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Zhang W, Geng J, Sun M, Jiang C, Lin H, Chen H, Yang Y. Distinct species turnover patterns shaped the richness of antibiotic resistance genes on eight different microplastic polymers. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 259:119562. [PMID: 38971360 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Elucidating the formation mechanism of plastisphere antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) on different polymers is necessary to understand the ecological risks of plastisphere ARGs. Here, we explored the turnover and assembly mechanism of plastisphere ARGs on 8 different microplastic polymers (4 biodegradable (bMPs) and 4 non-biodegradable microplastics (nMPs)) by metagenomic sequencing. Our study revealed the presence of 479 ARGs with abundance ranging from 41.37 to 58.17 copies/16S rRNA gene in all plastispheres. These ARGs were predominantly multidrug resistance genes. The richness of plastisphere ARGs on different polymers had a significant correlation with the contribution of species turnover to plastisphere ARGs β diversity. Furthermore, polymer type was the most critical factor affecting the composition of plastisphere ARGs. More opportunistic pathogens carrying diverse ARGs on BMPs (PBAT, PBS, and PHA) with higher horizontal gene transfer potential may further magnify the ecological risks and human health threats. For example, the opportunistic pathogens Riemerella anatipestifer, Vibrio campbellii, and Vibrio cholerae are closely related to human production and life, which were the important potential hosts of many plastisphere ARGs and mobile genetic elements on BMPs. Thus, we emphasize the urgency of developing the formation mechanism of plastisphere ARGs and the necessity of controlling BMPs and ARG pollution, especially BMPs, with ever-increasing usage in daily life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihong Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Wetland Evolution & Ecological Restoration, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Key Laboratory of Lake and Watershed Science for Water Security, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China; Danjiangkou Wetland Ecosystem Field Scientific Observation and Research Station, The Chinese Academy of Sciences & Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Jun Geng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Wetland Evolution & Ecological Restoration, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Key Laboratory of Lake and Watershed Science for Water Security, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China; Danjiangkou Wetland Ecosystem Field Scientific Observation and Research Station, The Chinese Academy of Sciences & Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Mengge Sun
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Wetland Evolution & Ecological Restoration, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; School of Ocean Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Chunxia Jiang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Wetland Evolution & Ecological Restoration, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; Key Laboratory of Lake and Watershed Science for Water Security, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China; Danjiangkou Wetland Ecosystem Field Scientific Observation and Research Station, The Chinese Academy of Sciences & Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Hui Lin
- Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Institute of Environment, Resource, Soil and Fertilizers, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, China.
| | - Haiyang Chen
- College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Yuyi Yang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Wetland Evolution & Ecological Restoration, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Key Laboratory of Lake and Watershed Science for Water Security, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China; Danjiangkou Wetland Ecosystem Field Scientific Observation and Research Station, The Chinese Academy of Sciences & Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430074, China.
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2
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Bocci V, Galafassi S, Levantesi C, Crognale S, Amalfitano S, Congestri R, Matturro B, Rossetti S, Di Pippo F. Freshwater plastisphere: a review on biodiversity, risks, and biodegradation potential with implications for the aquatic ecosystem health. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1395401. [PMID: 38699475 PMCID: PMC11064797 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1395401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The plastisphere, a unique microbial biofilm community colonizing plastic debris and microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environments, has attracted increasing attention owing to its ecological and public health implications. This review consolidates current state of knowledge on freshwater plastisphere, focussing on its biodiversity, community assembly, and interactions with environmental factors. Current biomolecular approaches revealed a variety of prokaryotic and eukaryotic taxa associated with plastic surfaces. Despite their ecological importance, the presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria and mobile genetic elements (i.e., antibiotic resistance genes) raises concerns for ecosystem and human health. However, the extent of these risks and their implications remain unclear. Advanced sequencing technologies are promising for elucidating the functions of plastisphere, particularly in plastic biodegradation processes. Overall, this review emphasizes the need for comprehensive studies to understand plastisphere dynamics in freshwater and to support effective management strategies to mitigate the impact of plastic pollution on freshwater resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Bocci
- Water Research Institute, CNR-IRSA, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
- PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Galafassi
- Water Research Institute, CNR-IRSA, National Research Council, Verbania, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - Caterina Levantesi
