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Papale M, Fazi S, Severini M, Scarinci R, Dell'Acqua O, Azzaro M, Venuti V, Fazio B, Fazio E, Crupi V, Irrera A, Rizzo C, Giudice AL, Caruso G. Structural properties and microbial diversity of the biofilm colonizing plastic substrates in Terra Nova Bay (Antarctica). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 943:173773. [PMID: 38844237 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Microbial colonization on plastic polymers has been extensively explored, however the temporal dynamics of biofilm community in Antarctic environments are almost unknown. As a contribute to fill this knowledge gap, the structural characteristics and microbial diversity of the biofilm associated with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene (PE) panels submerged at 5 m of depth and collected after 3, 9 and 12 months were investigated in four coastal sites of the Ross Sea. Additional panels placed at 5 and 20 m were retrieved after 12 months. Chemical characterization was performed by FTIR-ATR and Raman (through Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering, SERS) spectroscopy. Bacterial community composition was quantified at a single cell level by Catalyzed Reporter Deposition Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (CARD-FISH) and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM); microbial diversity was assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. This multidisciplinary approach has provided new insights into microbial community dynamics during biofouling process, shedding light on the biofilm diversity and temporal succession on plastic substrates in the Ross Sea. Significant differences between free-living and microbial biofilm communities were found, with a more consolidated and structured community composition on PVC compared to PE. Spectral features ascribable to tyrosine, polysaccharides, nucleic acids and lipids characterized the PVC-associated biofilms. Pseudomonadota (among Gamma-proteobacteria) and Alpha-proteobacteria dominated the microbial biofilm community. Interestingly, in Road Bay, close to the Italian "Mario Zucchelli" research station, the biofilm growth - already observed during summer season, after 3 months of submersion - continued afterwards leading to a massive microbial abundance at the end of winter (after 12 months). After 3 months, higher percentages of Gamma-proteobacteria in Road Bay than in the not-impacted site were found. These observations lead us to hypothesize that in this site microbial fouling developed during the first 3 months could serve as a starter pioneering community stimulating the successive growth during winter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Papale
- Institute of Polar Sciences, National Research Council (CNR-ISP), Spianata S. Raineri 86, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Stefano Fazi
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council (CNR-IRSA), Via Salaria km 29.300 CP10, 00015 Monterotondo, Rome, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center, Piazza Marina 61, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Maila Severini
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council (CNR-IRSA), Via Salaria km 29.300 CP10, 00015 Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Scarinci
- Water Research Institute, National Research Council (CNR-IRSA), Via Salaria km 29.300 CP10, 00015 Monterotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Ombretta Dell'Acqua
- DISTAV, Department of Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Genoa, Corso Europa, 26, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Maurizio Azzaro
- Institute of Polar Sciences, National Research Council (CNR-ISP), Spianata S. Raineri 86, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Valentina Venuti
- Department of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, Physical Sciences and Earth Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Barbara Fazio
- URT "LabSens of Beyond Nano" of the Department of Physical Sciences and Technologies of Matter, National Research Council (CNR- DSFTM-ME), Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; Institute for Chemical and Physical Processes, National Research Council (CNR-IPCF), Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres, 37, 98158 Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Enza Fazio
- Department of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, Physical Sciences and Earth Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Vincenza Crupi
- Department of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, Physical Sciences and Earth Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Alessia Irrera
- URT "LabSens of Beyond Nano" of the Department of Physical Sciences and Technologies of Matter, National Research Council (CNR- DSFTM-ME), Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy.
| | - Carmen Rizzo
- Institute of Polar Sciences, National Research Council (CNR-ISP), Spianata S. Raineri 86, 98122 Messina, Italy; Marine Biotechnology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Sicily Marine Centre, Villa Pace, Contrada Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina, Italy
| | - Angelina Lo Giudice
- Institute of Polar Sciences, National Research Council (CNR-ISP), Spianata S. Raineri 86, 98122 Messina, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center, Piazza Marina 61, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Gabriella Caruso
- Institute of Polar Sciences, National Research Council (CNR-ISP), Spianata S. Raineri 86, 98122 Messina, Italy.
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Messer LF, Wattiez R, Matallana-Surget S. A Closer Look at Plastic Colonisation: Prokaryotic Dynamics in Established versus Newly Synthesised Marine Plastispheres and their Planktonic State. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024:124479. [PMID: 38960113 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
The taxonomy of marine plastisphere communities has been extensively studied, demonstrating the ubiquity of hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria of potential biotechnological significance. However, prokaryotic functioning on plastic surfaces has received limited attention, and the question of whether these microorganisms are active and expressing specific molecular mechanisms underpinning plastisphere colonisation remains to be addressed. The aim of this study was to investigate the plastic colonisation process, to identify the active taxa involved in biofilm formation and the mechanisms used to initiate colonisation. To achieve this, a marine plastisphere characterised by active hydrocarbonoclastic genera was used as the inoculum for a short-term microcosm experiment using virgin low-density polyethylene as the sole carbon source. Following incubation for 1 and 2 weeks (representing early and late colonisation, respectively), a taxonomic and comparative metaproteomic approach revealed a significant shift in plastisphere diversity and composition, yet highlighted stability in the predominance of active Proteobacteria spanning 16 genera, including Marinomonas, Pseudomonas, and Pseudoalteromonas. Relative quantification of 1,762 proteins shared between the initial plastisphere inoculum, the microcosm plastisphere and the planktonic cells in the surrounding artificial seawater, provided insights into the differential regulation of proteins associated with plastisphere formation. This included the upregulation of proteins mediating cellular attachment in the plastisphere, for example flagellin expressed by Marinomonas, Cobetia, Pseudoalteromonas, and Pseudomonas, and curli expressed by Cobetia. In addition to the differential regulation of energy metabolism in Marinomonas, Psychrobacter, Pseudomonas and Cobetia within the plastisphere relative to the surrounding seawater. Further, we identified the upregulation of amino acid metabolism and transport, including glutamine hydrolysis to glutamate in Marinomonas and unclassified Halomonadaceae, potentially coupled to ammonia availability and oxidative stress experienced within the plastisphere. Our study provides novel insights into the dynamics of plastisphere formation and function, highlighting potential targets for regulating plastisphere growth to enhance plastic bioremediation processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren F Messer
- Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland, FK9 4LA.
| | - Ruddy Wattiez
- Laboratory of Proteomics and Microbiology, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Place du Parc 20, 7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Sabine Matallana-Surget
- Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland, FK9 4LA.
