additive-driven selection of microorganisms on MPs. A significant distinctness in bacterial community composition between MPs and the water was found, mainly caused by large amounts of Allorhizobium-Neorhizobium-Pararhizobium-Rhizobium but trace amounts of Microcystis_PCC-7914 on MPs. Due primarily to rich in Aquabacterium but lack of norank_f__norank_o__1-20 on blue MPs than on transparent and yellow MPs, a clear separation between plastisphere communities of three colors of MPs was also observed. Moreover, compared with the water column, the metabolic pathways, e.g., transport and metabolism of amino acid, carbohydrate and inorganic ion, on plastisphere especially those of blue MPs were generally enriched. Biofilms colonizing on blue MPs appeared to have a higher functional diversity than those on transparent or yellow MPs. These results might suggest that plastic colors have impacts on the community structure and functional diversity of plastisphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wen
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Jun-Heng Liu
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Hao-Ran Zhang
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Jian-Zhong Gao
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
| | - Zai-Zhong Chen
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
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173
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Kedzierski M, Frère D, Le Maguer G, Bruzaud S. Why is there plastic packaging in the natural environment? Understanding the roots of our individual plastic waste management behaviours. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 740:139985. [PMID: 32563872 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Plastic waste is now a classic contaminant of the natural environment and the origins of the contamination need to be well understood. The transition from a useful object to a waste product is a fundamental moment that, from the point of view of the scientific literature, remains poorly understood. This review therefore aims to highlight some factors controlling this intentionality, but also those that influence individual waste management behaviours. For this purpose, an original approach involving the study of the amount of knowledge within different disciplinary fields of research has been employed. The results underline that the low direct impact of the consequences on their users of the discarding of plastic packaging seems to be an important reason for individual mismanagement. Furthermore, the modern individual behaviours of the discarding of plastics are often deeply rooted in the past of the populations. Policies to reduce waste disposal come up against strong individual behavioural constraints that limit the proper management of plastic waste. Thus, incivilities, difficulty in enforcing sanctions, or public opposition to changes in waste management are all factors that contribute to the maintenance waste discarding behaviour. The reuse behaviour of objects that have become useless is also historically attested, but has tended to disappear with the rise of the consumer society. This type of behaviour, whose valorisation is a way of reducing plastic waste abandonment behaviour, remains, however, less scientifically studied than other ways such as recycling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dominique Frère
- TEMOS UMR CNRS 9016, Université Bretagne Sud, 56100 Lorient, France
| | | | - Stéphane Bruzaud
- IRDL UMR CNRS 6027, Université Bretagne Sud, 56100 Lorient, France
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174
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Wright RJ, Erni-Cassola G, Zadjelovic V, Latva M, Christie-Oleza JA. Marine Plastic Debris: A New Surface for Microbial Colonization. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:11657-11672. [PMID: 32886491 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c02305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 223] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Plastics become rapidly colonized by microbes when released into marine environments. This microbial community-the Plastisphere-has recently sparked a multitude of scientific inquiries and generated a breadth of knowledge, which we bring together in this review. Besides providing a better understanding of community composition and biofilm development in marine ecosystems, we critically discuss current research on plastic biodegradation and the identification of potentially pathogenic "hitchhikers" in the Plastisphere. The Plastisphere is at the interface between the plastic and its surrounding milieu, and thus drives every interaction that this synthetic material has with its environment, from ecotoxicity and new links in marine food webs to the fate of the plastics in the water column. We conclude that research so far has not shown Plastisphere communities to starkly differ from microbial communities on other inert surfaces, which is particularly true for mature biofilm assemblages. Furthermore, despite progress that has been made in this field, we recognize that it is time to take research on plastic-Plastisphere-environment interactions a step further by identifying present gaps in our knowledge and offering our perspective on key aspects to be addressed by future studies: (I) better physical characterization of marine biofilms, (II) inclusion of relevant controls, (III) study of different successional stages, (IV) use of environmentally relevant concentrations of biofouled microplastics, and (V) prioritization of gaining a mechanistic and functional understanding of Plastisphere communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn J Wright
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Gabriel Erni-Cassola
- Man-Society-Environment (MSE) program, University of Basel, Basel 4003, Switzerland
| | - Vinko Zadjelovic
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K
| | - Mira Latva
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K
- Department of Physics, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K
| | - Joseph A Christie-Oleza
- University of the Balearic Islands, Palma 07122, Spain
- IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB), Esporles 07190, Spain
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175
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Xue N, Wang L, Li W, Wang S, Pan X, Zhang D. Increased inheritance of structure and function of bacterial communities and pathogen propagation in plastisphere along a river with increasing antibiotics pollution gradient. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 265:114641. [PMID: 32505934 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Plastic debris provides a stable substrate and novel ecological niche for microorganisms in the aquatic environment, which was referred to as "Plastisphere". Little is known about distribution patterns and responses of ecological function and structure of microbial communities in the plastisphere along rivers which usually have antibiotics pollution gradient. In this study, the differences in the community structure between the plastisphere and the planktonic bacteria, and their spatial variation of the community structure and function along a river with increased antibiotics pollution gradient was investigated at the watershed scale. The diversity of bacteria colonized on most plastic debris was higher than in surrounding water. Plastic debris could accumulate a higher abundance of some potential pathogens than surrounding water even at high antibiotics concentrations. The source tracking results showed that downstream plastisphere inherited much higher proportions of bacterial taxa from upstream than planktonic bacteria. About 92.3-99.7% of bacteria communities in downstream water were not from upstream but from the input of downstream human activities. On the contrary, high proportions of bacterial taxa in downstream plastisphere were closely connected to upstream. The plastisphere possesses higher ecological functional diversity than the planktonic bacteria. Seventy nine functional groups across plastisphere were predicted using functional annotation of prokaryotic taxa and only 65 functional groups were found in the planktonic bacteria. Plastisphere also acts as hotspot for biogeochemical cycling of nutrients such as N and S. Intensive human activities of urban and downstream agriculture and aquaculture had great effects on microbial community structure and functional groups of the Urumqi River. Pastisphere communities are much more resistant to human disturbance than planktonic bacteria. Compared to surrounding water, plastisphere increased inheritance from upstream microbial structure and function and also increased survival and propagation of pathogens in the downstream water with high concentrations of antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Xue
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Bioremediation, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Liyi Wang
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Bioremediation, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wenfeng Li
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Bioremediation, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Bioremediation, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiangliang Pan
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Bioremediation, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China; Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China.
