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Bertrans-Tubau L, Martínez-Campos S, Lopez-Doval J, Abril M, Ponsá S, Salvadó V, Hidalgo M, Pico-Tomàs A, Balcazar JL, Proia L. Nature-based bioreactors: Tackling antibiotic resistance in urban wastewater treatment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 22:100445. [PMID: 39055482 PMCID: PMC11269294 DOI: 10.1016/j.ese.2024.100445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
The overuse and misuse of antibiotics have accelerated the selection of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, significantly impacting human, animal, and environmental health. As aquatic environments are vulnerable to antibiotic resistance, suitable management practices should be adopted to tackle this phenomenon. Here we show an effective, nature-based solution for reducing antibiotic resistance from actual wastewater. We utilize a bioreactor that relies on benthic (biofilms) and planktonic microbial communities to treat secondary effluent from a small urban wastewater treatment plant (<10,000 population equivalent). This treated effluent is eventually released into the local aquatic ecosystem. We observe high removal efficiency for genes that provide resistance to commonly used antibiotic families, as well as for mobile genetic elements that could potentially aid in their spread. Importantly, we notice a buildup of sulfonamide (sul1 and sul2) and tetracycline (tet(C), tet(G), and tetR) resistance genes specifically in biofilms. This advancement marks the initial step in considering this bioreactor as a nature-based, cost-effective tertiary treatment option for small UWWTPs facing antibiotic resistance challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lluís Bertrans-Tubau
- BETA Technological Centre- University of Vic- Central University of Catalunya (BETA- UVIC- UCC), Carretera de Roda 70, 08500, Vic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergio Martínez-Campos
- BETA Technological Centre- University of Vic- Central University of Catalunya (BETA- UVIC- UCC), Carretera de Roda 70, 08500, Vic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julio Lopez-Doval
- BETA Technological Centre- University of Vic- Central University of Catalunya (BETA- UVIC- UCC), Carretera de Roda 70, 08500, Vic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Abril
- BETA Technological Centre- University of Vic- Central University of Catalunya (BETA- UVIC- UCC), Carretera de Roda 70, 08500, Vic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergio Ponsá
- BETA Technological Centre- University of Vic- Central University of Catalunya (BETA- UVIC- UCC), Carretera de Roda 70, 08500, Vic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Victoria Salvadó
- Chemistry Department, University of Girona. Campus Montilivi, 17005, Girona, Spain
| | - Manuela Hidalgo
- Chemistry Department, University of Girona. Campus Montilivi, 17005, Girona, Spain
| | - Anna Pico-Tomàs
- Catalan Institute Water Research (ICRA-CERCA), Emili Grahit 101, 17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Jose Luis Balcazar
- Catalan Institute Water Research (ICRA-CERCA), Emili Grahit 101, 17003, Girona, Spain
- University of Girona, 17004, Girona, Spain
| | - Lorenzo Proia
- BETA Technological Centre- University of Vic- Central University of Catalunya (BETA- UVIC- UCC), Carretera de Roda 70, 08500, Vic, Barcelona, Spain
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2
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de Vogel FA, Goudriaan M, Zettler ER, Niemann H, Eich A, Weber M, Lott C, Amaral-Zettler LA. Biodegradable plastics in Mediterranean coastal environments feature contrasting microbial succession. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 928:172288. [PMID: 38599394 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172288] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution of the ocean is a top environmental concern. Biodegradable plastics present a potential "solution" in combating the accumulation of plastic pollution, and their production is currently increasing. While these polymers will contribute to the future plastic marine debris budget, very little is known still about the behavior of biodegradable plastics in different natural environments. In this study, we molecularly profiled entire microbial communities on laboratory confirmed biodegradable polybutylene sebacate-co-terephthalate (PBSeT) and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) films, and non-biodegradable conventional low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films that were incubated in situ in three different coastal environments in the Mediterranean Sea. Samples from a pelagic, benthic, and eulittoral habitat were taken at five timepoints during an incubation period of 22 months. We assessed the presence of potential biodegrading bacterial and fungal taxa and contrasted them against previously published in situ disintegration data of these polymers. Scanning electron microscopy imaging complemented our molecular data. Putative plastic degraders occurred in all environments, but there was no obvious "core" of shared plastic-specific microbes. While communities varied between polymers, the habitat predominantly selected for the underlying communities. Observed disintegration patterns did not necessarily match community patterns of putative plastic degraders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fons A de Vogel