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3
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Liu R, Xu H, Zhao S, Dong C, Li J, Wei G, Li G, Gong L, Yan P, Shao Z. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-degrading bacteria in the pelagic deep-sea sediments of the Pacific Ocean. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 352:124131. [PMID: 38734049 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124131] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic pollution is widely found in deep-sea sediments. Despite being an international environmental issue, it remains unclear whether PET can be degraded through bioremediation in the deep sea. Pelagic sediments obtained from 19 sites across a wide geographic range in the Pacific Ocean were used to screen for bacteria with PET degrading potential. Bacterial consortia that could grow on PET as the sole carbon and energy source were found in 10 of the 19 sites. These bacterial consortia showed PET removal rate of 1.8%-16.2% within two months, which was further confirmed by the decrease of carbonyl and aliphatic hydrocarbon groups using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier-transform infrared analysis (ATR-FTIR). Analysis of microbial diversity revealed that Alcanivorax and Pseudomonas were predominant in all 10 PET degrading consortia. Meanwhile, Thalassospira, Nitratireductor, Nocardioides, Muricauda, and Owenweeksia were also found to possess PET degradation potential. Metabolomic analysis showed that Alcanivorax sp. A02-7 and Pseudomonas sp. A09-2 could turn PET into mono-(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (MHET) even in situ stimulation (40 MPa, 10 °C) conditions. These findings widen the currently knowledge of deep-sea PET biodegrading process with bacteria isolates and degrading mechanisms, and indicating that the marine environment is a source of biotechnologically promising bacterial isolates and enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renju Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resources, Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China; School of Environmental Science, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Haiming Xu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resources, Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Sufang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resources, Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Chunming Dong
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resources, Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Jianyang Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resources, Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Guangshan Wei
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resources, Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Guangyu Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resources, Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Linfeng Gong
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resources, Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Peisheng Yan
- School of Environmental Science, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Zongze Shao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Marine Genetic Resources, Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Genetic Resources, Xiamen 361005, China; School of Environmental Science, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), China.
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4
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Yuan F, Zou X, Liao Q, Wang T, Zhang H, Xue Y, Chen H, Ding Y, Lu M, Song Y, Fu G. Insight into the bacterial community composition of the plastisphere in diverse environments of a coastal salt marsh. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 357:124465. [PMID: 38942280 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
The microbial community colonized on microplastics (MPs), known as the 'plastisphere', has attracted extensive concern owing to its environmental implications. Coastal salt marshes, which are crucial ecological assets, are considered sinks for MPs. Despite their strong spatial heterogeneity, there is limited information on plastisphere across diverse environments in coastal salt marshes. Herein, a 1-year field experiment was conducted at three sites in the Yancheng salt marsh in China. This included two sites in the intertidal zone, bare flat (BF) and Spartina alterniflora vegetation area (SA), and one site in the supratidal zone, Phragmites australis vegetation area (PA). Petroleum-based MPs (polyethylene and expanded polystyrene) and bio-based MPs (polylactic acid and polybutylene succinate) were employed. The results revealed significant differences in bacterial community composition between the plastisphere and sediment at all three sites examined, and the species enriched in the plastisphere exhibited location-specific characteristics. Overall, the largest difference was observed at the SA site, whereas the smallest difference was observed at the BF site. Furthermore, the MP polymer types influenced the composition of the bacterial communities in the plastisphere, also exhibiting location-specific characteristics, with the most pronounced impact observed at the PA site and the least at the BF site. The polybutylene succinate plastisphere bacterial communities at the SA and PA sites were quite different from the plastispheres from the other three MP polymer types. Co-occurrence network analyses suggested that the bacterial community network in the BF plastisphere exhibited the highest complexity, whereas the network in the SA plastisphere showed relatively sparse interactions. Null model analyses underscored the predominant role of deterministic processes in shaping the assembly of plastisphere bacterial communities across all three sites, with a more pronounced influence observed in the intertidal zone than in the supratidal zone. This study enriches our understanding of the plastisphere in coastal salt marshes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Yuan
- School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xinqing Zou
- School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of South China Sea Studies, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Qihang Liao
- School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of South China Sea Studies, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Teng Wang
- College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China.
| | - Hexi Zhang
- School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yue Xue
- School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Hongyu Chen
- School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of South China Sea Studies, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yongcheng Ding
- School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Ming Lu
- School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yuyang Song
- School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Guanghe Fu
- School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of South China Sea Studies, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
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5
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Tulloch CL, Cotterell BM, Pântea I, Jones DL, Golyshin PN. Selective microbial attachment to LDPE plastic beads during passage through the wastewater network. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 362:142618. [PMID: 38880260 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Urban wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) represent key point-source discharges of microplastics (MP) into the environment, however, little is known about the microbial carrying capacity of plastics travelling through them. The purpose of this study was to quantify the number of cells that become associated with MP at different locations within a WWTP, and to assess differences in microbiome communities. We conducted a field experiment incubating low density polyethylene (LDPE) MP beads in WWTP influent and effluent, as well as tracking free floating beads during passage in wastewater from a large municipal hospital to an urban WWTP, where they were subsequently recovered. Using two cell counting methods - automated flow cytometric true absolute cell counts and indirect cell quantification via protein content based on a model E. coli cell - we quantified cell attachment to LDPE beads. LDPE associated counts ranged from 350 x 103 cells cm-2 after incubation in wastewater effluent, and 990 x 103 cells cm-2 after incubation in wastewater influent. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was used to determine the bacterial community structure of the plastic-associated microbiomes. Our results showed that distinct bacterial communities developed on the LDPE MP following exposure to each wastewater type. Influent (untreated) wastewater LDPE-associated microbiomes were dominated by Bacillota whereas the microbes that attached in wastewater effluent (tertiary treated) were dominated by Pseudomonadota. In conclusion, this study provides clear evidence that microplastics migrating through the sewer network and WWTP rapidly accumulate microbiomes with unique microbial community structures varying from sewage influent to effluent. These findings demonstrate the differential microbiological risk from MP associated with routine wastewater discharges to those released from intermittent combined sewer overflows (CSOs) during storm events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constance L Tulloch
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, LL57 2UW, UK.
