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Sunil S, Bhagwat G, Vincent SGT, Palanisami T. Microplastics and climate change: the global impacts of a tiny driver. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:174160. [PMID: 38909818 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution and climate change, the two seemingly distinct phenomena of global concern, are interconnected through various pathways. The connecting links between the two include the biological carbon pumps in the oceans, the sea ice, the plastisphere involved in biogeochemical cycling and the direct emissions of greenhouse gases from microplastics. On one hand, the presence of microplastics in the water column disrupts the balance of the natural carbon sequestration by affecting the key players in the pumping of carbon, such as the phytoplankton and zooplankton. On the other hand, the effect of microplastics on the sea ice in Polar Regions is two-way, as the ice caps are transformed into sinks and sources of microplastics and at the same time, the microplastics can enhance the melting of ice by reducing the albedo. Microplastics may have more potential than larger plastic fragments to release greenhouse gases (GHGs). Microbe-mediated emission of GHGs from soils is also now altered by the microplastics present in the soil. Plastisphere, the emerging microbiome in aquatic environments, can also contribute to climate change as it hosts complex networks of microbes, many of which are involved in greenhouse gas production. To combat a global stressor like climate change, it needs to be addressed with a holistic approach and this begins with tracing the various stressors like microplastic pollution that can aggravate the impacts of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syama Sunil
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695034, India
| | - Geetika Bhagwat
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials (GICAN), School of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | | | - Thava Palanisami
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials (GICAN), School of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
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Messer LF, Wattiez R, Matallana-Surget S. A closer look at plastic colonisation: Prokaryotic dynamics in established versus newly synthesised marine plastispheres and their planktonic state. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 358:124479. [PMID: 38960113 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
The taxonomy of marine plastisphere communities has been extensively studied, demonstrating the ubiquity of hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria of potential biotechnological significance. However, prokaryotic functioning on plastic surfaces has received limited attention, and the question of whether these microorganisms are active and expressing specific molecular mechanisms underpinning plastisphere colonisation remains to be addressed. The aim of this study was to investigate the plastic colonisation process, to identify the active taxa involved in biofilm formation and the mechanisms used to initiate colonisation. To achieve this, a marine plastisphere characterised by active hydrocarbonoclastic genera was used as the inoculum for a short-term microcosm experiment using virgin low-density polyethylene as the sole carbon source. Following incubation for 1 and 2 weeks (representing early and late colonisation, respectively), a taxonomic and comparative metaproteomic approach revealed a significant shift in plastisphere diversity and composition, yet highlighted stability in the predominance of active Proteobacteria spanning 16 genera, including Marinomonas, Pseudomonas, and Pseudoalteromonas. Relative quantification of 1762 proteins shared between the initial plastisphere inoculum, the microcosm plastisphere and the planktonic cells in the surrounding artificial seawater, provided insights into the differential regulation of proteins associated with plastisphere formation. This included the upregulation of proteins mediating cellular attachment in the plastisphere, for example flagellin expressed by Marinomonas, Cobetia, Pseudoalteromonas, and Pseudomonas, and curli expressed by Cobetia. In addition to the differential regulation of energy metabolism in Marinomonas, Psychrobacter, Pseudomonas and Cobetia within the plastisphere relative to the surrounding seawater. Further, we identified the upregulation of amino acid metabolism and transport, including glutamine hydrolysis to glutamate in Marinomonas and unclassified Halomonadaceae, potentially coupled to ammonia availability and oxidative stress experienced within the plastisphere. Our study provides novel insights into the dynamics of plastisphere formation and function, highlighting potential targets for regulating plastisphere growth to enhance plastic bioremediation processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren F Messer
- Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland, FK9 4LA, United Kingdom.
| | - Ruddy Wattiez
- Laboratory of Proteomics and Microbiology, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Place du Parc 20, 7000, Mons, Belgium
| | - Sabine Matallana-Surget
- Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland, FK9 4LA, United Kingdom.