| | - Daoyong Zhang
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Bioremediation, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China; Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
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176
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Miao L, Wang C, Adyel TM, Wu J, Liu Z, You G, Meng M, Qu H, Huang L, Yu Y, Hou J. Microbial carbon metabolic functions of biofilms on plastic debris influenced by the substrate types and environmental factors. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 143:106007. [PMID: 32763634 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
As an artificial type of microbial carrier, plastic debris has been widely detected in freshwater habitats, and the potential impacts of the plastisphere (biofilms colonized on plastics) in aquatic ecosystems have drawn increasing attention. Distinct community compositions and structures of biofilms in plastic and natural substrates have been recorded in freshwater environments. However, the microbial metabolic functioning of the plastisphere was underestimated, especially in freshwater environments. In this study, the effects of substrate types on the carbon metabolic functions of biofilms were studied by in situ cultivation of biofilms on plastics (polyvinyl chloride, PVC and polyethylene, PE) and natural substrate (cobblestone) for 44 days in two rivers (the Niushoushan River and the Qinhuai River) and two lakes (Donghu Lake and Xuanwu Lake). Biofilms on plastics showed higher biomasses than those on natural substrates in all ecosystems. Variations in the micro-structure and compactness of biofilms developed under different substrates were observed from scanning electron microscope and confocal laser scanning microscope image analyses. The carbon metabolic activities of the biofilms evaluated by BIOLOG EcoPlate were different between plastics (PVC and PE) and natural substrate (cobblestone) in the four freshwater ecosystems. In the Niushoushan River, PE-associated biofilms had different capacity in using carbon sources from cobblestone-associated biofilms as illustrated by the Shannon-Wiener diversity index and Shannon evenness index. Additionally, the metabolic functional diversity profiles of biofilms on PVC were significantly different from those on cobblestone in the other three aquatic ecosystems. Moreover, results from variation partitioning analysis suggested that the impact of environmental factors (contribution: 21%) on microbial carbon metabolic functions was much greater than that of substrate types (contribution: 6%). These findings illustrated distinct microbial functions of biofilms inhabited on plastics, and environmental factors play a decisive role in the differentiation and specificity of carbon metabolism of the plastisphere. This study offers new insights that plastics serving as artificial microbial niches have the ability to affect the microbial-mediated carbon cycling process in aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingzhan Miao
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengqian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Tanveer M Adyel
- Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, 23 College Walk, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Jun Wu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhilin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoxiang You
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Meng
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Qu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Liuyan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Yu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Hou
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, People's Republic of China.
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177
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Tu C, Chen T, Zhou Q, Liu Y, Wei J, Waniek JJ, Luo Y. Biofilm formation and its influences on the properties of microplastics as affected by exposure time and depth in the seawater. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 734:139237. [PMID: 32450399 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The effects of microbial colonization and biofilm formation on microplastics in the marine and coastal environments have aroused global concern recently. However, the simultaneous influences of exposure time and depth on biofilm formation, and subsequently on the properties variations of microplastics is less studied. In this study, polyethylene (PE) film was exposed at three depths (2 m, 6 m, and 12 m) for three time periods (30 days, 75 days, and 135 days) in the coastal seawater of Yellow Sea, China. The results show that the total amount of biofilms markedly increased with exposure time, but decreased with water depth. Typical morphologies and compositions of biofilms such as coccus-, rod-, disc-shaped bacteria and filaments, as well as a dense layer of extracellular polymeric substances were observed on the surfaces of the PE microplastics. Biofilm formation could decrease the hydrophobicity of PE microplastics, and increase the abundances of hydrophilic C-O and CO groups on the surface of PE. Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria and Bacteroidia were identified as the core microbiome of the PE associated biofilms, while the dominant bacteria families vary from the early to the late phases of the biofilm formation. Our results indicate that microplastics associated biofilms could affect the environmental processes and fates of microplastics in the marine and coastal environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Tu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research, Rostock 18119, Germany
| | - Tao Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Qian Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Ying Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Jing Wei
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Joanna J Waniek
- Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research, Rostock 18119, Germany
| | - Yongming Luo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Pollution and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China.
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178
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Li J, Huang W, Jiang R, Han X, Zhang D, Zhang C. Are bacterial communities associated with microplastics influenced by marine habitats? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 733:139400. [PMID: 32446095 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the influence of marine habitats (i.e., the intertidal zone, supralittoral zone, and seawater), and polymer types (i.e., polyethylene, PE; polyethylene terephthalate, PET) on the diversity and structure of bacterial communities in marine microplastics. A three-month exposure experiment was conducted in Zhairuoshan Island, Zhoushan, China, a typical caldera volcanic island with minor anthropogenic disturbances. At the end of the exposure period, the transition for peaks corresponding to oxidized groups was observed using micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Damages, including pits and cracks, and microorganisms were observed on the surfaces of the PE and PET pellets using scanning electron microscopy. Next-generation amplicon sequencing of the bacterial communities that had colonized the microplastics revealed that bacterial composition significantly varied depending on marine habitats and exposure times, rather than polymer type. Plastic debris in the intertidal zone exhibited the highest bacterial richness and diversity, and Bacillus was considered a potential degrader of plastic debris. The findings demonstrate that bacterial communities that colonize on microplastics are more potentially shaped by marine habitat and exposure time, and this would deepen our understanding of the ecological niche of microplastics surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Li
- Institute of Marine Biology and Pharmacology, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan 316021, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310007, Zhejiang, China
| | - Rijin Jiang
- Marine Fisheries Research Institute of Zhejiang Province, Zhoushan 316021, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xibin Han
- Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hangzhou 310007, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dongdong Zhang
- Institute of Marine Biology and Pharmacology, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan 316021, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chunfang Zhang
- Institute of Marine Biology and Pharmacology, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan 316021, Zhejiang, China.