- Water Research Institute, CNR-IRSA, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Crognale
- Water Research Institute, CNR-IRSA, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - Stefano Amalfitano
- Water Research Institute, CNR-IRSA, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - Roberta Congestri
- Laboratory of Biology of Algae, Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Bruna Matturro
- Water Research Institute, CNR-IRSA, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - Simona Rossetti
- Water Research Institute, CNR-IRSA, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Di Pippo
- Water Research Institute, CNR-IRSA, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
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3
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Sabatino R, Zullo R, Di Cesare A, Piscia R, Musazzi S, Corno G, Volta P, Galafassi S. Traditional and biodegradable plastics host distinct and potentially more hazardous microbes when compared to both natural materials and planktonic community. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133166. [PMID: 38101010 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133166] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic particles are persistent micropollutants that provide a substrate for the growth of bacterial biofilms, posing a threat to the environment. This study explores the changes in commercially available food containers made of conventional (polypropylene PP, polyethylene terephthalate PET), innovative biodegradable (Mater-Bi) and natural (wood and cellulose) materials, when introduced in the surface waters of Lake Maggiore for 43 days. Spectral changes revealed by FT-IR spectroscopy in PET and Mater-Bi, and changes in thermal properties of all human-made material tested indicated a degradation process occurred during environmental exposure. Despite similar bacterial richness, biofilms on PET, PP, and Mater-Bi differed from natural material biofilms and the planktonic community. Human-made material communities showed a higher proportion of potential pathogens, with PET and PP also exhibiting increased abundances of antibiotic resistance genes. Overall, these findings stress the need for dedicated strategies to curb the spread of human-made polymers in freshwaters, including innovative materials that, due to their biodegradable properties, might be perceived less hazardous for the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosa Zullo
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council, Verbania, Italy.
| | - Andrea Di Cesare
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council, Verbania, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo 90133, Italy
| | - Roberta Piscia
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council, Verbania, Italy
| | - Simona Musazzi
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council, Verbania, Italy
| | - Gianluca Corno
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council, Verbania, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo 90133, Italy
| | - Pietro Volta
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council, Verbania, Italy
| | - Silvia Galafassi
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council, Verbania, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo 90133, Italy
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4
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Huang H, Shi Y, Gong Z, Wang J, Zheng L, Gao S. Revealing the characteristics of biofilms on different polypropylene plastic products: Comparison between disposable masks and takeaway boxes. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133400. [PMID: 38198871 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133400] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The increasingly severe plastic pollution issue was intensified by the enormous plastic emissions into ecosystems during the Covid-19 pandemic. Plastic wastes entering the environment were swiftly exposed to microorganisms and colonized by biofilms, and the plastic-biofilm combined effects further influenced the ecosystem. However, the non-woven structure of disposable masks discarded carelessly during the COVID-19 pandemic was different from those of plastics with flat surface. To reveal the potential effects of plastic structure on colonized biofilms, white disposable surgical masks (DM) and transparent takeaway boxes (TB), both made of polyethylene, were selected for the incubation of organic conditioning films and biofilms. The results indicated that the non-woven structure of disposable mask was destroyed by the influence of water infiltration and biofilm colonization. The influence of surface structure on conditioning films led to a relatively higher proportion of tryptophan-like substances on DM than those on TB samples. Therefore, biofilms with significantly higher microbial biomass and carbon metabolic capacity were formed on DM than those on TB samples owing to the combined effects of their differences in surface structure and conditioning films. Moreover, abundant functional microorganisms associated with stress tolerance, carbon metabolism and biofilm formation were observed in biofilms on disposable mask. Combining with the results of partial least squares regression analysis, the selective colonization of functional microorganisms on disposable masks with uneven surface longitudinal fluctuation was revealed. Although the predicted functions of biofilms on disposable masks and takeaway boxes showed more similarity to each other than to those of free-living aquatic microorganisms owing to the existence of the plastisphere, biofilms on disposable masks may potentially trigger environmental risks different from those of takeaway boxes by unique carbon metabolism and abundant biomass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hexinyue Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanqi Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhimin Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiahao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Lezhou Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Shixiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China.