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Hossain MR, Eagar AC, Blackwood CB, Leff LG. Nascently generated microplastics in freshwater stream are colonized by bacterial communities from stream and riparian sources. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2024. [PMID: 39087255 DOI: 10.1002/jeq2.20602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine bacterial colonization of different types of microplastics through time in a freshwater ecosystem. Microplastics are persistent pollutants in aquatic ecosystems. Bacteria readily colonize microplastic surfaces and may contribute to their degradation, but the taxa involved, and their degradative abilities, differ based on factors such as microplastic chemistry, plastic age, and specific ecosystem types. Four different common types of newly manufactured microplastics, high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene, were incubated for 7 weeks in a freshwater stream and sampled. Sample collection was timed to examine the development of early and late bacterial biofilm communities. Microplastics were analyzed for changes to buoyancy, weight, contact angles (an indicator of surface roughness), bacterial community composition, and the number of bacterial cells. Time was the only significant contributing factor in the development of bacterial biofilm communities on microplastic disks over the 7-week study. Notably, the Comamonadaceae were abundant early in the study and decreased in abundance with time, while the Methylococcaceae demonstrated the opposite trend. Different physicochemical properties among the various types of microplastics had only a minor effect on bacterial community compositions of biofilms growing on the microplastics. Additionally, the surfaces of all microplastic disks became rougher over time in the stream. Collectively, our results show that microplastic surfaces undergo surface modification and community succession as time progresses, regardless of microplastic type, in a freshwater stream ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Rumman Hossain
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, Fort Smith, Arkansas, USA
| | - Andrew C Eagar
- Department of Plant Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Christopher B Blackwood
- Department of Plant Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Laura G Leff
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, USA
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Khan S, Mumtaj ZA, Khan AR, Alkahtani MQ, Aleya E, Louzon M, Aleya L. Reviewing the role of microplastics as carriers for microorganisms in absorbing toxic trace elements. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:46806-46819. [PMID: 38976194 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34070-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
The pervasive presence of microplastics in various settings, such as freshwater and marine ecosystems, has sparked serious concerns. Microplastics can operate as possible transporters for hazardous trace elements or microbes, even though they are not naturally able to actively absorb these compounds. The binding sites on the plastic's surface or the complexes that are formed with the organic material on the plastic are how this adsorption process takes place. Microplastics' surfaces also seem to be attractive to microorganisms, such as bacteria and algae. Microorganisms can adhere to the rough surface of microplastics, which facilitates their colonization and formation of biofilms. Numerous bacteria, including ones that have the ability to absorb hazardous trace elements, can be found in these biofilms. Microplastics and microbes can interact in ways that are advantageous and detrimental. Microplastics have the ability to act as a substrate for microbial growth, which could lead to an increase in the quantity of microorganisms in the surrounding environment. On the other hand, microplastics may make it easier for microbes to spread to new areas, which could help dangerous or deadly species proliferate. Research is still ongoing to determine the degree to which microplastics serve as carriers of microbes and hazardous trace elements. Comprehending the implications of microplastics, pollutants, and microorganisms in a variety of environmental conditions is difficult due to their complex interplay. This review provides a detailed description of the complexity of the problem and used the examples related to microplastics, its environmental effects, and impacts on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saimah Khan
- Department of Chemistry, Integral University, Lucknow, India
| | - Zeba Ali Mumtaj
- Department of Chemistry, Integral University, Lucknow, India
| | | | - Meshel Qablan Alkahtani
- Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Enis Aleya
- Laboratoire de Chrono-Environnement, UMR CNRS 6249, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, La Bouloie, 25030, Besançon Cedex, France
| | - Maxime Louzon
- Crisalid Living Laboratory, Envisol, 29 Avenue Victor Hugo, 38800, Le Pont De Claix, France
| | - Lotfi Aleya
- Laboratoire de Chrono-Environnement, UMR CNRS 6249, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, La Bouloie, 25030, Besançon Cedex, France.
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Philippe A, Salaun M, Quemener M, Noël C, Tallec K, Lacroix C, Coton E, Burgaud G. Colonization and Biodegradation Potential of Fungal Communities on Immersed Polystyrene vs. Biodegradable Plastics: A Time Series Study in a Marina Environment. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:428. [PMID: 38921415 PMCID: PMC11204492 DOI: 10.3390/jof10060428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Plastic pollution of the ocean is a major environmental threat. In this context, a better understanding of the microorganisms able to colonize and potentially degrade these pollutants is of interest. This study explores the colonization and biodegradation potential of fungal communities on foamed polystyrene and alternatives biodegradable plastics immersed in a marina environment over time, using the Brest marina (France) as a model site. The methodology involved a combination of high-throughput 18S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to investigate fungal taxa associated with plastics compared to the surrounding seawater, and a culture-dependent approach to isolate environmentally relevant fungi to further assess their capabilities to utilize polymers as carbon sources. Metabarcoding results highlighted the significant diversity of fungal communities associated with both foamed polystyrene and biodegradable plastics, revealing a dynamic colonization process influenced by the type of polymer and immersion time. Notably, the research suggests a potential for certain fungal species to utilize polymers as a carbon source, emphasizing the need for further exploration of fungal biodegradation potential and mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Philippe
- Univ Brest, INRAE, Laboratoire Universitaire de Biodiversité et Écologie Microbienne, F-29280 Plouzané, France; (A.P.); (M.S.); (M.Q.); (E.C.)