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179
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Bowley J, Baker-Austin C, Porter A, Hartnell R, Lewis C. Oceanic Hitchhikers - Assessing Pathogen Risks from Marine Microplastic. Trends Microbiol 2020; 29:107-116. [PMID: 32800610 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2020.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
As plastic debris in the environment continues to increase, an emerging concern is the potential for microplastic to act as vectors for pathogen transport. With aquaculture the fastest growing food sector, and microplastic contamination of shellfish increasingly demonstrated, understanding any risk of pathogen transport associated with microplastic is important for this industry. However, there remains a lack of detailed, systematic studies assessing the interactions and potential impacts that the attachment of human and animal pathogens on microplastic may have. Here we synthesise current knowledge regarding these distinct microplastic-associated bacterial communities and microplastic uptake pathways into bivalves, and discuss whether they represent a human and animal health threat, highlighting the outstanding questions critical to our understanding of this potential risk to food safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake Bowley
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Craig Baker-Austin
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture (CEFAS), Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UB, UK
| | - Adam Porter
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Rachel Hartnell
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture (CEFAS), Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UB, UK
| | - Ceri Lewis
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK.
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180
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Shen M, Song B, Zeng G, Zhang Y, Huang W, Wen X, Tang W. Are biodegradable plastics a promising solution to solve the global plastic pollution? ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 263:114469. [PMID: 32272422 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
A large amount of plastic waste has been discharged into the environment worldwide, which causes the current white pollution problem. The accumulated waste plastics in the environment can be furtherly degraded into small pieces such microplastics and nanoplastics through weathering, which will do more harm to the environment and humans than large plastics. Therefore, plastic production and disposal are needed to be considered. Biodegradable plastics (BPs) have become the focus of recent research due to their potential biodegradability and harmlessness, which would be the most effective approach to manage the issue of plastic waste environmental accumulation. However, in the long run, it is uncertain whether BPs can be a promising solution to waste disposal and global plastic pollution. Consequently, both sides of the dispute are discussed in this paper. At present, most conventional plastics can not be replaced by theses BPs. Biodegradation of BPs needs certain environmental conditions, which are not always reliable in the environment. Additionally, changes in human behavioral awareness will also affect the development and application of BPs. BPs should not be considered as a technical solution, thus excusing our environmental responsibility, because littering does not change with the promotion of an effective technology. As such, the conclusion is that BPs may be a part of the solution. The effectiveness in providing environmentally solutions for plastic waste management depends on the combination of affordable waste classification technologies and investment in organic waste treatment facilities. Therefore, there is still a long way to go to solve the global plastic pollution through BPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maocai Shen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, PR China
| | - Biao Song
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, PR China
| | - Guangming Zeng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, PR China.
| | - Yaxin Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, PR China
| | - Wei Huang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, PR China
| | - Xiaofeng Wen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, PR China
| | - Wangwang Tang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, PR China
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181
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Girard EB, Kaliwoda M, Schmahl WW, Wörheide G, Orsi WD. Biodegradation of textile waste by marine bacterial communities enhanced by light. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2020; 12:406-418. [PMID: 32410317 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.12856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge of biofilm formation on pollutants in the marine realm is expanding, but how communities respond to substrates during colonization remains poorly understood. Here, we assess community assembly and respiration in response to two different micropollutants, virgin high-density polyethylene (HDPE) microbeads and textile fibres under different light settings. Raman characterization, high-throughput DNA sequencing data, quantitative PCR, and respiration measurements reveal how a stimulation of aerobic respiration by micropollutants is translated into selection for significantly different communities colonizing the substrates. Despite the lack of evidence for biodegradation of HDPE, an increased abundance and respiration of bacterial taxa closely related to hydrocarbonoclastic Kordiimonas spp. and Alteromonas spp. in the presence of textile waste highlights their biodegradation potential. Incubations with textile fibres exhibited significantly higher respiration rates in the presence of light, which could be partially explained by photochemical dissolution of the textile waste into smaller bioavailable compounds. Our results suggest that the development and increased respiration of these unique microbial communities may potentially play a role in the bioremediation of the relatively long-lived textile pollutants in marine habitats, and that the respiration of heterotrophic hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria colonizing marine pollutants can be stimulated by light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa B Girard
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, 80333, Germany
| | - Melanie Kaliwoda
- SNSB - Mineralogische Staatssammlung München, München, 80333, Germany
| | - Wolfgang W Schmahl
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, 80333, Germany
- SNSB - Mineralogische Staatssammlung München, München, 80333, Germany
- GeoBio-CenterLMU, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, 80333, Germany
| | - Gert Wörheide
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, 80333, Germany
- GeoBio-CenterLMU, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, 80333, Germany
- SNSB - Bayerische Staatssammlung für Paläontologie und Geologie, Munich, 80333, Germany
| | - William D Orsi
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, 80333, Germany
- GeoBio-CenterLMU, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, 80333, Germany
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182
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Feng L, He L, Jiang S, Chen J, Zhou C, Qian ZJ, Hong P, Sun S, Li C. Investigating the composition and distribution of microplastics surface biofilms in coral areas. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 252:126565. [PMID: 32220722 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, global climate change and pollution of the marine environment have caused large-scale coral deaths and severe damages to coral reef ecosystems. Numerous studies have shown that coral diseases are closely related to microorganisms. And microplastics (MPs) are a potential threat to corals. In marine ecosystems, MPs are an emerging contaminant. MPs have a strong adsorption effect on pollutants in the water environment, and they are very easily colonized by microorganisms to form biofilms. Biofilms may accumulate many pathogens, increasing the probability of coral disease. However, there is no report about the composition of biofilms on the surface of microplastics in coral growth areas. In this study, nine kinds of MPs were chosen in the experiments, which are commonly found in the ocean. Four stakeout points were selected in the coral area. Biofilms were cultivated in natural environment. The composition and distribution of biofilms on the surface of the MPs were analyzed by 16 S rRNA sequencing. The characteristics of biofilms were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The experimental results show that the species composition and abundance distribution of the biofilm on the MP surface are significantly different from the surrounding seawater. The type of MPs and the stake out point are important factors affecting the structure of the biofilm bacterial community. Compared to seawater samples, MPs are enriched with certain dominant bacteria such as Vibrionaceae, Rhodobacteraceae, Flavobacteraceae, Microtrichaceae and Sphingomonadaceae. Among them, Vibrionaceae, Rhodobacteraceae and Flavobacteraceae are closely related to the tissue damage of stony corals, and Vibrios are also the main pathogens of coral albinism. In addition, Pseudomonas and Bbellvibrio cholerae are also detected on the MPs biofilm. SEM graphs of the MPs after culture could clearly observe rod-shaped bacteria and Streptococci. This study can provide a new direction for the study of coral toxicology by MPs and provide basic data for the toxicology research of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limin Feng
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, China; Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, 518108, China
| | - Lei He
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, China
| | - Shiqi Jiang
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, China; Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, 518108, China
| | - Jinjun Chen
- College of Agriculture, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, China.