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, P.O. Box 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, the Netherlands
| | - Maaike Goudriaan
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, P.O. Box 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, the Netherlands
| | - Erik R Zettler
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, P.O. Box 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, the Netherlands
| | - Helge Niemann
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, P.O. Box 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, the Netherlands; Faculty of Geosciences, Department of Earth Sciences, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80.115, 3508 TC Utrecht, the Netherlands; CAGE-Centre for Arctic Gas Hydrate, Environment and Climate, Department of Geosciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Andreas Eich
- HYDRA Marine Sciences GmbH, D-77815 Bühl, Germany
| | - Miriam Weber
- HYDRA Marine Sciences GmbH, D-77815 Bühl, Germany
| | | | - Linda A Amaral-Zettler
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, P.O. Box 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, the Netherlands; Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94240, 1090 GE Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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3
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Chu WC, Gao YY, Wu YX, Liu FF. Biofilm of petroleum-based and bio-based microplastics in seawater in response to Zn(II): Biofilm formation, community structure, and microbial function. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 928:172397. [PMID: 38608889 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172397] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic biofilms are novel vectors for the transport and spread of pathogenic and drug-resistant bacteria. With the increasing use of bio-based plastics, there is an urgent need to investigate the microbial colonization characteristics of these materials in seawater, particularly in comparison with conventional petroleum-based plastics. Furthermore, the effect of co-occurring contaminants, such as heavy metals, on the formation of microplastic biofilms and bacterial communities remains unclear. In this study, we compared the biofilm bacterial community structure of petroleum-based polyethylene (PE) and bio-based polylactic acid (PLA) in seawater under the influence of zinc ions (Zn2+). Our findings indicate that the biofilm on PLA microplastics in the late stage was impeded by the formation of a mildly acidic microenvironment resulting from the hydrolysis of the ester group on PLA. The PE surface had higher bacterial abundance and diversity, with a more intricate symbiotic pattern. The bacterial structures on the two types of microplastics were different; PE was more conducive to the colonization of anaerobic bacteria, whereas PLA was more favorable for the colonization of aerobic and acid-tolerant species. Furthermore, Zn increased the proportion of the dominant genera that could utilize microplastics as a carbon source, such as Alcanivorax and Nitratireductor. PLA had a greater propensity to harbor and disseminate pathogenic and drug-resistant bacteria, and Zn promoted the enrichment and spread of harmful bacteria such as, Pseudomonas and Clostridioides. Therefore, further research is essential to fully understand the potential environmental effects of bio-based microplastics and the role of heavy metals in the dynamics of bacterial colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang-Chao Chu
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Gao
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
| | - Yu-Xin Wu
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
| | - Fei-Fei Liu
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China.
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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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5
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Ormsby MJ, Woodford L, Quilliam RS. Can plastic pollution drive the emergence and dissemination of novel zoonotic diseases? ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 246:118172. [PMID: 38220083 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118172] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Ormsby
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK.