| | - Benjamin M Cotterell
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Igor Pântea
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Davey L Jones
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, LL57 2UW, UK; Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Peter N Golyshin
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, LL57 2UW, UK
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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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7
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Ballesté E, Liang H, Migliorato L, Sala‐Comorera L, Méndez J, Garcia‐Aljaro C. Exploring plastic biofilm formation and Escherichia coli colonisation in marine environments. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2024; 16:e13308. [PMID: 38924372 PMCID: PMC11196126 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.13308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Microorganisms, including potential pathogens, can colonise plastic surfaces in aquatic environments. This study investigates the colonisation of plastic pellets by Escherichia coli (E. coli) as a proxy for faecal pathogens in aquatic environments. Plastic pellets from a polluted beach were placed in seawater aquaria spiked with E. coli. Diverse bacteria, primarily from the Proteobacteria phylum, rapidly colonised the pellets within 24 h, with notable species known for plastic or hydrocarbon degradation. Over 26 days, biofilms formed on the plastic surfaces, reaching bacterial populations of up to 6.8·105 gene copies (gc) of the 16S rRNA mm-2. E. coli, was detected in the pellets for up to 7 days using culture methods, exhibiting varying attachment densities regardless of source or environmental factors. The study highlights plastic biofilms as reservoirs for E. coli, contributing to the survival and persistence of faecal bacteria in aquatic systems. These findings deepen our understanding of the risks associated with plastic pollution in marine settings, offering insights into the behaviour of faecal indicators and their implications for water quality assessments, while providing valuable information on potential pathogen dissemination within plastic-associated microbial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisenda Ballesté
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de BiologiaUniversitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Hongxia Liang
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de BiologiaUniversitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- College of Resources and EnvironmentUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Beijing Municipal Ecological and Environmental Monitoring CenterBeijingChina
| | - Laura Migliorato
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de BiologiaUniversitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Laura Sala‐Comorera
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de BiologiaUniversitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Javier Méndez
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de BiologiaUniversitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Cristina Garcia‐Aljaro
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de BiologiaUniversitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
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Tigreros-Benavides P, Garzón-Rodríguez L, Herrera-Villarraga G, Ochoa-Mogollón J, Sarmiento-Sánchez C, Rodríguez-Vargas LH, Rozo-Torres G, Guayán-Ruíz P, Sanjuan-Muñoz A, Franco-Herrera A. Microplastics and plastisphere at surface waters in the Southwestern Caribbean sea. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 358:120745. [PMID: 38599094 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120745] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Pollution generated by plastic waste has brought an environmental problem characterized by the omnipresence of smaller pieces of this material known as microplastics (MP). This issue was addresses by collecting samples with 250 μm pore size nets in two marine-coastal sectors of Southwestern Caribbean Sea during two contrasting seasons. Higher concentrations were found in rainy season than in dry season, reaching respectively 1.72 MP/m3 and 0.22 MP/m3. Within each sector, there were differences caused firstly by localities of higher concentrations of semi-closed water bodies localities during rainy season (Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta and La Caimanera marsh), and secondly by lower concentrations of localities with less influenced of flow rates during dry season (Salamanca and Isla Fuerte). Moreover, the lowest concentration in dry season corresponding to La Caimanera marsh reflects how the community environmental management might decrease MP pollution. In both sectors and seasons, the particles of 0.3 mm (0.3-1.4 mm) size class dominated over those of 1.4 mm (1.4-5.0 mm) (reaching each respectively 1.33 MP/m3 and 0.39 MP/m3), with a dominance of fibers, except in the rainy season in Magdalena, where they were films. Using the FTIR technique, polypropylene was identified as the most abundant polymer in both sectors. The composition of the assemblage of microorganisms attached to microplastics presented higher richness and differed from that of free-living planktonic microbes. The most abundant members of the plastisphere were proteobacteria whose major representation was the pathogenic genus Vibrio, while the cyanobacteria dominated in seawater samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Tigreros-Benavides
- Área de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Ingeniería, Universidad de Bogotá Jorge Tadeo Lozano, Sede Santa Marta, Carrera 2 #11-68, Edificio Mundo Marino. El Rodadero, Santa Marta, Colombia.