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5
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Song H, Xiao S, Zhou X, Li Y, Tao M, Wu F, Xu X. Temporal dynamics of bacterial colonization on five types of microplastics in a freshwater lake. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 913:169697. [PMID: 38163614 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169697] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), as a new substrate, provide a unique niche for microbial colonization in the freshwater ecosystems; however, the impacts of long-term MP exposure on colonized bacteria are still unclear. In this study, five MP types were exposed in a freshwater lake for approximately one year, and the MP particles, together with the surrounding water, were collected on days 60, 150, 250 and 330 during the in situ field experiment. Bacteria on the MP surface, as well as free-living bacteria in the surrounding water, were analyzed to evaluate the temporal dynamics of these bacterial communities. Results show that all five MP types exhibited signs of degradation during the exposure process. Additionally, the alpha diversity, community structure and composition of MP-attached bacteria significantly differed from that of the free-living bacteria in the surrounding water, indicating that the five MP types could provide a preferable niche for bacterial colonization in a freshwater environment. Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, Verrucomicrobiota, Actinobacteriota and Firmicutes were the top five dominant phyla. Some plastic-degrading bacteria included in these phyla were detected, verifying that MP-attached biofilms had a certain degree of MP degradation potential. Some potentially pathogenic bacteria were also detected, suggesting an ecological threat for spreading disease in the aquatic ecosystem. Furthermore, the bacterial community and some metabolic pathways were significantly affected by the MP type (P < 0.01) and exposure time (P < 0.01), indicating that the presence of MPs not only alters the bacterial community structure and composition, but also influences their potential functional properties in freshwater ecosystems. Multiple factors, including the physicochemical properties related to MPs and the environmental parameters of the surrounding water, affect the community composition and the function of MP-attached bacteria to different degrees. Our findings indicate that the presence of MPs has a potential ecological impact on freshwater ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiya Song
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Sisi Xiao
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Xiaohong Zhou
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China.
| | - Yanan Li
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Miaomiao Tao
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Fan Wu
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Xiaohong Xu
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
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6
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Zhang W, Liang S, Grossart HP, Christie-Oleza JA, Gadd GM, Yang Y. Convergence effect during spatiotemporal succession of lacustrine plastisphere: loss of priority effects and turnover of microbial species. ISME COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:ycae056. [PMID: 38711932 PMCID: PMC11073396 DOI: 10.1093/ismeco/ycae056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Succession is a fundamental aspect of ecological theory, but studies on temporal succession trajectories and ecological driving mechanisms of plastisphere microbial communities across diverse colonization environments remain scarce and poorly understood. To fill this knowledge gap, we assessed the primary colonizers, succession trajectories, assembly, and turnover mechanisms of plastisphere prokaryotes and eukaryotes from four freshwater lakes. Our results show that differences in microbial composition similarity, temporal turnover rate, and assembly processes in the plastisphere do not exclusively occur at the kingdom level (prokaryotes and eukaryotes), but also depend on environmental conditions and colonization time. Thereby, the time of plastisphere colonization has a stronger impact on community composition and assembly of prokaryotes than eukaryotes, whereas for environmental conditions, the opposite pattern holds true. Across all lakes, deterministic processes shaped the assembly of the prokaryotes, but stochastic processes influenced that of the eukaryotes. Yet, they share similar assembly processes throughout the temporal succession: species turnover over time causes the loss of any priority effect, which leads to a convergent succession of plastisphere microbial communities. The increase and loss of microbial diversity in different kingdoms during succession in the plastisphere potentially impact the stability of entire microbial communities and related biogeochemical cycles. Therefore, research needs to integrate temporal dynamics along with spatial turnovers of the plastisphere microbiome. Taking the heterogeneity of global lakes and the diversity of global climate patterns into account, we highlight the urgency to investigate the spatiotemporal succession mechanism of plastisphere prokaryotes and eukaryotes in more lakes around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Danjiangkou Wetland Ecosystem Field Scientific Observation and Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences & Hubei Province, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Shuxin Liang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China
- School of Ecology and Environment, Tibet University, Lhasa 850000, China
| | - Hans-Peter Grossart
- Leibniz-Institute for Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Neuglobsow 16775, Germany
- Institute for Biochemistry and Biology, Potsdam University, Potsdam 14469, Germany
| | | | - Geoffrey Michael Gadd
- Geomicrobiology Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland, United Kingdom