| | - Luke Woodford
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK
| | - Richard S Quilliam
- Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK
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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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7
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Kim H, Yoo K. Marine plastisphere selectively enriches microbial assemblages and antibiotic resistance genes during long-term cultivation periods. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 344:123450. [PMID: 38280464 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123450] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Several studies have focused on identifying and quantifying suspended plastics in surface and subsurface seawater. Microplastics (MPs) have attracted attention as carriers of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the marine environment. Plastispheres, specific biofilms on MP, can provide an ideal niche to spread more widely through horizontal gene transfer (HGT), thereby increasing risks to ecosystems and human health. However, the microbial communities formed on different plastic types and ARG abundances during exposure time in natural marine environments remain unclear. Four types of commonly used MPs (polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)) were periodically cultured (46, 63, and 102 d) in a field-based marine environment to study the co-selection of ARGs and microbial communities in marine plastispheres. After the first 63 d of incubation (p < 0.05), the initial 16S rRNA gene abundance of microorganisms in the plastisphere increased significantly, and the biomass subsequently decreased. These results suggest that MPs can serve as vehicles for various microorganisms to travel to different environments and eventually provide a niche for a variety of microorganisms. Additionally, the qPCR results showed that MPs selectively enriched ARGs. In particular, tetA, tetQ, sul1, and qnrS were selectively enriched in the PVC-MPs. The abundances of intl1, a mobile genetic element, was measured in all MP types for 46 d (5.22 × 10-5 ± 8.21 × 10-6 copies/16s rRNA gene copies), 63 d (5.90 × 10-5 ± 2.49 × 10-6 copies/16s rRNA gene copies), and 102 d (4.00 × 10-5 ± 5.11 × 10-6 copies/16s rRNA gene copies). Network analysis indicated that ARG profiles co-occurred with key biofilm-forming bacteria. This study suggests that the selection of ARGs and their co-occurring bacteria in MPs could potentially accelerate their transmission through HGT in natural marine plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunsu Kim
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Busan, 49112, South Korea; Interdisciplinary Major of Ocean Renewable Energy Engineering, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Busan, 49112, South Korea
| | - Keunje Yoo
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Busan, 49112, South Korea; Interdisciplinary Major of Ocean Renewable Energy Engineering, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Busan, 49112, South Korea.
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8
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Chen Y, Yan Z, Zhou Y, Zhang Y, Jiang R, Wang M, Yuan S, Lu G. Dynamic evolution of antibiotic resistance genes in plastisphere in the vertical profile of urban rivers. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 249:120946. [PMID: 38043355 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120946] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) can vertically transport in the aquatic environment due to their aging and biofouling, forming distinct plastisphere in different water layers. However, even though MPs have been regarded as hotspots for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), little is known about the propagation and transfer of ARGs in plastisphere in waters, especially in the vertical profile. Therefore, this study investigated the dynamic responses and evolution of ARGs in different plastisphere distributed vertically in an urbanized river. The biofilm biomass in the polylactic acid (PLA) plastisphere was relatively higher than that in the polyethylene terephthalate (PET), showing depth-decay variations. The ARGs abundance in plastisphere were much higher than that in the surrounding waters, especially for the PLA. In the vertical profiles, the ARGs abundance in the PET plastisphere increased with water depths, while the highest abundance of ARGs in the PLA mostly appeared at intermediate waters. In the temporal dynamic, the ARGs abundance in plastisphere increased and then decreased, which may be dominated by the MP types at the initial periods. After long-term exposure, the influences of water depths seemed to be strengthened, especially in the PET plastisphere. Compared with surface waters, the microbiota attached in plastisphere in deep waters showed high species richness, strong diversity, and complex interactions, which was basically consistent with the changes of nutrient contents in different water layers. These vertical variations in microbiota and nutrients (e.g., nitrogen) may be responsible for the propagation of ARGs in plastisphere in deep waters. The host bacteria for ARGs in plastisphere was also developed as water depth increased, leading to an enrichment of ARGs in deep waters. In addition, the abundance of ARGs in plastisphere in bottom waters was positively correlated with the mobile genetic elements (MGEs) of intI1 and tnpA05, indicative of a frequent horizontal gene transfer of ARGs. Overall, water depth played a critical role in the propagation of ARGs in plastisphere, which should not be ignored in a long time series. This study provides new insights into the dynamic evolution of ARGs propagation in plastisphere under increasing global MPs pollution, especially in the vertical profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Zhenhua Yan
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China.