| | - Luis Garzón-Rodríguez
- Área de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Ingeniería, Universidad de Bogotá Jorge Tadeo Lozano, Sede Santa Marta, Carrera 2 #11-68, Edificio Mundo Marino. El Rodadero, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | - Gysseth Herrera-Villarraga
- Área de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Ingeniería, Universidad de Bogotá Jorge Tadeo Lozano, Sede Santa Marta, Carrera 2 #11-68, Edificio Mundo Marino. El Rodadero, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | - Jesús Ochoa-Mogollón
- Área de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Ingeniería, Universidad de Bogotá Jorge Tadeo Lozano, Sede Santa Marta, Carrera 2 #11-68, Edificio Mundo Marino. El Rodadero, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | - Camila Sarmiento-Sánchez
- Área de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Ingeniería, Universidad de Bogotá Jorge Tadeo Lozano, Sede Santa Marta, Carrera 2 #11-68, Edificio Mundo Marino. El Rodadero, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | - Luz Helena Rodríguez-Vargas
- Área de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Ingeniería, Universidad de Bogotá Jorge Tadeo Lozano, Sede Santa Marta, Carrera 2 #11-68, Edificio Mundo Marino. El Rodadero, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | - Gladys Rozo-Torres
- Área de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Ingeniería, Universidad de Bogotá Jorge Tadeo Lozano, Sede Santa Marta, Carrera 2 #11-68, Edificio Mundo Marino. El Rodadero, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | - Paula Guayán-Ruíz
- Área de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Ingeniería, Universidad de Bogotá Jorge Tadeo Lozano, Sede Santa Marta, Carrera 2 #11-68, Edificio Mundo Marino. El Rodadero, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | - Adolfo Sanjuan-Muñoz
- Área de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Ingeniería, Universidad de Bogotá Jorge Tadeo Lozano, Sede Santa Marta, Carrera 2 #11-68, Edificio Mundo Marino. El Rodadero, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | - Andrés Franco-Herrera
- Área de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Ingeniería, Universidad de Bogotá Jorge Tadeo Lozano, Sede Santa Marta, Carrera 2 #11-68, Edificio Mundo Marino. El Rodadero, Santa Marta, Colombia
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9
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Tulloch CL, Bargiela R, Williams GB, Chernikova TN, Cotterell BM, Wellington EMH, Christie-Oleza J, Thomas DN, Jones DL, Golyshin PN. Microbial communities colonising plastics during transition from the wastewater treatment plant to marine waters. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOME 2024; 19:27. [PMID: 38685074 PMCID: PMC11057073 DOI: 10.1186/s40793-024-00569-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plastics pollution and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are two major environmental threats, but potential connections between plastic associated biofilms, the 'plastisphere', and dissemination of AMR genes are not well explored. RESULTS We conducted mesocosm experiments tracking microbial community changes on plastic surfaces transitioning from wastewater effluent to marine environments over 16 weeks. Commonly used plastics, polypropylene (PP), high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) incubated in wastewater effluent, river water, estuarine water, and in the seawater for 16 weeks, were analysed via 16S rRNA gene amplicon and shotgun metagenome sequencing. Within one week, plastic-colonizing communities shifted from wastewater effluent-associated microorganisms to marine taxa, some members of which (e.g. Oleibacter-Thalassolituus and Sphingomonas spp., on PET, Alcanivoracaceae on PET and PP, or Oleiphilaceae, on all polymers), were selectively enriched from levels undetectable in the starting communities. Remarkably, microbial biofilms were also susceptible to parasitism, with Saprospiraceae feeding on biofilms at late colonisation stages (from week 6 onwards), while Bdellovibrionaceae were prominently present on HDPE from week 2 and LDPE from day 1. Relative AMR gene abundance declined over time, and plastics did not become enriched for key AMR genes after wastewater exposure. CONCLUSION Although some resistance genes occurred during the mesocosm transition on plastic substrata, those originated from the seawater organisms. Overall, plastic surfaces incubated in wastewater did not act as hotspots for AMR proliferation in simulated marine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constance L Tulloch
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Rafael Bargiela
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Gwion B Williams
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Tatyana N Chernikova
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Benjamin M Cotterell
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, LL57 2UW, UK
| | | | - Joseph Christie-Oleza
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
- Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands, 07122, Palma, Spain
| | - David N Thomas
- Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Davey L Jones
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Peter N Golyshin
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, LL57 2UW, UK.
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10
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Ridley RS, Conrad RE, Lindner BG, Woo S, Konstantinidis KT. Potential routes of plastics biotransformation involving novel plastizymes revealed by global multi-omic analysis of plastic associated microbes. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8798. [PMID: 38627476 PMCID: PMC11021508 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59279-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite increasing efforts across various disciplines, the fate, transport, and impact of synthetic plastics on the environment and public health remain poorly understood. To better elucidate the microbial ecology of plastic waste and its potential for biotransformation, we conducted a large-scale analysis of all publicly available meta-omic studies investigating plastics (n = 27) in the environment. Notably, we observed low prevalence of known plastic degraders throughout most environments, except for substantial enrichment in riverine systems. This indicates rivers may be a highly promising environment for discovery of novel plastic bioremediation products. Ocean samples associated with degrading plastics showed clear differentiation from non-degrading polymers, showing enrichment of novel putative biodegrading taxa in the degraded samples. Regarding plastisphere pathogenicity, we observed significant enrichment of antimicrobial resistance genes on plastics but not of virulence factors. Additionally, we report a co-occurrence network analysis of 10 + million proteins associated with the plastisphere. This analysis revealed a localized sub-region enriched with known and putative plastizymes-these may be useful for deeper investigation of nature's ability to biodegrade man-made plastics. Finally, the combined data from our meta-analysis was used to construct a publicly available database, the Plastics Meta-omic Database (PMDB)-accessible at plasticmdb.org. These data should aid in the integrated exploration of the microbial plastisphere and facilitate research efforts investigating the fate and bioremediation potential of environmental plastic waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodney S Ridley
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
| | - Roth E Conrad
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Blake G Lindner
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Seongwook Woo
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Konstantinos T Konstantinidis
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA.
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11
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Ye J, Zhu Y, Chen H, Tang J, Zhao X, Sun X, Zhang J, Chen Y, Guo Y, Fang N, Tan Y, Zhang T. Land use, stratified wastewater and sediment, and microplastic attribute factors jointly influence the microplastic prevalence and bacterial colonization patterns in sewer habitats. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 918:170653. [PMID: 38331294 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170653] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
The capacity of microplastics to harbor and propagate bacteria has been the focus of attention over the last decade. Such microplastic-supported bacterial colonization behavior in the municipal sewer system could be a critical ecological link influencing the biogeochemical activities and risks in receiving waters in urban areas, given the alarming microplastic loads discharged there. This study conducted a large-scale survey covering a wide range of residential and industrial catchments in Shanghai, China. We aimed to assess the microplastic prevalence and bacterial colonization patterns in different sewer habitats and to explore the role of land use, stratified wastewater and sediment, and microplastic attributes in shaping the patterns. We found that the sewer system formed a temporal but pronounced microplastic pool, with land use playing a significant role in the variability of microplastic prevalence. Industrial sewers contained a high abundance of microplastics with large particle sizes, diverse polymer compositions, and shapes. However, while there was a spatial discrepancy between urban and suburban areas in the abundance of microplastics in residential sewers, their predominant polymer and shape types were simple, i.e., polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and fibers. Sewer habitat characteristics, particularly the stratified wastewater and sediment determined microbial colonization patterns. The latter acted as a long-term sink for microplastics and supported the high growth of colonizers. In contrast, the wastewater plastisphere presented novel niches, hosting communities with a marked proportion of unique bacterial genera after colonization. Besides, statistics showed a highly positive and dense co-occurrence network of the plastisphere communities, especially those from the industrial sewer sediment, with enhanced metabolic activity, cellular processes and systems, and increased human pathogenic potential. Findings indicated a coarse and uncertain effect of the selective pressure of microplastic attributes on plastisphere community structure differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfeng Ye
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Science and Technology Innovation Center for Eco-environmental Protection, Shanghai Investigation, Design & Research Institute Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200050, China; YANGTZE Eco-Environment Engineering Research Center, Three Gorges Corporation, Beijing 100038, China.
