The formation of specific bacterial communities contributes to the enrichment of antibiotic resistance genes in the soil plastisphere

Seasonal dynamics of antibiotic resistance genes and mobile genetic elements in a subtropical coastal ecosystem: Implications for environmental health risks

Antibiotic resistance poses a considerable global public health concern, leading to heightened rates of illness and mortality. However, the impact of seasonal variations and environmental factors on the health risks associated with antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and their assembly mechanisms is not fully understood. Based on metagenomic sequencing, this study investigated the antibiotic resistome, mobile genetic elements (MGEs), and microbiomes in a subtropical coastal ecosystem of the Beibu Gulf, China, over autumn and winter, and explored the factors influencing seasonal changes in ARG and MGE abundance and diversity. Results indicated that ARG abundance and diversity were higher in winter than in autumn, with beta-lactam and multidrug resistance genes being the most diverse and abundant, respectively. Similarly, MGE abundance and diversity increased in winter and were strongly correlated with ARGs. In contrast, more pronounced associations between microbial communities, especially archaea, and the antibiotic resistome were observed in autumn than in winter. The co-occurrence network identified multiple interactions between MGEs and various multidrug efflux pumps in winter, suggesting a potential for ARG dissemination. Multivariate correlation analyses and path modeling indicated that environmental factors driving microbial community changes predominantly influenced antibiotic resistome assembly in autumn, while the relative importance of MGEs increased significantly in winter. These findings suggest an elevated health risk associated with antimicrobial resistance in the Beibu Gulf during winter, attributed to the dissemination of ARGs by horizontal gene transfer. The observed seasonal variations highlight the dynamic nature of antibiotic resistance dissemination in coastal ecosystems, emphasizing the need for comprehensive surveillance and management measures to address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance in vulnerable environments.

Multiomics analysis of the effects of manure-borne doxycycline combined with oversized fiber microplastics on pak choi growth and the risk of antibiotic resistance gene transmission

In this study, oversized microplastics (OMPs) were intentionally introduced into soil containing manure-borne doxycycline (DOX). This strategic approach was used to systematically examine the effects of combined OMP and DOX pollution on the growth of pak choi, analyze alterations in soil environmental metabolites, and explore the potential migration of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). The results revealed a more pronounced impact of DOX than of OMPs. Slender-fiber OMPs (SF OMPs) had a more substantial influence on the growth of pak choi than did coarse-fiber OMPs (CF OMPs). Conversely, CF OMPs had a more significant effect on the migration of ARGs within the system. When DOX was combined with OMPs, the negative effects of DOX on pak choi growth were mitigated through the synthesis of indole through the adjustment of carbon metabolism and amino acid metabolism in pak choi roots. In this process, Pseudohongiellaceae and Xanthomonadaceae were key bacteria. During the migration of ARGs, the potential host bacterium Limnobacter should be considered. Additionally, the majority of potential host bacteria in the pak choi endophytic environment were associated with tetG. This study provides insights into the intricate interplay among DOX, OMPs, ARGs, plant growth, soil metabolism, and the microbiome.

Plastisphere-hosted viruses: A review of interactions, behavior, and effects

Microbial communities, including bacteria, diatoms, and fungi, colonize plastic surfaces, forming biofilms known as the "plastisphere." Recent research has revealed that plastispheres also host a wide range of viruses, sparking interest in microbial ecology and virology. This shared habitat allows viruses to replicate, interact, infect, and spread, potentially impacting the environment and human health. Consequently, viruses attached to microplastics are now recognized to have broad effects on cellular and immune responses. However, the ecology and implications of viruses hosted in plastisphere habitats remain poorly understood, highlighting their fundamental importance as a subject of study. This review explores various pathways for virus attachment to plastispheres, factors influencing these interactions, their impacts within plastisphere and host-associated environments, and associated issues. It also summarizes current research and identifies knowledge gaps. We anticipate that this paper will help improve our predictive understanding of plastisphere viruses in natural settings and emphasizes the need for more research in real-world environments to advance the field.