| | - Marie Salaun
- Univ Brest, INRAE, Laboratoire Universitaire de Biodiversité et Écologie Microbienne, F-29280 Plouzané, France; (A.P.); (M.S.); (M.Q.); (E.C.)
| | - Maxence Quemener
- Univ Brest, INRAE, Laboratoire Universitaire de Biodiversité et Écologie Microbienne, F-29280 Plouzané, France; (A.P.); (M.S.); (M.Q.); (E.C.)
| | - Cyril Noël
- Ifremer, IRSI, SeBiMER Service de Bioinformatique de l’Ifremer, F-29280 Plouzané, France;
| | - Kévin Tallec
- CEDRE Centre de Documentation, de Recherche et d’Expérimentations sur les Pollutions Accidentelles des Eaux, 715 Rue Alain Colas, CS 41836, CEDEX 2, 29218 Brest, France; (K.T.); (C.L.)
| | - Camille Lacroix
- CEDRE Centre de Documentation, de Recherche et d’Expérimentations sur les Pollutions Accidentelles des Eaux, 715 Rue Alain Colas, CS 41836, CEDEX 2, 29218 Brest, France; (K.T.); (C.L.)
| | - Emmanuel Coton
- Univ Brest, INRAE, Laboratoire Universitaire de Biodiversité et Écologie Microbienne, F-29280 Plouzané, France; (A.P.); (M.S.); (M.Q.); (E.C.)
| | - Gaëtan Burgaud
- Univ Brest, INRAE, Laboratoire Universitaire de Biodiversité et Écologie Microbienne, F-29280 Plouzané, France; (A.P.); (M.S.); (M.Q.); (E.C.)
- Institut Universitaire de France, France
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Pan I, Umapathy S, Issac PK, Rahman MM, Guru A, Arockiaraj J. The bioaccessibility of adsorped heavy metals on biofilm-coated microplastics and their implication for the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:1264. [PMID: 37782357 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11890-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) tiny fragments (< 5 mm) of conventional and specialized industrial polymers are persistent and ubiquitous in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem. Breathing, ingestion, consumption of food stuffs, potable water, and skin are possible routes of MP exposure that pose potential human health risk. Various microorganisms including bacteria, cyanobacteria, and microalgae rapidly colonized on MP surfaces which initiate biofilm formation. It gradually changed the MP surface chemistry and polymer properties that attract environmental metals. Physicochemical and environmental parameters like polymer type, dissolved organic matter (DOM), pH, salinity, ion concentrations, and microbial community compositions regulate metal adsorption on MP biofilm surface. A set of highly conserved proteins tightly regulates metal uptake, subcellular distribution, storage, and transport to maintain cellular homeostasis. Exposure of metal-MP biofilm can disrupt that cellular homeostasis to induce toxicities. Imbalances in metal concentrations therefore led to neuronal network dysfunction, ROS, mitochondrial damage in diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and Prion disorder. This review focuses on the biofilm development on MP surfaces, factors controlling the growth of MP biofilm which triggered metal accumulation to induce neurotoxicological consequences in human body and stategies to reestablish the homeostasis. Thus, the present study gives a new approach on the health risks of heavy metals associated with MP biofilm in which biofilms trigger metal accumulation and MPs serve as a vector for those accumulated metals causing metal dysbiosis in human body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ieshita Pan
- Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Medical Biotechnology and Integrative Physiology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, 602105, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Suganiya Umapathy
- Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Medical Biotechnology and Integrative Physiology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, 602105, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Praveen Kumar Issac
- Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Medical Biotechnology and Integrative Physiology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, 602105, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Md Mostafizur Rahman
- Laboratory of Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh
| | - Ajay Guru
- Department of Cariology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Jesu Arockiaraj
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur 603203, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Tuvo B, Scarpaci M, Bracaloni S, Esposito E, Costa AL, Ioppolo M, Casini B. Microplastics and Antibiotic Resistance: The Magnitude of the Problem and the Emerging Role of Hospital Wastewater. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20105868. [PMID: 37239594 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20105868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The role of microplastics (MPs) in the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) is increasingly attracting global research attention due to their unique ecological and environmental effects. The ubiquitous use of plastics and their release into the environment by anthropic/industrial activities are the main sources for MP contamination, especially of water bodies. Because of their physical and chemical characteristics, MPs represent an ideal substrate for microbial colonization and formation of biofilm, where horizontal gene transfer is facilitated. In addition, the widespread and often injudicious use of antibiotics in various human activities leads to their release into the environment, mainly through wastewater. For these reasons, wastewater treatment plants, in particular hospital plants, are considered hotspots for the selection of ARGs and their diffusion in the environment. As a result, the interaction of MPs with drug-resistant bacteria and ARGs make them vectors for the transport and spread of ARGs and harmful microorganisms. Microplastic-associated antimicrobial resistance is an emerging threat to the environment and consequently for human health. More studies are required to better understand the interaction of these pollutants with the environment as well as to identify effective management systems to reduce the related risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Tuvo