| | - Jianfei Tang
- College of Engineering, Shanghai Polytechnic University, Shanghai 201209, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Shanghai Water Engineering Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200333, China
| | - Xiaonan Sun
- College of Environment, Hohai University, 210098, China
| | - Jinxu Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yu Chen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yali Guo
- Science and Technology Innovation Center for Eco-environmental Protection, Shanghai Investigation, Design & Research Institute Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200050, China; YANGTZE Eco-Environment Engineering Research Center, Three Gorges Corporation, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Ning Fang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center for Eco-environmental Protection, Shanghai Investigation, Design & Research Institute Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200050, China; YANGTZE Eco-Environment Engineering Research Center, Three Gorges Corporation, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Yaqin Tan
- Science and Technology Innovation Center for Eco-environmental Protection, Shanghai Investigation, Design & Research Institute Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200050, China; YANGTZE Eco-Environment Engineering Research Center, Three Gorges Corporation, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center for Eco-environmental Protection, Shanghai Investigation, Design & Research Institute Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200050, China; YANGTZE Eco-Environment Engineering Research Center, Three Gorges Corporation, Beijing 100038, China
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12
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Noman MA, Adyel TM, Trevathan-Tackett S, Macreadie PI. Plastic Paradox in Blue Carbon Ecosystems. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:4469-4475. [PMID: 38409667 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c08717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Plastics are rapidly accumulating in blue carbon ecosystems, i.e., mangrove forests, tidal marshes, and seagrass meadows. Accumulated plastic is diverted from the ocean, but the extent and nature of impacts on blue carbon ecosystem processes, including carbon sequestration, are poorly known. Here, we explore the potential positive and negative consequences of plastic accumulation in blue carbon ecosystems. We highlight the effects of plastic accumulation on organic carbon stocks and sediment biogeochemistry through microbial metabolism. The notion of beneficial plastic accumulation in blue carbon ecosystems is controversial, yet considering the alternative impacts of plastics on oceanic and aboveground environments, this may be the "lesser of evils". Using environmental life cycle impact assessment, we propose a research framework to address the potential positive and negative impacts of plastic accumulation in blue carbon ecosystems. Considering the multifaceted benefits, we prioritize expanding and managing blue carbon ecosystems, which may help with ecosystem conservation, as well as mitigating the negative effects of plastic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Abu Noman
- Centre for Marine Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, Victoria 3125, Australia
| | - Tanveer M Adyel
- Centre for Marine Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, Victoria 3125, Australia
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus, Mawson Lakes, South Australia 5095, Australia
| | - Stacey Trevathan-Tackett
- Centre for Marine Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, Victoria 3125, Australia
| | - Peter I Macreadie
- Centre for Marine Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, Victoria 3125, Australia
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13
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Lazcano RF, Kelly JJ, Hoellein TJ. Biofilms on plastic litter in an urban river: Community composition and activity vary by substrate type. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2024; 96:e11008. [PMID: 38443318 DOI: 10.1002/wer.11008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
In aquatic ecosystems, plastic litter is a substrate for biofilms. Biofilms on plastic and natural surfaces share similar composition and activity, with some differences due to factors such as porosity. In freshwaters, most studies have examined biofilms on benthic substrates, while little research has compared the activity and composition of biofilms on buoyant plastic and natural surfaces. Additionally, the influence of substrate size and successional stage on biofilm composition has not been commonly assessed. We incubated three plastics of distinct textures that are buoyant in rivers, low-density polyethylene (rigid; 1.7 mm thick), low-density polyethylene film (flexible; 0.0254 mm thick), and foamed polystyrene (brittle; 6.5 mm thick), as well as wood substrates (untreated oak veneer; 0.6 mm thick) in the Chicago River. Each material was incubated at three sizes (1, 7.5, and 15 cm2 ). Substrates were incubated at 2-10 cm depths and removed weekly for 6 weeks. On each substrate we measured chlorophyll concentration, biofilm biomass, respiration, and flux of nitrogen gas. We sequenced 16S and 23S rRNA genes at Weeks 1, 3, and 6 to capture biofilm community composition across successional stages. Chlorophyll, biomass, and N2 flux were similar across substrates, but respiration was greater on wood than plastics. Bacterial and algal richness and diversity were highest on foam and wood compared to polyethylene substrates. Bacterial biofilm community composition was distinct between wood and plastic substrates, while the algal community was distinct on wood and foam, which were different from each other and polyethylene substrates. These results indicate that polymer properties influence biofilm alpha and beta diversity, which may affect transport and distribution of plastic pollution and associated microbes, as well as biogeochemical processes in urban rivers. This study provides valuable insights into the effects of substrate on biofilm characteristics, and the ecological impacts of plastic pollution on urban rivers. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Plastic physical and chemical properties act as forces of selection for biofilm. Biofilm activity was similar among three different types of plastic. Community composition between plastic and wood was different.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raúl F Lazcano
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - John J Kelly
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Timothy J Hoellein
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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14
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Messer LF, Lee CE, Wattiez R, Matallana-Surget S. Novel functional insights into the microbiome inhabiting marine plastic debris: critical considerations to counteract the challenges of thin biofilms using multi-omics and comparative metaproteomics. MICROBIOME 2024; 12:36. [PMID: 38389111 PMCID: PMC10882806 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-024-01751-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microbial functioning on marine plastic surfaces has been poorly documented, especially within cold climates where temperature likely impacts microbial activity and the presence of hydrocarbonoclastic microorganisms. To date, only two studies have used metaproteomics to unravel microbial genotype-phenotype linkages in the marine 'plastisphere', and these have revealed the dominance of photosynthetic microorganisms within warm climates. Advancing the functional representation of the marine plastisphere is vital for the development of specific databases cataloging the functional diversity of the associated microorganisms and their peptide and protein sequences, to fuel biotechnological discoveries. Here, we provide a comprehensive assessment