Distinct species turnover patterns shaped the richness of antibiotic resistance genes on eight different microplastic polymers

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.

Insights into microbial contamination and antibiotic resistome traits in pork wholesale market: An evaluation of the disinfection effect of sodium hypochlorite

Chlorine and its derivatives, such as sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) and chlorine dioxide, are frequently employed as disinfectants throughout the pork supply chain in China. Nevertheless, the extensive use of NaClO has the potential to cause the creation of 'chlorine-tolerant bacteria' and accelerate the evolution of antibiotic resistance. This study evaluated the efficacy of NaClO disinfection by examining alterations in the microbiome and resistome of a pork wholesale market (PWM), and bacteria isolation and analysis were performed to validate the findings. As expected, the taxonomic compositions of bacteria was significantly different before and after disinfection. Notably, Salmonella enterica (S. enterica), Salmonella bongori (S. bongori), Escherichia coli (E. coli), Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) were observed on all surfaces, indicating that the application of NaClO disinfection treatment in PWM environments for pathogenic bacteria is limited. Correlations were identified between antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) associated with aminoglycosides (aph(3'')-I, aph(6')-I), quinolone (qnrB, abaQ), polymyxin (arnA, mcr-4) and disinfectant resistance genes (emrA/BD, mdtA/B/C/E/F). Furthermore, correlations were found between risk Rank I ARGs associated with aminoglycoside (aph(3')-I), tetracycline (tetH), beta_lactam (TEM-171), and disinfectant resistance genes (mdtB/C/E/F, emrA, acrB, qacG). Importantly, we found that Acinetobacter and Salmonella were the main hosts of disinfectant resistance genes. The resistance mechanisms of the ARGs identified in PWM were dominated by antibiotic deactivation (38.7%), antibiotic efflux (27.2%), and antibiotic target protection (14.4%). The proportion of genes encoding efflux pumps in the PWM resistome increased after disinfection. Microbial cultures demonstrated that the traits of microbial contamination and antibiotic resistane were consistent with those observed by metagenomic sequencing. This study highlights the possibility of cross-resistance between NaClO disinfectants and antibiotics, which should not be ignored.

Can plastic pollution drive the emergence and dissemination of novel zoonotic diseases?

As the volume of plastic in the environment increases, so too does human interactions with plastic pollution. Similarly, domestic, feral, and wild animals are increasingly interacting with plastic pollution, highlighting the potential for contamination of plastic wastes with animal faeces, urine, saliva, and blood. Substantial evidence indicates that once in the environment, plastics rapidly become colonised by microbial biofilm (the so-called 'plastisphere), which often includes potentially harmful microbial pathogens (including pathogens that are zoonotic in nature). Climate change, increased urbanisation, and the intensification of agriculture, mean that the three-way interactions between humans, animals, and plastic pollution are becoming more frequent, which is significant as almost 60% of emerging human infectious diseases during the last century have been zoonotic. Here, we critically review the potential for contaminated environmental plastics to facilitate the evolution of novel pathogenic strains of microorganisms, and the subsequent role of plastic pollution in the cyclical dissemination of zoonotic pathogens. As the interactions between humans, animals, and plastic pollution continues to grow, and the volume of plastics entering the environment increases, there is clearly an urgent need to better understand the role of plastic waste in facilitating zoonotic pathogen evolution and dissemination, and the effect this can have on environmental and human health.

Deciphering the dynamics and driving mechanisms of high-risk antibiotic resistome in size-fractionated bacterial community during drinking water chlorination via metagenomic analysis