| | - Chunxia Zhou
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, 518108, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhanjiang, 524088, China
| | - Zhong-Ji Qian
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, China
| | - Pengzhi Hong
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, 518108, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhanjiang, 524088, China
| | - Shengli Sun
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, China
| | - Chengyong Li
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, China; Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, 518108, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhanjiang, 524088, China.
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183
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Li R, Zhang S, Zhang L, Yu K, Wang S, Wang Y. Field study of the microplastic pollution in sea snails (Ellobium chinense) from mangrove forest and their relationships with microplastics in water/sediment located on the north of Beibu Gulf. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 263:114368. [PMID: 32203856 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Laboratory studies demonstrated that the mussels were good model organisms in revealing microplastics (MPs) uptake and toxicity. However, only limited field study data on the MPs in benthic marine mesoherbivores collected from mangrove forests are currently available. In this study, the MPs in the snails (Ellobium chinense) organs, rather than the shell, from a mangrove forest were dominant fraction (maximum reaching to 60%). Unexpectedly, no significant linear relationships were found between the levels of MPs in the organs of the snails and the levels in the sediment/tidal water. Further studies were done to explore the sources of the MPs in snail organs. MPs in snail organs at both the landward (interior) and seaward (exterior) zones mainly origin from the pore water. Moreover, the MPs found in the snails showed no relevance to the particulate matter (PM) collected from pore water. The findings reported here imply that both the MPs and PM in pore water affect the extent of MPs enter into the organs of benthic marine mesoherbivores collected from mangrove forest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruilong Li
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, PR China; School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, PR China; Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, PR China
| | - Shuaipeng Zhang
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, PR China; School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, PR China; Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, PR China
| | - Linlin Zhang
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, PR China; School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, PR China; Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, PR China
| | - Kefu Yu
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, PR China; School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, PR China; Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, PR China
| | - Shaopeng Wang
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, PR China; School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, PR China; Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, PR China
| | - Yinghui Wang
- Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, PR China; School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, PR China; Coral Reef Research Center of China, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, PR China.
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184
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Prata JC, Silva ALP, Walker TR, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. COVID-19 Pandemic Repercussions on the Use and Management of Plastics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:7760-7765. [PMID: 32531154 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c02178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 416] [Impact Index Per Article: 104.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Plastics are essential in society as a widely available and inexpensive material. Mismanagement of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a monthly estimated use of 129 billion face masks and 65 billion gloves globally, is resulting in widespread environmental contamination. This poses a risk to public health as waste is a vector for SARS-CoV-2 virus, which survives up to 3 days on plastics, and there are also broad impacts to ecosystems and organisms. Concerns over the role of reusable plastics as vectors for SARS-CoV-2 virus contributed to the reversal of bans on single-use plastics, highly supported by the plastic industry. While not underestimating the importance of plastics in the prevention of COVID-19 transmission, it is imperative not to undermine recent progress made in the sustainable use of plastics. There is a need to assess alternatives that allow reductions of PPE and reinforce awareness on the proper public use and disposal. Finally, assessment of contamination and impacts of plastics driven by the pandemic will be required once the outbreak ends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana L P Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Tony R Walker
- School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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185
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Sun X, Chen B, Xia B, Li Q, Zhu L, Zhao X, Gao Y, Qu K. Impact of mariculture-derived microplastics on bacterial biofilm formation and their potential threat to mariculture: A case in situ study on the Sungo Bay, China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 262:114336. [PMID: 32443196 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pollution in the marine environment has attracted considerable global attention. However, the colonization of microorganisms on mariculture-derived MPs and their effects on mariculture remain poorly understood. In this study, the MPs (fishing nets, foams and floats) and a natural substrate, within size ranges (1-4 mm), were then incubated for 21 days in Sungo Bay (China), and the composition and diversity of bacterial communities attached on all substrates were investigated. Results showed that bacterial communities on MPs mainly originated from their surrounding seawater and sediment, with an average contribution on total MPs adherent population of 47.91% and 37.33%, respectively. Principle coordinate analysis showed that community similarity between MPs and surrounding seawater decreased with exposure time. In addition, lower average bacterial community diversity and higher relative abundances of bacteria from the genera Vibrio, Pseudoalteromonas and Alteromonas on MPs than those in their surrounding seawater and sediments indicated that MPs might enrich potential pathogens and bacteria related with carbohydrate metabolism. They are responsible for the significant differences in KEGG Orthology pathways (infectious disease and carbohydrate metabolism) between MPs and seawater. The KO pathway (Infectious Diseases) associated with MPs was also significantly higher than those with feathers in the nearshore area. MPs might be vectors for enrichment of potentially pathogenic Vibrio, and enhance the ecological risk of MPs to mariculture industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Sun
- Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Bijuan Chen
- Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Bin Xia
- Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| | - Qiufen Li
- Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Xinguo Zhao
- Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Yaping Gao
- Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Keming Qu
- Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China
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186
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Yang Y, Liu W, Zhang Z, Grossart HP, Gadd GM. Microplastics provide new microbial niches in aquatic environments. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:6501-6511. [PMID: 32500269 PMCID: PMC7347703 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10704-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Microplastics in the biosphere are currently of great environmental concern because of their potential toxicity for aquatic biota and human health and association with pathogenic microbiota. Microplastics can occur in high abundance in all aquatic environments, including oceans, rivers and lakes. Recent findings have highlighted the role of microplastics as important vectors for microorganisms, which can form fully developed biofilms on this artificial substrate. Microplastics therefore provide new microbial niches in the aquatic environment, and the developing biofilms may significantly differ in microbial composition compared to natural free-living or particle-associated microbial populations in the surrounding water. In this article, we discuss the composition and ecological function of the microbial communities found in microplastic biofilms. The potential factors that influence the richness and diversity of such microbial microplastic communities are also evaluated. Microbe-microbe and microbe-substrate interactions in microplastic biofilms have been little studied and are not well understood. Multiomics tools together with morphological, physiological and biochemical analyses should be combined to provide a more comprehensive overview on the ecological role of microplastic biofilms. These new microbial niches have so far unknown consequences for microbial ecology and environmental processes in aquatic ecosystems. More knowledge is required on the microbial community composition of microplastic biofilms and their ecological functions in order to better evaluate consequences for the environment and animal health, including humans, especially since the worldwide abundance of microplastics is predicted to dramatically increase.Key Points • Bacteria are mainly studied in community analyses: fungi are neglected. • Microbial colonization of microplastics depends on substrate, location and time. • Community ecology is a promising approach to investigate microbial colonization. • Biodegradable plastics, and ecological roles of microplastic biofilms, need analysis. |
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Wenzhi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Zulin Zhang
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, Scotland, ABI5 8QH, UK
| | - Hans-Peter Grossart
- Department of Experimental Limnology, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Alte Fischerhuette 2, 16775, Stechlin, Germany. .,Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, Potsdam University, Maulbeerallee 2, 14469, Potsdam, Germany.