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Michela Scarpaci
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sara Bracaloni
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Enrica Esposito
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Anna Laura Costa
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Martina Ioppolo
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Beatrice Casini
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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Haque MR, Ali MM, Ahmed W, Siddique MAB, Akbor MA, Islam MS, Rahman MM. Assessment of microplastics pollution in aquatic species (fish, crab, and snail), water, and sediment from the Buriganga River, Bangladesh: An ecological risk appraisals. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 857:159344. [PMID: 36240925 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Current work focus on microplastic (MPs) occurrence in the water, sediment, and aquatic species (fish, crab, and snail) of the Buriganga River, Bangladesh, with an ecological risk assessment perspective. It also includes the distribution of MPs in different river ecosystem segments and the presence of heavy metal (loid)s (HMs) in water, sediments, and MPs surface. The MPs were inspected by stereomicroscope to identify the shapes, color, and size, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to characterize polymer types. The samples concentration of four HMs viz., As, Cd, Cr, and Pb were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The possible MPs content in water, sediment, fish, crab, and snail were varied from 0.250 to 0.117 MPs/mL, 3.5-8.17 MPs/g, 0.65-3.82 MPs/g, 3.75-4.28 MPs/g, and 0.84-1.12 MPs/g, respectively. Fibers and fragments were the most dominant shape, less than 0.5 mm was dominant in size, and blue was the dominant color. In the evaluation of the chemical composition of MPs in water, sediment, fish, snail, and crab samples, Polyethylene terephthalate (PETE), Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), High-density polyethylene (HDPE), Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), Cellulose acetate (CA), and Nylon were identified. Regarding HMs load, the river demonstrated a highly polluted environment following the abundance pattern Cr > Pb > As>Cd. SEM-EDAX of MPs was conducted to investigate the surface MP's surface and elemental composition. It reveals that the MPs surface has characteristic flakes, cracks, and adhering particles along with Si, K, Au, C, and O on the surface studied MPs. There is no significant relationship found among the ecosystem segments. However, Ompok bimaculatus species show a negative relationship of MPs distribution with water and sediment. Moreover, according to the ecological risk of MPs pollution in the Buriganga River, it was in category-I, indicating considerable pollution load due to the presence of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Rashedul Haque
- Laboratory of Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Mir Mohammad Ali
- Department of Aquaculture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Wahida Ahmed
- Laboratory of Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Md Abu Bakar Siddique
- Institute of National Analytical Research and Service (INARS), Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhanmondi, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Md Ahedul Akbor
- Institute of National Analytical Research and Service (INARS), Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhanmondi, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Md Saiful Islam
- Department of Soil Science, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Patuakhali 8602, Bangladesh
| | - Md Mostafizur Rahman
- Laboratory of Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh; Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh.
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An In Situ Study to Understand Community Structure of Estuarine Microbes on the Plastisphere. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10081543. [PMID: 36013961 PMCID: PMC9415314 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10081543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastics are defined as pieces of plastic that are smaller than 5 mm and they are now considered one of the most abundant ubiquitous plastic debris. Microbial communities that settle on particles can potentially lead to the transport of pathogenic and harmful bloom-forming species, as well as have an impact on global biogeochemical cycles. However, little is known about the acclimation of microbes to different types of microplastic in the estuarine environment. In this study, 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing and analysis was performed on biofilm samples from three different types of microplastic beads placed in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Microbial communities associated with microplastic particles and glass bead control were monitored throughout the 28-day incubation time. A significant taxonomic composition dissimilarity was observed between particles-associated and free-living communities, suggesting a unique microbial adaptation to these biofilms. The polymer types, however, did not significantly influence the microbial community composition. Some families with interesting potential metabolism were identified in the plastisphere samples, including Cyanobacteria, Planctomycetes, Desulfobacteriota, and Firmicutes, leading into speculation of their ecological responses and metabolic roles in the estuarine environment. It is crucial to understand the microorganisms that inhabit plastic debris in estuarine systems and their potential metabolic capacity and how it may differ from its marine counterparts in order to assess their roles in global nutrient cycles and if they have ability to be utilized in bioremediation for plastic pollution.