To reveal the impact of chlorination on the high-risk resistome in size-fractionated bacterial community, we employed metagenomic approaches to decipher dynamics of high-risk antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and driving mechanisms in the free-living and particle-associated fractions within a full-scale drinking water treatment system. Our results revealed that chlorination significantly increased the relative abundance of high-risk ARGs in the free-living fraction to 0.33 ± 0.005 copies/cell (cpc), bacitracin and chloramphenicol resistance types were major contributors. Furthermore, chlorination significantly increased the relative abundance of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in the free-living fraction, while decreasing it in the particle-associated fraction. During chlorination, size-fractionated bacterial communities varied considerably. Multiple statistical analyses highlighted the pivotal role of the bacterial community in altering high-risk ARGs in both the free-living and particle-associated fractions, while MGEs had a more pronounced impact on high-risk ARGs in the free-living fraction. Specifically, the enrichment of pathogenic hosts, such as Comamonas and Pseudomonas, led to an increase in the abundance of high-risk ARGs. Concurrently, MGEs exhibited significant correlations with high-risk ARGs, indicating the potential of horizontal transfer of high-risk ARGs. These findings provide novel insights for mitigating antibiotic resistance risk by considering different bacterial fractions and respective risk ranks in drinking water.

Effects of microplastics on carbon release and microbial community in mangrove soil systems

Mangrove ecosystems are major carbon sink biomes and also a sink of microplastics (MPs). The final enrichment of MPs in sediments may have a significant impact on the microbial community and carbon turnover in the soil. However, the effects of MP pollution on the mangrove soil microbial communities and carbon release remain unknown. Here, we conducted a manipulative incubation experiment by adding MPs to soil at different soil depths to examine the effect of enriched MPs on soil microorganisms and its function (i.e., decomposition of soil carbon). The results showed that the addition of MPs had no significant effect on the microbial diversity and CO2 cumulative emission in the topsoil but significantly increased CO2 release from the subsoil. The promoting effect of polylactide (PLA) on the release of CO2 from the subsoil was stronger than that of polyethylene (PE) and aging PE. In the subsoil, the activity of soil extracellular enzymes related to N acquisition increased with the MP addition, indicating an increase in microbial N deficiency. The subsoil was more sensitive to MPs because of the exacerbated nitrogen limitation. MP addition reduced the microbial diversity of the subsoil and altered soil microbial interactions. The increasing abundance of some microbial taxa, especially bacteria related to the sulfur cycle, indicated more active electron transfer and organic carbon mineralization in the subsoil. Our findings suggest that MP contamination has potential effects on microbial communities, nutrient cycling, and carbon release in mangrove soils that vary depending on soil depth.

Molecular docking and metagenomics assisted mitigation of microplastic pollution

Microplastics, tiny, flimsy, and direct progenitors of principal and subsidiary plastics, cause environmental degradation in aquatic and terrestrial entities. Contamination concerns include irrevocable impacts, potential cytotoxicity, and negative health effects on mortals. The detection, recovery, and degradation strategies of these pollutants in various biota and ecosystems, as well as their impact on plants, animals, and humans, have been a topic of significant interest. But the natural environment is infested with several types of plastics, all having different chemical makeup, structure, shape, and origin. Plastic trash acts as a substrate for microbial growth, creating biofilms on the plastisphere surface. This colonizing microbial diversity can be glimpsed with meta-genomics, a culture-independent approach. Owing to its comprehensive description of microbial communities, genealogical evidence on unconventional biocatalysts or enzymes, genomic correlations, evolutionary profile, and function, it is being touted as one of the promising tools in identifying novel enzymes for the degradation of polymers. Additionally, computational tools such as molecular docking can predict the binding of these novel enzymes to the polymer substrate, which can be validated through in vitro conditions for its environmentally feasible applications. This review mainly deals with the exploration of metagenomics along with computational tools to provide a clearer perspective into the microbial potential in the biodegradation of microplastics. The computational tools due to their polymathic nature will be quintessential in identifying the enzyme structure, binding affinities of the prospective enzymes to the substrates, and foretelling of degradation pathways involved which can be quite instrumental in the furtherance of the plastic degradation studies.