for plastisphere metaproteomics, using multi-omics and data mining on thin plastic biofilms to provide unique insights into plastisphere metabolism. Our robust experimental design assessed DNA/protein co-extraction and cell lysis strategies, proteomics workflows, and diverse protein search databases, to resolve the active plastisphere taxa and their expressed functions from an understudied cold environment. RESULTS For the first time, we demonstrate the predominance and activity of hydrocarbonoclastic genera (Psychrobacter, Flavobacterium, Pseudomonas) within a primarily heterotrophic plastisphere. Correspondingly, oxidative phosphorylation, the citrate cycle, and carbohydrate metabolism were the dominant pathways expressed. Quorum sensing and toxin-associated proteins of Streptomyces were indicative of inter-community interactions. Stress response proteins expressed by Psychrobacter, Planococcus, and Pseudoalteromonas and proteins mediating xenobiotics degradation in Psychrobacter and Pseudoalteromonas suggested phenotypic adaptations to the toxic chemical microenvironment of the plastisphere. Interestingly, a targeted search strategy identified plastic biodegradation enzymes, including polyamidase, hydrolase, and depolymerase, expressed by rare taxa. The expression of virulence factors and mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance suggested pathogenic genera were active, despite representing a minor component of the plastisphere community. CONCLUSION Our study addresses a critical gap in understanding the functioning of the marine plastisphere, contributing new insights into the function and ecology of an emerging and important microbial niche. Our comprehensive multi-omics and comparative metaproteomics experimental design enhances biological interpretations to provide new perspectives on microorganisms of potential biotechnological significance beyond biodegradation and to improve the assessment of the risks associated with microorganisms colonizing marine plastic pollution. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren F Messer
- Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, Scotland
| | - Charlotte E Lee
- Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, Scotland
| | - Ruddy Wattiez
- Proteomics and Microbiology Department, University of Mons, Mons, 7000, Belgium
| | - Sabine Matallana-Surget
- Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, Scotland.
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15
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Cheng J, Wang P, Ghiglione JF, Liu L, Cai Z, Zhou J, Zhu X. Bacterial pathogens associated with the plastisphere of surgical face masks and their dispersion potential in the coastal marine environment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 462:132741. [PMID: 37827107 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132741] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Huge numbers of face masks (FMs) were discharged into the ocean during the coronavirus pandemic. These polymer-based artificial surfaces can support the growth of specific bacterial assemblages, pathogens being of particular concern. However, the potential risks from FM-associated pathogens in the marine environment remain poorly understood. Here, FMs were deployed in coastal seawater for two months. PacBio circular consensus sequencing of the full-length 16S rRNA was used for pathogen identification, providing enhanced taxonomic resolution. Selective enrichment of putative pathogens (e.g., Ralstonia pickettii) was found on FMs, which provided a new niche for these pathogens rarely detected in the surrounding seawater or the stone controls. The total relative abundance of the putative pathogens in FMs was higher than in seawater but lower than in the stone controls. FM exposure during the two months resulted in 3% weight loss and the release of considerable amounts of microfibers. The ecological assembly process of the putative FM-associated pathogens was less impacted by the dispersal limitation, indicating that FM-derived microplastics can serve as vectors of most pathogens for their regional transport. Our results indicate a possible ecological risk of FMs for marine organisms or humans in the coastal and potentially in the open ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingguang Cheng
- Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Pu Wang
- Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Jean-François Ghiglione
- CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Laboratoire d'Océanographie Microbienne (LOMIC), Observatoire Océanologique de Banyuls, Banyuls sur mer 66650, France
| | - Lu Liu
- Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Zhonghua Cai
- Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Jin Zhou
- Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China.
| | - Xiaoshan Zhu
- Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, PR China.
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16
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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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17
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Ran T, Liao H, Zhao Y, Li J. Soil plastisphere interferes with soil bacterial community and their functions in the rhizosphere of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 270:115946. [PMID: 38194808 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.115946] [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: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
With a growing number of research reports on microplastics (MPs), there is increasing concern regarding MPs-induced contamination in soil ecological systems. Notwithstanding, the interaction between the plastisphere and rhizosphere microbial hotspots in soil-plant systems, as well as the diversity and composition of plastisphere microbial communities in such systems, remain largely unexplored. This study evaluated the response of rhizosphere bacterial communities to MPs at three growth stages of pepper and examined the bacterial communities present on MPs (plastisphere). The 16 S rRNA revealed that, under the stress of MPs, the Chao1 and Shannon index of the pepper soil bacterial community decreased. Meanwhile the relative abundance of Actinobacteriota was decreased, and that of Proteobacteria was increased. Furthermore, the plastisphere serves as a unique microbial habitat (niche) that recruits the colonization of specific bacterial groups, including potential plastic-degrading bacteria and potential pathogens (e.g., Massilia and Pseudomonas). Simultaneously, the plastisphere recruits specific bacteria that may impact the rhizosphere soil bacterial communities, thus indirectly affecting plant growth. Functional prediction using PICRUSt2 revealed higher activity in the plastisphere for Metabolism of terpenoids and polyketides, Human diseases, and Xenobiotics biodegradation and metabolism. Notably, the human diseases metabolic pathway exhibited increased activity, suggesting potential ecological risks associated with pathogens. These results highlighted that the plastisphere serves as a unique microbial habitat (niche) in the soil ecological systems, recruiting specific bacteria and potentially interfering with the surrounding soil microbial community, thereby influencing the functional characteristics of the soil ecological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taishan Ran
- Key Laboratory for Information System of Mountainous Areas and Protection of Ecological Environment of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongkai Liao
- Key Laboratory for Information System of Mountainous Areas and Protection of Ecological Environment of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yuxin Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Information System of Mountainous Areas and Protection of Ecological Environment of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Geography and Environmental Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550025, People's Republic of China.