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Wang J, Lu J, Zhang Y, Wu J, Luo Y. Unique Bacterial Community of the Biofilm on Microplastics in Coastal Water. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 107:597-601. [PMID: 32417953 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-020-02875-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Being immersed in seawater for a few days, microorganisms will adhere to the surface of different materials and form biofilms. After being immersed in seawater for 1 week, high-throughput sequencing method was used to analyze the bacterial community structure of the biofilms on the surface of microbeads with different materials including steel, SiO2, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Operational taxonomic unit clustering results showed that some differences existed in the bacterial communities attached to the surface of different microbeads. Each microbead made by different material had its unique bacterial community. The heatmap indicated that the dominant genera on the surface of different microbeads were different from each other. Quantitative analysis showed that the relative abundance of dominant genera were different among different types of microbeads. Beta diversity analysis and principal component analysis showed that difference in the bacterial community on surface of steel-bead and PVC-bead was the most significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhua Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shandong Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes, YICCAS, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Lu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shandong Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes, YICCAS, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
- Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao, 266071, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yuxuan Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shandong Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes, YICCAS, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Wu
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongming Luo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shandong Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes, YICCAS, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
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Reality Check: Experimental Studies on Microplastics Lack Realism. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11188529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Environmental microplastics are gaining interest due to their ubiquity and the threat they pose to environmental and human health. Critical studies have revealed the abundance of microplastics in nature, while others have tested the impacts of these small plastics on organismal health in the laboratory. Yet, there is often a mismatch between these two areas of research, resulting in major discrepancies and an inability to interpret certain findings. Here, we focus on several main lines of inquiry. First, even though the majority of environmental microplastics are plastic microfibers from textiles, laboratory studies still largely use spherical microbeads. There are also inconsistencies between the measurements of microplastics in the environment as compared to the concentrations that tend to be used in experimental studies. Likewise, the period of exposure occurring in experimental studies and in the environment are vastly different. Lastly, although experimental studies often focus on a particular subset of toxic chemicals present on microplastics, textile microfibers carry other dyes and chemicals that are understudied. They also cause types of physical damage not associated with microspheres. This review will analyze the literature pertaining to these mismatches, focusing on aquatic organisms and model systems, and seek to inform a path forward for this burgeoning area of research.
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Li C, Wang L, Ji S, Chang M, Wang L, Gan Y, Liu J. The ecology of the plastisphere: Microbial composition, function, assembly, and network in the freshwater and seawater ecosystems. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 202:117428. [PMID: 34303166 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics provide a unique habitat for microorganisms, forming the plastisphere. Yet the ecology of the plastisphere, including the microbial composition, functions, assembly processes, and interaction networks, needs to be understood. Here, we collected microplastics and their surrounding water samples in freshwater and seawater ecosystems. The bacterial and fungal communities of the plastisphere and the aquatic environment were studied based on 16S and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) high-throughput sequencing. We found that the plastisphere had a distinct microbial community and recruited a noteworthy proportion of unique species compared to the aquatic environment community, potentially altering ecosystem microbial community and causing microbial invasion. Using a random-forest machine-learning model, we identified a group of biomarkers that could best distinguish the plastisphere from the aquatic environment. Significant differences exist in microbial functions between the plastisphere and the aquatic environment, including functions of pathogenicity, compound degradation, as well as functions related to the cycling of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur. And these functional differences were expressed differently in freshwater and seawater ecosystems. The oxidation-reduction potential, salinity, the concentrations of nitrogen-related ions (NO3-, NO2-, and NH4+), and the concentration of dissolved organic carbon in the surrounding environment drive the variation of the plastisphere. But environmental physicochemical properties explain less of the microbial community variation in the plastisphere than that in the aquatic environment. Niche-based processes govern the assembly of the plastisphere community, while neutral-based processes dominate the community assembly of the aquatic environment. Furthermore, compared to the aquatic environment, the plastisphere has a network of less complexity, more modules, higher modularity, and more competitive links in freshwater ecosystems, but the pattern is reversed in seawater ecosystems. Altogether, the microbial ecology of the new anthropogenic ecosystem-plastisphere-is unique and exerts different effects in freshwater and seawater ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changchao Li
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Lifei Wang
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Shuping Ji
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Mengjie Chang
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Longfei Wang
- College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Yandong Gan
- School of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China.