Farmland Microhabitat Mediated by a Residual Microplastic Film: Microbial Communities and Function

How the plastisphere mediated by the residual microplastic film in farmlands affects microhabitat systems is unclear. Here, microbial structure, assembly, and biogeochemical cycling in the plastisphere and soil in 33 typical farmland sites were analyzed by amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA genes and ITS and metagenome analysis. The results indicated that residual microplastic film was colonized by microbes, forming a unique niche called the plastisphere. Notable differences in the microbial community structure and function were observed between soil and plastisphere. Residual microplastic film altered the microbial symbiosis and assembly processes. Stochastic processes significantly dominated the assembly of the bacterial community in the plastisphere and soil but only in the plastisphere for the fungal community. Deterministic processes significantly dominated the assembly of fungal communities only in soil. Moreover, the plastisphere mediated by the residual microplastic film acted as a preferred vector for pathogens and microorganisms associated with plastic degradation and the nitrogen and sulfur cycle. The abundance of genes associated with denitrification and sulfate reduction activity in the plastisphere was pronouncedly higher than that of soil, which increase the potential risk of nitrogen and sulfur loss. The results will offer a scientific understanding of the harm caused by the residual microplastic film in farmlands.

Co-exposure of microplastics and sulfamethoxazole propagated antibiotic resistance genes in sediments by regulating the microbial carbon metabolism

The concerns on the carriers of microplastics (MPs) on co-existing pollutants in aquatic environments are sharply rising in recent years. However, little is known about their interactions on the colonization of microbiota, especially for the spread of pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the influences on the propagation of ARGs in sediments by the co-exposure of different MPs and sulfamethoxazole (SMX). The results showed that the presence of MPs significantly enhanced the contents of total organic carbon, while having no effects on the removal of SMX in sediments. Exposure to SMX and MPs obviously activated the microbial carbon utilization capacities based on the BIOLOG method. The propagation of ARGs in sediments was activated by SMX, which was further promoted by the presence of polylactic acid (PLA) MPs, but significantly lowered by the co-exposed polyethylene (PE) MPs. This apparent difference may be attributed to the distinct influence on the antibiotic efflux pumps of two MPs. Moreover, the propagation of ARGs may be also dominated by microbial carbon metabolism in sediments, especially through regulating the carbon sources of carboxylic acids, carbohydrates, and amino acids. This study provides new insights into the carrier effects of MPs in sediments.

The soil plastisphere

Understanding the effects of plastic pollution in terrestrial ecosystems is a priority in environmental research. A central aspect of this suite of pollutants is that it entails particles, in addition to chemical compounds, and this makes plastic quite different from the vast majority of chemical environmental pollutants. Particles can be habitats for microbial communities, and plastics can be a source of chemical compounds that are released into the surrounding environment. In the aquatic literature, the term 'plastisphere' has been coined to refer to the microbial community colonizing plastic debris; here, we use a definition that also includes the immediate soil environment of these particles to align the definition with other concepts in soil microbiology. First, we highlight major differences in the plastisphere between aquatic and soil ecosystems, then we review what is currently known about the soil plastisphere, including the members of the microbial community that are enriched, and the possible mechanisms underpinning this selection. Then, we focus on outlining future prospects for research on the soil plastisphere.

Insight into the responses of antibiotic resistance genes in microplastic biofilms to zinc oxide nanoparticles and zinc ions pressures in landfill leachate

Microplastic (MP) biofilms are hotspots of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in landfill environment. MP biofilms in landfill leachate coexist with heavy metals and metallic nanoparticles (NPs) that considered to be the selective agents of ARGs. However, the effects of these selective pressures on ARGs in MP biofilms and their differences in MP-surrounding leachate have not been well understood. Herein, the changes of ARG abundances in MP biofilms and corresponding leachate under zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs and zinc ion (Zn2+) pressures were comparatively analyzed. The presence of ZnO NPs and Zn2+ promoted the enrichment of ARGs in MP biofilms, and the enrichment was more pronounced in ZnO NPs groups. ZnO NPs and especially Zn2+ mainly decreased the abundances of ARGs in leachate. The increase of integron abundances and reactive oxygen species production in MP biofilms implied the enhanced potential for horizontal transfer of ARGs under ZnO NPs and Zn2+ pressures. Meanwhile, the co-occurrence pattern between ARGs and bacterial genera in MP biofilms with more diverse potential ARG hosts was more complex than in leachate, and the enrichment of ARG-hosting bacteria in MP biofilms under ZnO NPs and Zn2+ pressures supported the enrichment of ARGs.