| | - Geoffrey Michael Gadd
- Geomicrobiology Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, DD1 5EH, UK. .,State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Pollution Control, College of Science and Environment, China University of Petroleum, Beijing, 102249, China.
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187
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de Oliveira TTS, Andreu I, Machado MC, Vimbela G, Tripathi A, Bose A. Interaction of Cyanobacteria with Nanometer and Micron Sized Polystyrene Particles in Marine and Fresh Water. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2020; 36:3963-3969. [PMID: 32216356 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.9b03644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics and nanoplastics are emerging pollutants, widespread both in marine and in freshwater environments. Cyanobacteria are also ubiquitous in water and play a vital role in natural ecosystems, using photosynthesis to produce oxygen. Using photography, fluorescence microscopy and cryogenic and scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM, SEM) we investigated the physicochemical response of one of the most predominant seawater cyanobacteria (Synechococcus elongatus, PCC 7002) and freshwater cyanobacteria (S. elongatus Nageli PCC 7942) when exposed to 10 μm diameter polystyrene (microPS) and 100 nm diameter polystyrene (nanoPS) particles. Marine and freshwater cyanobacteria formed aggregates with the nanoPS, bound together by extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), and these aggregates sedimented. The aggregates were larger, and the sedimentation was more rapid for the marine system. Aggregate morphologies were qualitatively different for the microPS samples, with the bacteria linking up a small number of particles, all held together by EPS. There was no sedimentation in these samples. The cyanobacteria remained alive after exposure to the particles. The particle size- and salt concentration-dependent response of cyanobacteria to these anthropogenic stressors is an important factor to consider for a proper understanding of the fate of the particles as well as the bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Irene Andreu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island 02881, United States
| | - Mary C Machado
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Division of Engineering Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Gina Vimbela
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Division of Engineering Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Anubhav Tripathi
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Division of Engineering Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Arijit Bose
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island 02881, United States
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188
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Erni-Cassola G, Wright RJ, Gibson MI, Christie-Oleza JA. Early Colonization of Weathered Polyethylene by Distinct Bacteria in Marine Coastal Seawater. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2020; 79:517-526. [PMID: 31463664 PMCID: PMC7176602 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-019-01424-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Plastic debris in aquatic environments is rapidly colonized by a diverse community of microorganisms, often referred to as the "Plastisphere." Given that common plastics are derived from fossil fuels, one would expect that Plastispheres should be enriched with obligate hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria (OHCB). So far, though, different polymer types do not seem to exert a strong effect on determining the composition of the Plastisphere, and putative biodegrading bacteria are only found as rare taxa within these biofilms. Here, we show through 16S rRNA gene sequencing that the enrichment of a prominent OHCB member on weathered and non-weathered polyethylene only occurred at early stages of colonization (i.e., after 2 days of incubation in coastal marine water; 5.8% and 3.7% of relative abundance, respectively, vs. 0.6% on glass controls). As biofilms matured, these bacteria decreased in relative abundance on all materials (< 0.3% after 9 days). Apart from OHCB, weathered polyethylene strongly enriched for other distinct organisms during early stages of colonization, such as a specific member of the Roseobacter group and a member of the genus Aestuariibacter (median 26.9% and 1.8% of the community, respectively), possibly as a consequence of the availability of short-oxidized chains generated from weathering. Our results demonstrate that Plastispheres can vary in accordance with the weathering state of the material and that very early colonizing communities are enriched with taxa that can potentially degrade hydrocarbons. Given the lack of persistent enrichment and overall community convergence between materials over time, common non-hydrolysable polymers might not serve as an important source of carbon for mature Plastispheres once the labile substrates generated from weathering have been depleted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robyn J Wright
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Matthew I Gibson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
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189
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Wu N, Zhang Y, Zhao Z, He J, Li W, Li J, Xu W, Ma Y, Niu Z. Colonization characteristics of bacterial communities on microplastics compared with ambient environments (water and sediment) in Haihe Estuary. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 708:134876. [PMID: 31740062 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The bacterial communities on microplastics in marine and freshwater environments have been described by many studies. However, the migration and transportation processes of bacterial communities on microplastics in estuarine areas remain unclear. In this study, the bacterial communities on three substrates (microplastics, surface water and sediment) in estuarine areas (the Haihe Estuary (HHE) in Bohai Bay, China) were investigated based on 16S rRNA sequencing. The mean OTUs of the three substrates - water, microplastics and sediments - were 1091, 2213 and 3419, respectively. The partitioning of the OTUs among the three substrates indicated that the microplastics could be messengers facilitating the bacterial transportation between water and sediment. According to nMDS and relative abundance analyses, it was found that the microplastics enriched the particular bacteria (e.g., Halobacteriaceae and Pseudoalteromonadaceae) and weakened the influence of environmental variation. In addition, taxonomic and metabolic-pathway analyses indicated that the abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria (e.g., Pseudomonas and Bacillus) on microplastics was significantly higher than that in the ambient environment. Meanwhile, the microplastic polymer types had little effect on the abundance and structure of the bacterial communities. Compared with surface water and sediments, microplastics could be a good habitat for bacterial communities and could lead to potential ecological risks because of the high stability, pathogenicity and stress tolerance of the bacterial communities on microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Wu