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Bhagwat G, Tran TKA, Lamb D, Senathirajah K, Grainge I, O'Connor W, Juhasz A, Palanisami T. Biofilms Enhance the Adsorption of Toxic Contaminants on Plastic Microfibers under Environmentally Relevant Conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:8877-8887. [PMID: 34152751 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c02012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) exposed to the natural environment provide an ideal surface for biofilm formation, which potentially acts as a reactive phase facilitating the sorption of hazardous contaminants. Until now, changes in the contaminant sorption capacity of MPs due to biofilm formation have not been quantified. This is the first study that compared the capacity of naturally aged, biofilm-covered microplastic fibers (BMFs) to adsorb perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and lead (Pb) at environmentally relevant concentrations. Changes in the surface properties and morphology of aged microplastic fibers (MF) were studied by surface area analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Results revealed that aged MFs exhibited higher surface areas because of biomass accumulation compared to virgin samples and followed the order polypropylene>polyethylene>nylon>polyester. The concentrations of adsorbed Pb and PFOS were 4-25% and 20-85% higher in aged MFs and varied among the polymer types. The increased contaminant adsorption was linked with the altered surface area and the hydrophobic/hydrophilic characteristics of the samples. Overall, the present study demonstrates that biofilms play a decisive role in contaminant-plastic interactions and significantly enhance the vector potential of MFs for toxic environmental contaminants. We anticipate that knowledge generated from this study will help refine the planetary risk assessment of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geetika Bhagwat
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Thi Kim Anh Tran
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Dane Lamb
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Kala Senathirajah
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Ian Grainge
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Wayne O'Connor
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, Taylors Beach, New South Wales 2316, Australia
| | - Albert Juhasz
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5095 Australia
| | - Thava Palanisami
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
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14
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Bhagwat G, Carbery M, Anh Tran TK, Grainge I, O'Connor W, Palanisami T. Fingerprinting Plastic-Associated Inorganic and Organic Matter on Plastic Aged in the Marine Environment for a Decade. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:7407-7417. [PMID: 34009962 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c00262] [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] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The long-term aging of plastic leads to weathering and biofouling that can influence the behavior and fate of plastic in the marine environment. This is the first study to fingerprint the contaminant profiles and bacterial communities present in plastic-associated inorganic and organic matter (PIOM) isolated from 10 year-aged plastic. Plastic sleeves were sampled from an oyster aquaculture farm and the PIOM was isolated from the intertidal, subtidal, and sediment-buried segments to investigate the levels of metal(loid)s, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), per-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and explore the microbial community composition. Results indicated that the PIOM present on long-term aged high-density polyethylene plastic harbored high concentrations of metal(loid)s, PAHs, and PFAS. Metagenomic analysis revealed that the bacterial composition in the PIOM differed by habitat type, which consisted of potentially pathogenic taxa including Vibrio, Shewanella, and Psychrobacter. This study provides new insights into PIOM as a potential sink for hazardous environmental contaminants and its role in enhancing the vector potential of plastic. Therefore, we recommend the inclusion of PIOM analysis in current biomonitoring regimes and that plastics be used with caution in aquaculture settings to safeguard valuable food resources, particularly in areas of point-source contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geetika Bhagwat
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Maddison Carbery
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Thi Kim Anh Tran
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials, School of Engineering, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Ian Grainge
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Wayne O'Connor
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, Port Stephens, Taylors Beach 2316, Australia
| | - Thava Palanisami
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials, School of Engineering, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
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15
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Liu S, Shi J, Wang J, Dai Y, Li H, Li J, Liu X, Chen X, Wang Z, Zhang P. Interactions Between Microplastics and Heavy Metals in Aquatic Environments: A Review. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:652520. [PMID: 33967988 PMCID: PMC8100347 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.652520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), tiny particles broken down from larger pieces of plastics, have accumulated everywhere on the earth. As an inert carbon stream in aquatic environment, they have been reported as carriers for heavy metals and exhibit diverse interactive effects. However, these interactions are still poorly understood, especially mechanisms driving these interactions and how they pose risks on living organisms. In this mini review, a bibliometric analysis in this field was conducted and then the mechanisms driving these interactions were examined, especially emphasizing the important roles of microorganisms on the interactions. Their combined toxic effects and the potential hazards to human health were also discussed. Finally, the future research directions in this field were suggested. This review summarized the recent research progress in this field and highlighted the essential roles of the microbes on the interactions between MPs and heavy metals with the hope to promote more studies to unveil action mechanisms and reduce/eliminate the risks associated with MP presence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sitong Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiafu Shi