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Pollution Control, China University of Petroleum, Beijing 102249, China
| | - Yuyi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Danjiangkou Wetland Ecosystem Field Scientific Observation and Research Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences & Hubei Province, Wuhan 430074, China
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7
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Zhang W, Bhagwat G, Palanisami T, Liang S, Wan W, Yang Y. Lacustrine plastisphere: Distinct succession and assembly processes of prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities and role of site, time, and polymer types. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 248:120875. [PMID: 37992636 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120875] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics as a carrier can promote microbial diffusion, potentially influencing the ecological functions of microbial communities in aquatic environments. However, our understanding of the assembly mechanism of microbial communities on different microplastic polymers in freshwater lakes during succession is still insufficient, especially for the eukaryotes. Here, the colonization time, site, and polymer types of microplastics were comprehensively considered to investigate the composition and assembly of prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities and their driving factors during the lacustrine plastisphere formation. Results showed that the particle-associated microorganisms in water were the main source of the plastisphere prokaryotes, while the free-living microorganisms in water mainly accounted for the plastisphere eukaryotes. The response of prokaryotic communities to different microplastic polymers was stronger than eukaryotic communities. The assembly of plastisphere prokaryotic communities was dominated by homogenizing processes (mainly homogenous selection), while the assembly of eukaryotic communities was dominated by differentiating processes (mainly dispersal limitation). Colonization time was an important factor affecting the composition of prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities during the formation of the plastisphere. The Chao1 richness of prokaryotic communities in the plastisphere increased with the increase of colonization time, whereas the opposite was true in eukaryotic communities. This differential response of species diversity and composition of prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities in the plastisphere during dynamic succession could lead to their distinct assembly processes. Overall, the results suggest that distinct assembly of microbial communities in the plastisphere may depend more on specific microbial sub-communities and colonization time than polymer types and colonization site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Danjiangkou Wetland Ecosystem Field Scientific Observation and Research Station, the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Hubei Province, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Geetika Bhagwat
- Environmental Plastic and Innovation Cluster, Global Innovation Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials, The University of Newcastle, 2308, NSW, Australia
| | - Thava Palanisami
- Environmental Plastic and Innovation Cluster, Global Innovation Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials, The University of Newcastle, 2308, NSW, Australia
| | - Shuxin Liang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; School of Ecology and Environment, Tibet University, Lhasa 850000, China
| | - Wenjie Wan
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Danjiangkou Wetland Ecosystem Field Scientific Observation and Research Station, the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Hubei Province, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Yuyi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Danjiangkou Wetland Ecosystem Field Scientific Observation and Research Station, the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Hubei Province, Wuhan 430074, China.
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8
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Di Pippo F, Bocci V, Amalfitano S, Crognale S, Levantesi C, Pietrelli L, Di Lisio V, Martinelli A, Rossetti S. Microbial colonization patterns and biodegradation of petrochemical and biodegradable plastics in lake waters: insights from a field experiment. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1290441. [PMID: 38125574 PMCID: PMC10731271 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1290441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Once dispersed in water, plastic materials become promptly colonized by biofilm-forming microorganisms, commonly known as plastisphere. Methods By combining DNA sequencing and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM), we investigated the plastisphere colonization patterns following exposure to natural lake waters (up to 77 days) of either petrochemical or biodegradable plastic materials (low density polyethylene - LDPE, polyethylene terephthalate - PET, polylactic acid - PLA, and the starch-based MaterBi® - Mb) in comparison to planktonic community composition. Chemical composition, water wettability, and morphology of plastic surfaces were evaluated, through Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and static contact angle analysis, to assess the possible effects of microbial colonization and biodegradation activity. Results and Discussion The phylogenetic composition of plastisphere and planktonic communities was notably different. Pioneering microbial colonisers, likely selected from lake waters, were found associated with all plastic materials, along with a core of more than 30 abundant bacterial families associated with all polymers. The different plastic materials, either derived from petrochemical hydrocarbons (i.e., LDPE and PET) or biodegradable (PLA and Mb), were used by opportunistic aquatic microorganisms as adhesion surfaces rather than carbon sources. The Mb-associated microorganisms (i.e. mostly members of the family Burkholderiaceae) were likely able to degrade the starch residues on the polymer surfaces, although the Mb matrix maintained its original chemical structure and morphology. Overall, our findings provide insights into the complex interactions between aquatic microorganisms and plastic materials found in lake waters, highlighting the importance of understanding the plastisphere dynamics to better manage the fate of plastic debris in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Di Pippo