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Technology for Complex Trans-Media Pollution, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Ze Zhao
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Jiahui He
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Wenjie Li
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Jiafu Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Wei'an Xu
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Yongzheng Ma
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
| | - Zhiguang Niu
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
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190
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Wang Y, Zou X, Peng C, Qiao S, Wang T, Yu W, Khokiattiwong S, Kornkanitnan N. Occurrence and distribution of microplastics in surface sediments from the Gulf of Thailand. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 152:110916. [PMID: 32479289 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.110916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the distribution and characteristics of microplastics in surface sediments of the Gulf of Thailand (GoT), and discussed the correlation between sediment grain size and microplastic content. The results indicate the abundance of microplastics is 150.4 ± 86.2 pieces/kg dry weight, representing a medium microplastic pollution level compared to other sea areas. Small microplastics (0.5-1 mm) take up >70% of total microplastic numbers. Fibrous microplastics are the dominant component of microplastics. According to micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, rayon (37%) and polyester (PES: 16%) are the most typical polymer types found in sediments. The results imply that secondary microplastics are the dominant pollutant, while fibrous microplastics are mainly from municipal sewage discharge. We also find that inconspicuous correlation between grain size and microplastics, which is caused by the multi-sources and different flow field. This study deepens our understanding of the environmental risks posed by microplastics to marine ecosystems in the GoT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Sedimentology and Environmental Geology, First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao 266061, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of South China Sea Studies, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xinqing Zou
- School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of South China Sea Studies, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coastal and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Laboratory for Marine Geology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266061, China.
| | - Cong Peng
- South China Sea Marine Survey and Technology Center, State Oceanic Administration, Guangzhou 510300, China
| | - Shuqing Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Sedimentology and Environmental Geology, First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao 266061, China; Laboratory for Marine Geology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266061, China.
| | - Teng Wang
- College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Wenwen Yu
- Marine Fisheries Research Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nantong 226007, China
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191
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Rosato A, Barone M, Negroni A, Brigidi P, Fava F, Xu P, Candela M, Zanaroli G. Microbial colonization of different microplastic types and biotransformation of sorbed PCBs by a marine anaerobic bacterial community. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 705:135790. [PMID: 31972939 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Revised: 11/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the colonization dynamics of different microplastic (MP) pellets, namely, polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), either pristine or contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), by an organohalide respiring marine microbial community and its biotransformation activity towards PCBs sorbed on MPs, in anaerobic laboratory microcosms of a marine sediment. All MPs were rapidly colonized by the microbial community within 2 weeks of incubation, when approximately 1010 16S rRNA gene copies cm-2 were detected on PVC, 109 copies cm-2 on PE, and 108 copies cm-2 on PET, PP and PS. A greater biofilm growth on PVC pellets than other MPs was confirmed by quantification of the reducing sugars of the EPS and biofilm staining with crystal violet. Illumina sequencing of the 16S rRNA genes and Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) revealed that the biofilm community on MPs significantly differed from the sediment community, being enriched of chemoorganotrophic fermenting species, and was significantly affected by the type of polymer. The presence of sorbed PCBs did not significantly affect the overall community composition, and mainly resulted in the enrichment of Dehalococcoidia, i.e., of the organohalide respiring members of the community. Reductive dechlorination of PCBs sorbed to MPs was observed after 2 weeks of incubation, when the average number of chlorines per biphenyl molecule was reduced from 5.2 to 4.8-4.3, and was faster (35.2 ± 1.9 to 61.2 ± 5.8 μmol of Cl removed kgMP-1 week-1) than that of sediment-sorbed ones (33.9 ± 9.1 μmol of Cl removed kgsediment-1 week-1), which started only after 10 weeks of incubation. These data suggest that microbial colonization of contaminated MPs might change the composition of sorbed PCB mixtures and therefore the toxicity associated to PCB-polluted MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Rosato
- Dept. of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering (DICAM), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Terracini 28, 40131 Bologna, Italy
| | - Monica Barone
- Dept. of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBit), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Negroni
- Dept. of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering (DICAM), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Terracini 28, 40131 Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Brigidi
- Dept. of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBit), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabio Fava
- Dept. of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering (DICAM), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Terracini 28, 40131 Bologna, Italy
| | - Ping Xu
- School of Life Science & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dong Chuan Road, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Marco Candela
- Dept. of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBit), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulio Zanaroli
- Dept. of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering (DICAM), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Terracini 28, 40131 Bologna, Italy.