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiao Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yexin Dai
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongyu Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiayao Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xianhua Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaochen Chen
- Fujian Provincial Engineering Research Center of Rural Waste Recycling Technology, College of Environment and Resources, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhiyun Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Pingping Zhang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin, China
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16
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Bhagwat G, Zhu Q, O'Connor W, Subashchandrabose S, Grainge I, Knight R, Palanisami T. Exploring the Composition and Functions of Plastic Microbiome Using Whole-Genome Sequencing. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:4899-4913. [PMID: 33686859 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c07952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Besides the ecotoxicological consequences of microplastics and associated chemicals, the association of microbes on plastics has greater environmental implications as microplastics may select for unique microbiome participating in environmentally significant functions. Despite this, the functional potential of the microbiome associated with different types of plastics is understudied. Here, we investigate the interaction between plastic and marine biofilm-forming microorganisms through a whole-genome sequencing approach on four types of microplastics incubated in the marine environment. Taxonomic analysis suggested that the microplastic surfaces exhibit unique microbial profiles and niche partitioning among the substrates. In particular, the abundance of Vibrio alginolyticus and Vibrio campbellii suggested that microplastic pollution may pose a potential risk to the marine food chain and negatively impact aquaculture industries. Microbial genera involved in xenobiotic compound degradation, carbon cycling, and genes associated with the type IV secretion system, conjugal transfer protein TraG, plant-pathogen interaction, CusA/CzcA family heavy metal efflux transfer proteins, and TolC family proteins were significantly enriched on all the substrates, indicating the variety of processes operated by the plastic-microbiome. The present study gives a detailed characterization of the rapidly altering microbial composition and gene pools on plastics and adds new knowledge surrounding the environmental ramifications of marine plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geetika Bhagwat
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Qiyun Zhu
- Biodesign Centre for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287-1004, United States
| | - Wayne O'Connor
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, Port Stephens, Taylors Beach 2316, Australia
| | | | - Ian Grainge
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Rob Knight
- Centre for Microbiome Innovation, and Departments of Pediatrics, Bioengineering, and Computer Science & Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla 92093-0021, California, United States
| | - Thava Palanisami
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials, School of Engineering, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
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17
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Plakunov VK, Gannesen AV, Mart’yanov SV, Zhurina MV. Biocorrosion of Synthetic Plastics: Degradation Mechanisms and Methods of Protection. Microbiology (Reading) 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026261720060144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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18
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Microbial carrying capacity and carbon biomass of plastic marine debris. ISME JOURNAL 2020; 15:67-77. [PMID: 32879460 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-020-00756-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Trillions of plastic debris fragments are floating at sea, presenting a substantial surface area for microbial colonization. Numerous cultivation-independent surveys have characterized plastic-associated microbial biofilms, however, quantitative studies addressing microbial carbon biomass are lacking. Our confocal laser scanning microscopy data show that early biofilm development on polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and glass substrates displayed variable cell size, abundance, and carbon biomass, whereas these parameters stabilized in mature biofilms. Unexpectedly, plastic substrates presented lower volume proportions of photosynthetic cells after 8 weeks, compared to glass. Early biofilms displayed the highest proportions of diatoms, which could influence the vertical transport of plastic debris. In total, conservative estimates suggest 2.1 × 1021 to 3.4 × 1021 cells, corresponding to about 1% of the microbial cells in the ocean surface microlayer (1.5 × 103 to 1.1 × 104 tons of carbon biomass), inhabit plastic debris globally. As an unnatural addition to sea surface waters, the large quantity of cells and biomass carried by plastic debris has the potential to impact biodiversity, autochthonous ecological functions, and biogeochemical cycles within the ocean.