- Water Research Institute, CNR-IRSA, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Bocci
- Water Research Institute, CNR-IRSA, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
- PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Amalfitano
- Water Research Institute, CNR-IRSA, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - Simona Crognale
- Water Research Institute, CNR-IRSA, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - Caterina Levantesi
- Water Research Institute, CNR-IRSA, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Valerio Di Lisio
- Donostia International Physics Center, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal, San Sebastián, Spain
| | | | - Simona Rossetti
- Water Research Institute, CNR-IRSA, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
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9
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Witsø IL, Basson A, Vinje H, Llarena AK, Bringas CS, Aspholm M, Wasteson Y, Myrmel M. Freshwater plastispheres as a vector for foodborne bacteria and viruses. Environ Microbiol 2023; 25:2864-2881. [PMID: 37964725 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
There is growing evidence that plastic particles can accumulate microorganisms that are pathogenic to humans or animals. In the current study, the composition of the plastispheres that accumulated on polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pieces submerged in a river in the southeast Norway was characterized by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Seasonal and geographical effects on the bacterial composition of the plastisphere were identified, in addition to the detection of potential foodborne pathogenic bacteria and viruses as part of the plastisphere. The diversity and taxonomic composition of the plastispheres were influenced by the number of weeks in the river, the season, and the location. The bacterial diversity differed significantly in the plastisphere from June and September, with a generally higher diversity in June. Also, the community composition of the plastisphere was significantly influenced by the geographical location, while the type of plastic had less impact. Plastics submerged in river water assembled a variety of microorganisms including potentially pathogenic bacteria and viruses (noro- and adenovirus) detected by qPCR. Cultivation methods detected viable bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes. The results highlight the need for additional research on the risk of contaminating food with plastic particles colonized with human pathogens through irrigation water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingun Lund Witsø
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Food Safety Unit, The Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Adelle Basson
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Food Safety Unit, The Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hilde Vinje
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, The Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Ann-Katrin Llarena
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Food Safety Unit, The Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Carlos Salas Bringas
- Institute for Marine Operations and Civil Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Ålesund, Norway
| | - Marina Aspholm
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Food Safety Unit, The Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Yngvild Wasteson
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Food Safety Unit, The Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Mette Myrmel
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Virology Unit, The Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
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10
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Vlaanderen EJ, Ghaly TM, Moore LR, Focardi A, Paulsen IT, Tetu SG. Plastic leachate exposure drives antibiotic resistance and virulence in marine bacterial communities. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 327:121558. [PMID: 37019264 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a serious global problem, with more than 12 million tonnes of plastic waste entering the oceans every year. Plastic debris can have considerable impacts on microbial community structure and functions in marine environments, and has been associated with an enrichment in pathogenic bacteria and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes. However, our understanding of these impacts is largely restricted to microbial assemblages on plastic surfaces. It is therefore unclear whether these effects are driven by the surface properties of plastics, providing an additional niche for certain microbes residing in biofilms, and/or chemicals leached from plastics, the effects of which could extend to surrounding planktonic bacteria. Here, we examine the effects of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic leachate exposure on the relative abundance of genes associated with bacterial pathogenicity and AMR within a seawater microcosm community. We show that PVC leachate, in the absence of plastic surfaces, drives an enrichment in AMR and virulence genes. In particular, leachate exposure significantly enriches AMR genes that confer multidrug, aminoglycoside and peptide antibiotic resistance. Additionally, enrichment of genes involved in the extracellular secretion of virulence proteins was observed among pathogens of marine organisms. This study provides the first evidence that chemicals leached from plastic particles alone can enrich genes related to microbial pathogenesis within a bacterial community, expanding our knowledge of the environmental impacts of plastic pollution with potential consequences for human and ecosystem health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Vlaanderen