Plastic nanoparticles cause proteome stress and aggregation by compromising cellular protein homeostasis ex vivo and in vivo

Decomposition of plastic materials into minuscule particles and their long-term uptake pose increasing concerns on environmental sustainability and biosafety. Besides common cell viability and cytotoxicity evaluations, how plastic nanoparticles interfere with different stress response pathways and affect cellular fitness has been less explored. Here, we provided the first piece of evidence to demonstrate plastic nanoparticles potentially can deteriorate proteome stability, compromise cellular protein homeostasis, and consequently cause global proteome misfolding and aggregation. Polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles of different sizes and surface charges were exploited as model plastic materials. In cell lysate and human blood plasma, naked PS nanoparticles with hydrophobic surface deteriorated proteome thermodynamic stability and exaggerated its aggregation propensity. While no cell viability ablation was observed in cells treated with PS nanoparticles up to 200 μg·mL-1, global proteome aggregation and stress was detected by a selective proteome aggregation sensor. Further proteomics analysis revealed how protein homeostasis network was remodeled by positively charged PS nanoparticles via differential expression of key proteins to counteract proteome stress. In mice model, size-dependent liver accumulation of positively charged PS nanoparticles induced hepatocellular proteome aggregation and compromised protein homeostasis network capacity that were invisible to standard alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase (ALT/AST) liver function as-say and histology. Meanwhile, long-term liver accumulation of plastic nanoparticles deteriorated liver metabolism and saturated liver detoxification capacity of overdosed acetaminophen. This work highlighted the impact of nanoplastics on cellular proteome integrity and cellular fitness that are invisible to current biochemical assays and clinical tests.

Microplastics in agriculture - a potential novel mechanism for the delivery of human pathogens onto crops

Mulching with plastic sheeting, the use of plastic carriers in seed coatings, and irrigation with wastewater or contaminated surface water have resulted in plastics, and microplastics, becoming ubiquitous in agricultural soils. Once in the environment, plastic surfaces quickly become colonised by microbial biofilm comprised of a diverse microbial community. This so-called 'plastisphere' community can also include human pathogens, particularly if the plastic has been exposed to faecal contamination (e.g., from wastewater or organic manures and livestock faeces). The plastisphere is hypothesised to facilitate the survival and dissemination of pathogens, and therefore plastics in agricultural systems could play a significant role in transferring human pathogens to crops, particularly as microplastics adhering to ready to eat crops are difficult to remove by washing. In this paper we critically discuss the pathways for human pathogens associated with microplastics to interact with crop leaves and roots, and the potential for the transfer, adherence, and uptake of human pathogens from the plastisphere to plants. Globally, the concentration of plastics in agricultural soils are increasing, therefore, quantifying the potential for the plastisphere to transfer human pathogens into the food chain needs to be treated as a priority.

Effects of freeze-thaw dynamics and microplastics on the distribution of antibiotic resistance genes in soil aggregates

This is the first study investigating the effects of freeze-thaw (FT) and microplastics (MPs) on the distribution of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in soil aggregates (i.e., soil basic constituent and functional unit) via microcosm experiments. The results showed that FT significantly increased the total relative abundance of target ARGs in different aggregates due to the increase in intI1 and ARG host bacteria. However, polyethylene MPs (PE-MPs) hindered the increase in ARG abundance caused by FT. The host bacteria carrying ARGs and intI1 varied with aggregate size, and the highest number of hosts was observed in micro-aggregates (<0.25 mm). FT and MPs altered host bacteria abundance by affecting aggregate physicochemical properties and bacterial community and enhanced multiple antibiotic resistance via vertical gene transfer. Although the dominant factors affecting ARGs varied with aggregate size, intI1 was a co-dominant factor in various-sized aggregates. Furthermore, other than ARGs, FT, PE-MPs, and their integration promoted the proliferation of human pathogenic bacteria in aggregates. These findings suggested that FT and its integration with MPs significantly affected ARG distribution in soil aggregates. They amplified antibiotic resistance environmental risks, contributing to a profound understanding of soil antibiotic resistance in the boreal region.