| | - Yixin Zhou
- College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Runren Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Min Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Saiyu Yuan
- The National Key Laboratory of Water Disaster Prevention, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Guanghua Lu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes of Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
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9
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Stevenson EM, Buckling A, Cole M, Lindeque PK, Murray AK. Selection for antimicrobial resistance in the plastisphere. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168234. [PMID: 37924893 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168234] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics and antimicrobials are widespread contaminants that threaten global systems and frequently co-exist in the presence of human or animal pathogens. Whilst the impact of each of these contaminants has been studied in isolation, the influence of this co-occurrence in driving antimicrobial resistance (AMR)1 in microplastic-adhered microbial communities, known as 'the Plastisphere', is not well understood. This review proposes the mechanisms by which interactions between antimicrobials and microplastics may drive selection for AMR in the Plastisphere. These include: 1) increased rates of horizontal gene transfer in the Plastisphere compared with free-living counterparts and natural substrate controls due to the proximity of cells, co-occurrence of environmental microplastics with AMR selective compounds and the sequestering of extracellular antibiotic resistance genes in the biofilm matrix. 2) An elevated AMR selection pressure in the Plastisphere due to the adsorbing of AMR selective or co-selective compounds to microplastics at concentrations greater than those found in surrounding mediums and potentially those adsorbed to comparator particles. 3) AMR selection pressure may be further elevated in the Plastisphere due to the incorporation of antimicrobial or AMR co-selective chemicals in the plastic matrix during manufacture. Implications for both ecological functioning and environmental risk assessments are discussed, alongside recommendations for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Stevenson
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter Medical School, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Penryn Campus, Cornwall, UK; Marine Ecology & Biodiversity, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, West Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, UK; Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Angus Buckling
- Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Matthew Cole
- Marine Ecology & Biodiversity, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, West Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, UK
| | - Penelope K Lindeque
- Marine Ecology & Biodiversity, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, West Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, UK; Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Aimee K Murray
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter Medical School, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Penryn Campus, Cornwall, UK.
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10
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Zhao Q, Wu QL, Wang HZ, Si QS, Sun LS, Li DN, Ren NQ, Guo WQ. Attenuation effects of ZVI/PDS pretreatment on propagation of antibiotic resistance genes in bioreactors: Driven by antibiotic residues and sulfate assimilation. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132054. [PMID: 37473569 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132054] [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: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Sulfate radical-based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) combined biological system was a promising technology for treating antibiotic wastewater. However, how pretreatment influence antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) propagation remains largely elusive, especially the produced by-products (antibiotic residues and sulfate) are often ignored. Herein, we investigated the effects of zero valent iron/persulfate pretreatment on ARGs in bioreactors treating sulfadiazine wastewater. Results showed absolute and relative abundance of ARGs reduced by 59.8%- 81.9% and 9.1%- 52.9% after pretreatments. The effect of 90-min pretreatment was better than that of the 30-min. The ARGs reduction was due to decreased antibiotic residues and stimulated sulfate assimilation. Reduced antibiotic residues was a major factor in ARGs attenuation, which could suppress oxidative stress, inhibit mobile genetic elements emergence and resistant strains proliferation. The presence of sulfate in influent supplemented microbial sulfur sources and facilitated the in-situ synthesis of antioxidant cysteine through sulfate assimilation, which drove ARGs attenuation by alleviating oxidative stress. This is the first detailed analysis about the regulatory mechanism of how sulfate radical-based AOPs mediate in ARGs attenuation, which is expected to provide theoretical basis for solving concerns about by-products and developing practical methods to hinder ARGs propagation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Qing-Lian Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Hua-Zhe Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Qi-Shi Si
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Lu-Shi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Combustion, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074 Wuhan, China
| | - De-Nian Li
- Laboratory for Integrated Technology of "Urban and Rural Mines" Exploitation, Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 2 Nengyuan Road, Wushan, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510640, PR China
| | - Nan-Qi Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Wan-Qian Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China.
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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: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [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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