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Timothy M Ghaly
- School of Natural Sciences Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lisa R Moore
- School of Natural Sciences Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Amaranta Focardi
- Climate Change Cluster (C3), University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ian T Paulsen
- School of Natural Sciences Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sasha G Tetu
- School of Natural Sciences Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
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11
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Zhou Q, Zhang J, Fang Q, Zhang M, Wang X, Zhang D, Pan X. Microplastic biodegradability dependent responses of plastisphere antibiotic resistance to simulated freshwater-seawater shift in onshore marine aquaculture zones. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 331:121828. [PMID: 37187278 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
MPs carrying ARGs can travel between freshwater and seawater due to intensive land-sea interaction in onshore marine aquaculture zones (OMAZ). However, the response of ARGs in plastisphere with different biodegradability to freshwater-seawater shift is still unknown. In this study, ARG dynamics and associated microbiota on biodegradable poly (butyleneadipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and non-biodegradable polyethylene terephthalate (PET) MPs were investigated through a simulated freshwater-seawater shift. The results exhibited that freshwater-seawater shift significantly influenced ARG abundance in plastisphere. The relative abundance of most studied ARGs decreased rapidly in plastisphere after they entered seawater from freshwater but increased on PBAT after MPs entered freshwater from seawater. Besides, the high relative abundance of multi-drug resistance (MDR) genes occurred in plastisphere, and the co-change between most ARGs and mobile genetic elements indicated the role of horizontal gene transfer on ARG regulation. Proteobacteria was dominant phylum in plastisphere and the dominant genera, such as Allorhizobium-Neorhizobium-Pararhizobium-Rhizobium, Afipia, Gemmobacter and Enhydrobacter, were significantly associated with qnrS, tet and MDR genes in plastisphere. Moreover, after MPs entered new water environment, the ARGs and microbiota genera in plastisphere changed significantly and tended to converge with those in receiving water. These results indicated that MP biodegradability and freshwater-seawater interaction influenced potential hosts and distributions of ARGs, of which biodegradable PBAT posed a high risk in ARG dissemination. This study would be helpful for understanding the impact of biodegradable MP pollution on spread of antibiotic resistance in OMAZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Qunkai Fang
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Xiaonan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Daoyong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China.
| | - Xiangliang Pan
- 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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12
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Sun Y, Wu M, Zang J, Du L, Huang M, Chen C, Wang J. Plastisphere microbiome: Methodology, diversity, and functionality. IMETA 2023; 2:e101. [PMID: 38868423 PMCID: PMC10989970 DOI: 10.1002/imt2.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Broad topics of the plastisphere in various environments are reviewed, including its methodologies, diversity, functionality, and outlook.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanze Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental SciencesChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Mochen Wu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental SciencesChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jingxi Zang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental SciencesChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Linna Du
- College of Advanced Materials EngineeringJiaxing Nanhu UniverisityJiaxingChina
| | - Muke Huang
- China International Engineering Consulting CorporationBeijingChina
| | - Cheng Chen
- China International Engineering Consulting CorporationBeijingChina
| | - Jie Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental SciencesChina Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
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13
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Yu Y, Miao L, Adyel TM, Waldschläger K, Wu J, Hou J. Aquatic plastisphere: Interactions between plastics and biofilms. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 322:121196. [PMID: 36736560 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Because of the high production rates, low recycling rates, and poor waste management of plastics, an increasing amount of plastic is entering the aquatic environment, where it can provide new ecological niches for microbial communities and form a so-called plastisphere. Recent studies have focused on the one-way impact of plastic substrata or biofilm communities. However, our understanding of the two-way interactions between plastics and biofilms is still limited. This review first summarizes the formation process and the co-occurrence network analysis of the aquatic plastisphere to comprehensively illustrate the succession pattern of biofilm communities and the potential consistency between keystone taxa and specific environmental behavior of the plastisphere. Furthermore, this review sheds light on mutual interactions between plastics and biofilms. Plastic properties, environmental conditions, and colonization time affect biofilm development. Meanwhile, the biofilm communities, in turn, influence the environmental behaviors of plastics, including transport, contaminant accumulation, and especially the fragmentation and degradation of plastics. Based on a systematic literature review and cross-referencing from these disciplines, the current research focus, and future challenges in exploring aquatic plastisphere development and biofilm-plastic interactions are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, 210098, Nanjing, People's Republic of China; Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, ETH Zürich, Zurich, 8093, Switzerland