Interaction of Microbes with Microplastics and Nanoplastics in the Agroecosystems-Impact on Antimicrobial Resistance

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are hotspots for the exchange of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) between different bacterial taxa in the environment. Propagation of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health issue that needs special attention concerning horizontal gene transfer (HGT) under micro-nano plastics (MNPs) pressure. Interactions between MNPs and microbes, or mere persistence of MNPs in the environment (either water or soil), influence microbial gene expressions, affecting autochthonous microbiomes, their resistomes, and the overall ecosystem. The adsorption of a range of co-contaminants on MNPs leads to the increased interaction of pollutants with microbes resulting in changes in AMR, virulence, toxin production, etc. However, accurately estimating the extent of MNP infestation in agroecosystems remains challenging. The main limitation in estimating the level of MNPs contamination in agroecosystems, surface and subsurface waters, or sediments is the lack of standardized protocols for extraction of MPs and analytical detection methods from complex high organic content matrices. Nonetheless, recent advances in MPs detection from complex matrices with high organic matter content are highly promising. This review aims to provide an overview of relevant information available to date and summarize the already existing knowledge about the mechanisms of MNP-microbe interactions including the different factors with influence on HGT and AMR. In-depth knowledge of the enhanced ARGs propagation in the environment under the influence of MNPs could raise the needed awareness, about future consequences and emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Abandoned disposable masks become hot substrates for plastisphere, whether in soil, atmosphere or water

A large number of surgical masks (SMs) to be discarded indiscriminately during the spread of COVID-19. The relationship between the changes of masks entering the environment and the succession of the microorganisms on them is not yet clear. The natural aging process of SMs in different environments (water, soil, and atmosphere) was simulated, the changes and succession of the microbial community on SMs with aging time were explored. The results showed that the SMs in water environment had the highest aging degree, followed by atmospheric environment, and SMs in soil had the lowest aging degree. The results of high-throughput sequencing demonstrated the load capacity of SMs for microorganisms, showed the important role of environment in determining microbial species on SMs. According to the relative abundance of microorganisms, it is found that compared with the water environment, the microbial community on SMs in water is dominated by rare species. While in soil, in addition to rare species, there are a lot of swinging strains on the SMs. Uncovering the ageing of SMs in the environment and its association with the colonization of microorganisms will help us understand the potential of microorganisms, especially pathogenic bacteria, to survive and migrate on SMs.

Plastisphere microbiome: Methodology, diversity, and functionality

Broad topics of the plastisphere in various environments are reviewed, including its methodologies, diversity, functionality, and outlook.

Responses of bacterial communities to microplastics: More sensitive in less fertile soils

Recently, the potential impact of microplastics (MPs) on bacterial communities has risen enormously attention due to the increasing amount of plastic waste generated nowadays. However, there is a lack of clarity due to limited studies on the responses of bacterial communities to MPs exposures in various soil ecosystems. Here, we conducted a soil microcosm experiment to analyze the potential impact of MPs on bacterial communities in farmland soil, forest soil, and sandy soil. The changes in alpha/beta diversity and co-occurrence network of bacterial communities were more significant in farmland soil amended with PS MPs (5 g kg^-1), forest soil amended with PP MPs (5 g kg^-1), and sandy soil amended with PP MPs (1 g kg^-1). Particularly, the bacterial communities in sandy soil with the least soil organic carbon content were disturbed most significantly compared to other treatments. LEfSe analysis revealed that specific bacterial taxa such as phylum Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and genus Sphingomonas, Candidatus Udaeobacter, Gemmatimonas, were sensitive to MPs exposures. Functional annotation showed that perturbation of bacterial communities was related to organic carbon decomposition, nitrogen fixation, nitrate reduction/respiration, etc. In sum, MPs may potentially affect bacterial community structure and functions relevant to carbon/nitrogen cycles at long-term realistic field exposure.