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18
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Li K, Xu L, Bai X, Zhang G, Zhang M, Huang Y. Differential fungal assemblages and functions between the plastisphere of biodegradable and conventional microplastics in farmland. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167478. [PMID: 37804989 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167478] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
The heterogeneity of plastisphere and soil can lead to variation in microbiome, potentially impacting soil functions. Current studies of the plastisphere have mainly focused on bacterial communities, and fungal communities are poorly understood. Biodegradable and conventional microplastics may recruit specific microbial taxa due to their different biodegradability. Herein, we collected polyethylene (PE) and polybutylene adipate terephthalate/polylactide (PBAT/PLA) microplastics in farmland (Hebei, China) and characterized the fungal community in PE and PBAT/PLA plastisphere. Results from high-throughput sequencing showed significantly lower alpha diversity and distinct composition of fungal community in PBAT/PLA plastisphere compared to PE plastisphere. Additionally, the PBAT/PLA plastisphere demonstrated a significant enrichment of fungal taxa with potential plastic-degrading capability such as Nectriaceae, Pleosporaceae and Didymellaceae. The stochasticity of drift (28.7-43.5 %) and dispersal limitation (38.6-39.4 %) were dominant in the assembly of PE and PBAT/PLA plastisphere fungal community. Higher stable and more complex network in PBAT/PLA plastispheres were observed as compared to PE plastisphere. Besides, the total relative abundance of plant and animal pathogens were higher in PBAT/PLA plastisphere than that in PE plastisphere, suggesting that biodegradable microplastics may pose a higher threat to soil health. This study contributes to our understanding of the characteristics of plastisphere fungal communities in soil environments and the associated risks to terrestrial ecosystems resulting from microplastic accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Li
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Libo Xu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xinyi Bai
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Guangbao Zhang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Mengjun Zhang
- Marine Institute for Bioresources and Environment, Peking University Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518057, China
| | - Yi Huang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Marine Institute for Bioresources and Environment, Peking University Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518057, China.
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19
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Sun Y, Mazzotta MG, Miller CA, Apprill A, Izallalen M, Mazumder S, Perri ST, Edwards B, Reddy CM, Ward CP. Distinct microbial communities degrade cellulose diacetate bioplastics in the coastal ocean. Appl Environ Microbiol 2023; 89:e0165123. [PMID: 38054734 PMCID: PMC10734458 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01651-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Cellulose diacetate (CDA) is a promising alternative to conventional plastics due to its versatility in manufacturing and low environmental persistence. Previously, our group demonstrated that CDA is susceptible to biodegradation in the ocean on timescales of months. In this study, we report the composition of microorganisms driving CDA degradation in the coastal ocean. We found that the coastal ocean harbors distinct bacterial taxa implicated in CDA degradation and these taxa have not been previously identified in prior CDA degradation studies, indicating an unexplored diversity of CDA-degrading bacteria in the ocean. Moreover, the shape of the plastic article (e.g., a fabric, film, or foam) and plasticizer in the plastic matrix selected for different microbial communities. Our findings pave the way for future studies to identify the specific species and enzymes that drive CDA degradation in the marine environment, ultimately yielding a more predictive understanding of CDA biodegradation across space and time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanchen Sun
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Carolyn A. Miller
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Amy Apprill
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Christopher M. Reddy
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Collin P. Ward
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
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20
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Kimura Y, Fukuda Y, Otsu R, Yu J, Mino S, Misawa S, Maruyama S, Ikeda Y, Miyamachi R, Noguchi H, Kato S, Yamamoto Y, Sawabe T. A lesson from polybutylene succinate plastisphere to the discovery of novel plastic degrading enzyme genes in marine vibrios. Environ Microbiol 2023; 25:2834-2850. [PMID: 37775475 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16512] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Polybutylene succinate (PBS) is an eco-friendly green plastic. However, PBS was shown as being non-biodegradable in marine environments, and up until now, only a limited number of PBS-degrading marine microbes have been discovered. We first set up in vitro PBS- and PBSA (polybutylene succinate adipate)-plastispheres to characterize novel PBS-degrading marine microbes. Microbial growth and oxygen consumption were observed in both PBS- and PBSA-plastispheres enriched with natural seawater collected from Usujiri, Hokkaido, Japan, and Vibrionaceae and Pseudoalteromonadaceae were significantly enriched on these films. Further gene identification indicated that vibrios belonging to the Gazogenes clade possess genes related to a PBS degrading enzyme (PBSase). The PBS degradation assay for six Gazogenes clade vibrios identified Vibrio ruber, Vibrio rhizosphaerae, and Vibrio spartinae as being capable of degrading PBS. We further identified the gene responsible for PBSase from the type strain of V. ruber, and the purified recombinant vibrio PBSase was found to have low-temperature adaptation and was active under high NaCl concentrations. We also provided docking models between the vibrio PBSase and PBS and PBSA units to show how vibrio PBSase interacts with each substrate compared to the Acidovorax PBSase. These results could contribute to a more sustainable society through further utilization of PBS in marine environments and plastic recycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaro Kimura
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Fisheries Sciences, Hokkaido University, Hakodate, Japan
| | - Yutaka Fukuda
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Fisheries Sciences, Hokkaido University, Hakodate, Japan
| | - Rumi Otsu
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Fisheries Sciences, Hokkaido University, Hakodate, Japan
| | - Juwanen Yu
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Fisheries Sciences, Hokkaido University, Hakodate, Japan
| | - Sayaka Mino
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Fisheries Sciences, Hokkaido University, Hakodate, Japan
| | - Satoru Misawa
- Medical Core Project Dept, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Satoshi Maruyama
- Yokohama Basic Chemicals Lab, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yuta Ikeda
- Food Core Project Dept, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Remi Miyamachi
- Organic Materials Lab, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Noguchi
- Organic Materials Lab, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kato
- Research and Consulting Div, Mitsubishi Chemical Research Corporation, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Yamamoto
- Yokohama Basic Chemicals Lab, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Tomoo Sawabe
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Fisheries Sciences, Hokkaido University, Hakodate, Japan
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21