| | - Lingzhan Miao
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, 210098, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Tanveer M Adyel
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, 3125, Australia
| | - Kryss Waldschläger
- Hydrology and Quantitative Water Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Jun Wu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, 210098, Nanjing, 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, 210098, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
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14
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Zhang C, Mu Y, Li T, Jin FJ, Jin CZ, Oh HM, Lee HG, Jin L. Assembly strategies for polyethylene-degrading microbial consortia based on the combination of omics tools and the "Plastisphere". Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1181967. [PMID: 37138608 PMCID: PMC10150012 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1181967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous microorganisms and other invertebrates that are able to degrade polyethylene (PE) have been reported. However, studies on PE biodegradation are still limited due to its extreme stability and the lack of explicit insights into the mechanisms and efficient enzymes involved in its metabolism by microorganisms. In this review, current studies of PE biodegradation, including the fundamental stages, important microorganisms and enzymes, and functional microbial consortia, were examined. Considering the bottlenecks in the construction of PE-degrading consortia, a combination of top-down and bottom-up approaches is proposed to identify the mechanisms and metabolites of PE degradation, related enzymes, and efficient synthetic microbial consortia. In addition, the exploration of the plastisphere based on omics tools is proposed as a future principal research direction for the construction of synthetic microbial consortia for PE degradation. Combining chemical and biological upcycling processes for PE waste could be widely applied in various fields to promote a sustainable environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengxiao Zhang
- College of Biology and the Environment, Co-Innovation Centre for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yulin Mu
- College of Biology and the Environment, Co-Innovation Centre for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Taihua Li
- College of Biology and the Environment, Co-Innovation Centre for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng-Jie Jin
- College of Biology and the Environment, Co-Innovation Centre for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chun-Zhi Jin
- Cell Factory Research Centre, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Mock Oh
- Cell Factory Research Centre, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung-Gwan Lee
- Cell Factory Research Centre, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Hyung-Gwan Lee,
| | - Long Jin
- College of Biology and the Environment, Co-Innovation Centre for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Long Jin,
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15
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Meng X, Yin K, Zhang Y, Wang D, Lu H, Hou L, Zhao H, Xing M. Polystyrene microplastics induced oxidative stress, inflammation and necroptosis via NF-κB and RIP1/RIP3/MLKL pathway in chicken kidney. Toxicology 2022; 478:153296. [PMID: 36029908 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2022.153296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are a novel environment pollutant widespread among the natural environment, also causing damage to aquatic animals and mammals. However, their effects on the kidney of poultry are still unclear. In this study, chickens were exposure to the different doses of PS-MPs (1, 10, 100 mg/L) for six weeks, with 1 mg/L being the environmental concentration. The effects of PS-MPs on renal tissue damage in chicken were analyzed. Our results suggested that MPs exposure causes mitochondrial morphology and dysbiosis (MFN1/2, OPA1, Drp1), mitochondrial structural damage by triggering imbalance in mitochondrial dynamics. Antioxidant enzyme (SOD, CAT, MDA, GSH, T-AOC) activity was significantly altered, which in turn caused oxidative stress. H&E staining results showed damage and inflammation of chicken kidney. Mechanistically, the inflammation featured by activated NF-κB P65 and increased expression of pro-inflammatory factors (TNFα, iNOs, IL-1β and IL-6). Moreover, PS-MPs intake induced necroptosis through activated RIP1/RIP3/MLKL signaling pathway. In conclusion, our study was the first to show that oral intake of PS-MPs induced inflammation and necroptosis in chicken kidney and the differences in damage were linked to the concentration of PS-MPs. The purpose of this study provided theoretical support for the environmental risk assessment of PS-MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Meng
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Kai Yin
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Yue Zhang
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Dongxu Wang
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Hongmin Lu
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Lulu Hou
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Hongjing Zhao
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China.
| | - Mingwei Xing
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, Heilongjiang, PR China.
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