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192
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Amaral-Zettler LA, Zettler ER, Mincer TJ. Ecology of the plastisphere. Nat Rev Microbiol 2020; 18:139-151. [PMID: 31937947 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-019-0308-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 516] [Impact Index Per Article: 129.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The plastisphere, which comprises the microbial community on plastic debris, rivals that of the built environment in spanning multiple biomes on Earth. Although human-derived debris has been entering the ocean for thousands of years, microplastics now numerically dominate marine debris and are primarily colonized by microbial and other microscopic life. The realization that this novel substrate in the marine environment can facilitate microbial dispersal and affect all aquatic ecosystems has intensified interest in the microbial ecology and evolution of this biotope. Whether a 'core' plastisphere community exists that is specific to plastic is currently a topic of intense investigation. This Review provides an overview of the microbial ecology of the plastisphere in the context of its diversity and function, as well as suggesting areas for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda A Amaral-Zettler
- NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research and Utrecht University, Den Burg, The Netherlands. .,The University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Erik R Zettler
- NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research and Utrecht University, Den Burg, The Netherlands
| | - Tracy J Mincer
- Wilkes Honors College and Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
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193
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Brebu M. Environmental Degradation of Plastic Composites with Natural Fillers-A Review. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 12:polym12010166. [PMID: 31936374 PMCID: PMC7022390 DOI: 10.3390/polym12010166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Polymer composites are widely used modern-day materials, specially designed to combine good mechanical properties and low density, resulting in a high tensile strength-to-weight ratio. However, materials for outdoor use suffer from the negative effects of environmental factors, loosing properties in various degrees. In particular, natural fillers (particulates or fibers) or components induce biodegradability in the otherwise bio inert matrix of usual commodity plastics. Here we present some aspects found in recent literature related to the effect of aggressive factors such as temperature, mechanical forces, solar radiation, humidity, and biological attack on the properties of plastic composites containing natural fillers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihai Brebu
- "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 41A Grigore Ghica Voda Alley, 700487 Iasi, Romania
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194
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Oberbeckmann S, Labrenz M. Marine Microbial Assemblages on Microplastics: Diversity, Adaptation, and Role in Degradation. ANNUAL REVIEW OF MARINE SCIENCE 2020; 12:209-232. [PMID: 31226027 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-marine-010419-010633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
We have known for more than 45 years that microplastics in the ocean are carriers of microbially dominated assemblages. However, only recently has the role of microbial interactions with microplastics in marine ecosystems been investigated in detail. Research in this field has focused on three main areas: (a) the establishment of plastic-specific biofilms (the so-called plastisphere); (b) enrichment of pathogenic bacteria, particularly members of the genus Vibrio, coupled to a vector function of microplastics; and (c) the microbial degradation of microplastics in the marine environment. Nevertheless, the relationships between marine microorganisms and microplastics remain unclear. In this review, we deduce from the current literature, new comparative analyses, and considerations of microbial adaptation concerning plastic degradation that interactions between microorganisms and microplastic particles should have rather limited effects on the ocean ecosystems. The majority of microorganisms growing on microplastics seem to belong to opportunistic colonists that do not distinguish between natural and artificial surfaces. Thus, microplastics do not pose a higher risk than natural particles to higher life forms by potentially harboring pathogenic bacteria. On the other hand, microplastics in the ocean represent recalcitrant substances for microorganisms that are insufficient to support prokaryotic metabolism and will probably not be microbially degraded in any period of time relevant to human society. Because we cannot remove microplastics from the ocean, proactive action regarding research on plastic alternatives and strategies to prevent plastic entering the environment should be taken promptly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Oberbeckmann
- Department of Biological Oceanography, Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde (IOW), D-18119 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Matthias Labrenz
- Department of Biological Oceanography, Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde (IOW), D-18119 Rostock, Germany;
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195
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Kedzierski M, Falcou-Préfol M, Kerros ME, Henry M, Pedrotti ML, Bruzaud S. A machine learning algorithm for high throughput identification of FTIR spectra: Application on microplastics collected in the Mediterranean Sea. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 234:242-251. [PMID: 31226506 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.05.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The development of methods to automatically determine the chemical nature of microplastics by FTIR-ATR spectra is an important challenge. A machine learning method, named k-nearest neighbors classification, has been applied on spectra of microplastics collected during Tara Expedition in the Mediterranean Sea (2014). To realize these tests, a learning database composed of 969 microplastic spectra has been created. Results show that the machine learning process is very efficient to identify spectra of classical polymers such as poly(ethylene), but also that the learning database must be enhanced with less common microplastic spectra. Finally, this method has been applied on more than 4000 spectra of unidentified microplastics. The verification protocol showed less than 10% difference in the results between the proposed automated method and a human expertise, 75% of which can be very easily corrected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikaël Kedzierski
- Université Bretagne Sud, UMR CNRS 6027, IRDL, F-56100, Lorient, France.
| | | | | | | | | | - Stéphane Bruzaud
- Université Bretagne Sud, UMR CNRS 6027, IRDL, F-56100, Lorient, France
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196
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Huang Y, Zhao Y, Wang J, Zhang M, Jia W, Qin X. LDPE microplastic films alter microbial community composition and enzymatic activities in soil. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 254:112983. [PMID: 31394342 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.112983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 283] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Concerns regarding microplastic contamination have spread from aquatic environments to terrestrial systems with a growing number of studies have been reported. Notwithstanding, the potential effects on soil ecosystems remain largely unexplored. In this study, the effects of polyethylene microplastics on soil enzymatic activities and the bacterial community were evaluated, and the microbiota colonizing on microplastics were also investigated. Microplastic amendment (2000 fragments per kg soil) significantly increased the urease and catalase activities in soil after 15 days, and no discernible alteration of invertase activities was detected. Results from high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA revealed that the alpha diversities (richness, evenness, and diversity) of the microbiota in soil were not obviously changed by the PE amendment, whereas the diversity indexes of microbiota on plastic fragments were significantly lower than those in the control and amended soils. Different taxonomic composition was observed in between the control and amended soils after 90 days of incubation. Bacterial assemblages with distinct community structure colonized the PE microplastics. Additionally, several taxa including plastic-degrading bacteria and pathogens were more abundant on microplastics. Simultaneously, the predicted functional profiles showed that the pathways of amino acid metabolism and xenobiotics biodegradation and metabolism were higher on the microplastics. These results indicated that microplastics in soil, compared with those in aquatic environments, can also act as a distinct microbial habitat, potentially altering the ecological functions of soil ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Huang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Yanran Zhao
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
| | - Mengjun Zhang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Weiqian Jia
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Xiao Qin
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
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197
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Gaillard T, George M, Gastaldi E, Nallet F, Fabre P. An experimental and theoretical study of the erosion of semi-crystalline polymers and the subsequent generation of microparticles. SOFT MATTER 2019; 15:8302-8312. [PMID: 31549700 DOI: 10.1039/c9sm01482a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The increase of plastics and microplastics in the environment is a major environmental challenge. Still, little is known about the degradation kinetics of macroplastics into smaller particles, under the joint actions of micro-organisms and physico-chemical factors, like UV or mechanical constraints. In order to gain insight into (bio)-degradation in various media, we perform accelerated erosion experiments by using a well-known enzymatic system. We show that the microstructure of semi-crystalline polymers plays a crucial role in the pattern formation at their surface. For the first time, the release of fragments of micrometric size is evidenced, through a mechanism that does not involve fracture propagation. A geometric erosion model allows a quantitative understanding of erosion rates and surface patterns, and provides a critical heterogeneity size, parting two types of behavior: spherulites either released, or eroded in situ. This new geometric approach could constitute a useful tool to predict the erosion kinetics and micro-particle generation in various media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibaut Gaillard
- Laboratoire Charles Coulomb (L2C), Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France.