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19
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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: 507] [Impact Index Per Article: 126.8] [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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20
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Kettner MT, Oberbeckmann S, Labrenz M, Grossart HP. The Eukaryotic Life on Microplastics in Brackish Ecosystems. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:538. [PMID: 30949147 PMCID: PMC6435590 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MP) constitute a widespread contaminant all over the globe. Rivers and wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) transport annually several million tons of MP into freshwaters, estuaries and oceans, where they provide increasing artificial surfaces for microbial colonization. As knowledge on MP-attached communities is insufficient for brackish ecosystems, we conducted exposure experiments in the coastal Baltic Sea, an in-flowing river and a WWTP within the drainage basin. While reporting on prokaryotic and fungal communities from the same set-up previously, we focus here on the entire eukaryotic communities. Using high-throughput 18S rRNA gene sequencing, we analyzed the eukaryotes colonizing on two types of MP, polyethylene and polystyrene, and compared them to the ones in the surrounding water and on a natural surface (wood). More than 500 different taxa across almost all kingdoms of the eukaryotic tree of life were identified on MP, dominated by Alveolata, Metazoa, and Chloroplastida. The eukaryotic community composition on MP was significantly distinct from wood and the surrounding water, with overall lower diversity and the potentially harmful dinoflagellate Pfiesteria being enriched on MP. Co-occurrence networks, which include prokaryotic and eukaryotic taxa, hint at possibilities for dynamic microbial interactions on MP. This first report on total eukaryotic communities on MP in brackish environments highlights the complexity of MP-associated biofilms, potentially leading to altered microbial activities and hence changes in ecosystem functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Therese Kettner
- Department of Experimental Limnology, Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany.,Institute for Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Sonja Oberbeckmann
- Environmental Microbiology Working Group, Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde, Rostock, Germany
| | - Matthias Labrenz
- Environmental Microbiology Working Group, Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde, Rostock, Germany
| | - Hans-Peter Grossart
- Department of Experimental Limnology, Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany.,Institute for Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
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21
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Eckert EM, Di Cesare A, Kettner MT, Arias-Andres M, Fontaneto D, Grossart HP, Corno G. Microplastics increase impact of treated wastewater on freshwater microbial community. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 234:495-502. [PMID: 29216487 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.11.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a major global concern with several million microplastic particles entering every day freshwater ecosystems via wastewater discharge. Microplastic particles stimulate biofilm formation (plastisphere) throughout the water column and have the potential to affect microbial community structure if they accumulate in pelagic waters, especially enhancing the proliferation of biohazardous bacteria. To test this scenario, we simulated the inflow of treated wastewater into a temperate lake using a continuous culture system with a gradient of concentration of microplastic particles. We followed the effect of microplastics on the microbial community structure and on the occurrence of integrase 1 (int1), a marker associated with mobile genetic elements known as a proxy for anthropogenic effects on the spread of antimicrobial resistance genes. The abundance of int1 increased in the plastisphere with increasing microplastic particle concentration, but not in the water surrounding the microplastic particles. Likewise, the microbial community on microplastic was more similar to the original wastewater community with increasing microplastic concentrations. Our results show that microplastic particles indeed promote persistence of typical indicators of microbial anthropogenic pollution in natural waters, and substantiate that their removal from treated wastewater should be prioritised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester M Eckert
- Microbial Ecology Group (MEG), National Research Council - Institute of Ecosystem Study (CNR-ISE), Largo Tonolli, 50, 28922 Verbania, Italy.
| | - Andrea Di Cesare
- Microbial Ecology Group (MEG), National Research Council - Institute of Ecosystem Study (CNR-ISE), Largo Tonolli, 50, 28922 Verbania, Italy; Department of Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, Corso Europa 26, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Marie Therese Kettner
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Dept. Experimental Limnology, Alte Fischerhuette 2, D-16775 Stechlin, Germany; Potsdam University, Inst. of Biochemistry and Biology, Maulbeerallee 2, D-14469 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Maria Arias-Andres
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Dept. Experimental Limnology, Alte Fischerhuette 2, D-16775 Stechlin, Germany; Potsdam University, Inst. of Biochemistry and Biology, Maulbeerallee 2, D-14469 Potsdam, Germany; Central American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances (IRET), Universidad Nacional, Campus Omar Dengo, P.O. Box 86-3000, Heredia, Costa Rica
| | - Diego Fontaneto
- Microbial Ecology Group (MEG), National Research Council - Institute of Ecosystem Study (CNR-ISE), Largo Tonolli, 50, 28922 Verbania, Italy
| | - Hans-Peter Grossart
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Dept. Experimental Limnology, Alte Fischerhuette 2, D-16775 Stechlin, Germany; Potsdam University, Inst. of Biochemistry and Biology, Maulbeerallee 2, D-14469 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Gianluca Corno
- Microbial Ecology Group (MEG), National Research Council - Institute of Ecosystem Study (CNR-ISE), Largo Tonolli, 50, 28922 Verbania, Italy
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Harrison JP, Hoellein TJ, Sapp M, Tagg AS, Ju-Nam Y, Ojeda JJ. Microplastic-Associated Biofilms: A Comparison of Freshwater and Marine Environments. THE HANDBOOK OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-61615-5_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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23
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Degradation of Various Plastics in the Environment. THE HANDBOOK OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/698_2017_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
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