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198
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Roager L, Sonnenschein EC. Bacterial Candidates for Colonization and Degradation of Marine Plastic Debris. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:11636-11643. [PMID: 31557003 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b02212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
With the rising plastic pollution in the oceans, research on the plastisphere-the microorganisms interacting with marine plastic debris-has emerged. Microbial communities colonizing plastic have been characterized from several ocean regions and they are distinct from the communities of the surrounding waters, and a few plastic-degrading microorganisms have been isolated from other environments. Therefore, we propose that marine microorganisms have adapted to plastic as a surface for colonization and potentially degradation. When comparing the taxonomic patterns of plastic-associated, marine bacteria, recurring groups and families such as the families Erythrobacteraceae and Rhodobacteraceae (Alphaproteobacteria), Flavobacteriaceae (Bacteriodetes), and the phylum of cyanobacteria (such as the Phormidium genus) can be identified. Thereby, we provide a perspective on which bacterial candidates could play a role in the colonization and possible degradation of plastic in the oceans due to their occurrence on marine plastic debris. We emphasize the need for extended and reproducible collection of data to assess the existence of a core microbiome or core functionalities of the plastisphere and confirm the capability of these bacterial candidates for biodegradation of plastic. Furthermore, we suggest the next steps in research to elucidate the level of natural bioremediation and the exploitation of bacterial degradative mechanisms of plastic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Line Roager
- Technical University of Denmark , Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine , Søltofts Plads 221 , 2800 Kgs. Lyngby , Denmark
| | - Eva C Sonnenschein
- Technical University of Denmark , Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine , Søltofts Plads 221 , 2800 Kgs. Lyngby , Denmark
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199
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Li W, Zhang Y, Wu N, Zhao Z, Xu W, Ma Y, Niu Z. Colonization Characteristics of Bacterial Communities on Plastic Debris Influenced by Environmental Factors and Polymer Types in the Haihe Estuary of Bohai Bay, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:10763-10773. [PMID: 31441645 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b03659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The colonization characteristics of bacterial communities on microplastics or plastic debris (PD) have generated great concern in recent years. However, the influence of environmental factors and polymer types on the formation of bacterial communities on PD in estuarine areas is less studied. To gain additional insights, five types of PD (polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyurethane) were exposed for three-time periods (two weeks, four weeks, and six weeks) in the Haihe Estuary. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to identify the bacterial communities on PD, in seawater, and in sediment samples. The results indicate that the average growth rate of a biofilm is affected by nutrients (total nitrogen and total phosphorus) and salinity. Furthermore, salinity is the primary factor affecting bacterial diversity of the colonies on PD. In addition, genera of bacteria show selectivity toward the PD polymer type and tend to colonize their preferred substrate. Compared with seawater and sediment, PD could be carriers for enrichment of Vibrio in the estuarine environment with salinity ≥26 (± 2‰), which might increase the ecological risk of PD in marine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Li
- School of Marine Science and Technology , Tianjin University , Tianjin 300072 , China
| | - Ying Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria/Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Technology for Complex Trans-Media Pollution, College of Environmental Science and Engineering , Nankai University , Tianjin 300350 , China
| | - Nan Wu
- School of Marine Science and Technology , Tianjin University , Tianjin 300072 , China
| | - Ze Zhao
- School of Marine Science and Technology , Tianjin University , Tianjin 300072 , China
| | - Wei'an Xu
- School of Marine Science and Technology , Tianjin University , Tianjin 300072 , China
| | - Yongzheng Ma
- School of Marine Science and Technology , Tianjin University , Tianjin 300072 , China
| | - Zhiguang Niu
- School of Marine Science and Technology , Tianjin University , Tianjin 300072 , China
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200
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Gong M, Yang G, Zhuang L, Zeng EY. Microbial biofilm formation and community structure on low-density polyethylene microparticles in lake water microcosms. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 252:94-102. [PMID: 31146243 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.05.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2019] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in the environment has been gaining widespread attention globally. MP-colonizing microorganisms are important links for MPs contamination in various ecosystems, but have not been well understood. To partially address this issue, the present study investigated biofilm formation by microorganisms originating from lake water on low-density polyethylene (LDPE) MPs using a cultivation approach and the surface-related effects on the MP-associated microbial communities using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. With the addition of nonionic surfactants and UV-irradiation pretreatment that changed the surface properties of LDPE MPs, more microorganisms were colonized on LDPE surface. Microbial community analysis indicated that LDPE MPs were primarily colonized by the phyla Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, and the surface roughness and hydrophobicity of MP were important factors shaping the LDPE MP-associated microbial community structure. Half of the top 20 most abundant genera colonizing on LDPE were found to be potential pathogens, e.g., plant pathogens Agrobacterium, nosocomial pathogens Chryseobacterium and fish pathogens Flavobacterium. This study demonstrated rapid bacterial colonization of LDPE MPs in lake water microcosms, the role of MPs as transfer vectors for harmful microorganisms in lake water, and provided a first glimpse into the effect of surface properties on LDPE MP-associated biofilm communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Gong
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Guiqin Yang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Li Zhuang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Eddy Y Zeng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
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