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Silva V, Pérez V, Gillanders BM. Short-term plastisphere colonization dynamics across six plastic types. Environ Microbiol 2023; 25:2732-2745. [PMID: 37341062 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Marine plastic pollution is a major concern worldwide, but the understanding of plastisphere dynamics remains limited in the southern hemisphere. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a study in South Australia to investigate the prokaryotic community of the plastisphere and its temporal changes over 4 weeks. We submerged six plastic types (i.e., High-Density Polyethylene [HDPE], Polyvinyl chloride [PVC], Low-Density Polyethylene [LDPE], Polypropylene [PP], Polystyrene [PS] and the understudied textile, polyester [PET]) and wood in seawater and sampled them weekly to characterize the prokaryotic community using 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding. Our results showed that the plastisphere composition shifted significantly over short time scales (i.e., 4 weeks), and each plastic type had distinct groups of unique genera. In particular, the PVC plastisphere was dominated by Cellvibrionaceae taxa, distinguishing it from other plastics. Additionally, the textile polyester, which is rarely studied in plastisphere research, supported the growth of a unique group of 25 prokaryotic genera (which included the potential pathogenic Legionella genus). Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the colonization dynamics of the plastisphere over short time scales and contributes to narrowing the research gap on the southern hemisphere plastisphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinuri Silva
- Southern Seas Ecology Laboratories, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Vilma Pérez
- Southern Seas Ecology Laboratories, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Australian Centre for Ancient DNA (ACAD), University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Bronwyn M Gillanders
- Southern Seas Ecology Laboratories, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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22
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Canellas ALB, Abdon BB, Diniz MN, da Silva Oliveira Alves G, de Paula Lourenço MF, Machado WTV, Giambiagi-deMarval M, de Oliveira BFR, Laport MS. Antimicrobial resistance and biotechnological potential of plastic-associated bacteria isolated from an urban estuary. Environ Microbiol 2023; 25:2851-2863. [PMID: 37950375 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16540] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Plastics have quickly become one of the major pollutants in aquatic environments worldwide and solving the plastic pollution crisis is considered a central goal of modern society. In this study, 10 different plastic samples, including high- and low-density polyethylene and polypropylene, were collected from a deeply polluted urban estuary in Brazil. By employing different isolation and analysis approaches to investigate plastic-associated bacteria, a predominance of potentially pathogenic bacteria such as Acinetobacter, Aeromonas, and Vibrio was observed throughout all plastic samples. Bacteria typically found in the aquatic environment harboured clinically relevant genes encoding resistance to carbapenems (blaKPC ) and colistin (such as mcr-3 and mcr-4), along with genetic determinants associated with potentially active gene mobilization. Whole genome sequencing and annotation of three plastic-associated Vibrio strains further demonstrated the carriage of mobile genetic elements and antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes. On the other hand, bacteria isolated from the same samples were also able to produce esterases, lipases, and bioemulsifiers, thus highlighting that the plastisphere could also be of special interest from a biotechnological perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Luiza Bauer Canellas
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Balthazar Abdon
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Matheus Nunes Diniz
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Wilson Thadeu Valle Machado
- Departamento de Geoquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcia Giambiagi-deMarval
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Marinella Silva Laport
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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23
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Karkanorachaki K, Syranidou E, Kalogerakis N. Extreme weather events as an important factor for the evolution of plastisphere but not for the degradation process. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 246:120687. [PMID: 37801984 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120687] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Marine plastics, with their negative effects on marine life and the human health, have been recently recognized as a new niche for the colonization and development of marine biofilms. Members of the colonizing communities could possess the potential for plastic biodegradation. Thus, there is an urgent need to characterize these complex and geographically variable communities and elucidate the functionalities. In this work, we characterize the fungal and bacterial colonizers of 5 types of plastic films (High Density Polyethylene, Low Density Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polystyrene and Polyethylene Terepthalate) over the course of a 242-day incubation in the south-eastern Mediterranean and relate them to the chemical changes observed on the surface of the samples via ATR-FTIR. The 16s rRNA and ITS2 ribosomal regions of the plastisphere communities were sequenced on four time points (35, 152, 202 and 242 days). The selection of the time points was dictated by the occurrence of a severe storm which removed biological fouling from the surface of the samples and initiated a second colonization period. The bacterial communities, dominated by Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes, were the most variable and diverse. Fungal communities, characterized mainly by the presence of Ascomycota, were not significantly affected by the storm. Neither bacterial nor fungal community structure were related to the polymer type acting as substrate, while the surface of the plastic samples underwent weathering of oscillating degrees with time. This work examines the long-term development of Mediterranean epiplastic biofilms and is the first to examine how primary colonization influences the microbial community re-attachment and succession as a response to extreme weather events. Finally, it is one of the few studies to examine fungal communities, despite them containing putative plastic degraders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Karkanorachaki
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, GR-73100, Chania, Greece
| | - Evdokia Syranidou
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, GR-73100, Chania, Greece
| | - Nicolas Kalogerakis
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, GR-73100, Chania, Greece; Institute of GeoEnergy, Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas, GR-73100, Chania, Greece.
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24
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Sodré FF, Arowojolu IM, Canela MC, Ferreira RS, Fernandes AN, Montagner CC, Vidal C, Dias MA, Abate G, da Silva LC, Grassi MT, Bertoldi C, Fadini PS, Urban RC, Ferraz GM, Schio NS, Waldman WR. How natural and anthropogenic factors should drive microplastic behavior and fate: The scenario of Brazilian urban freshwater. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 340:139813. [PMID: 37586495 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Brazil maintains its position at the top of the global ranking of plastic producers, yet recycling efforts have been incipient. Recent data reveals an annual production of approximately 14 million tons of plastic waste, not accounting for the surge in the usage of plastic masks and related materials due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, what remains largely unreported is that over half of post-consumer plastic packaging in Brazil is managed without any monitoring, and it remains unclear how this will contribute to the occurrence of plastic waste and microplastics in Brazilian freshwaters. This scenario requires the consideration of several other crucial factors. Studies have been carried out mainly in marine and estuarine waters, while data on freshwaters are lacking. Brazil has continental dimensions and the highest water availability on the planet, yet the demand for water is greatest in regions with medium to low supply. Many densely populated Brazilian urban areas face chronic flood problems, possess inadequate levels of wastewater treatment, and display inadequate solid waste management practices. Consequently, urban freshwater with tropical characteristics in Brazil presents an intriguing scenario and is complementary to the most commonly studied marine environments. In this study, we explore the nuances of pollution in Brazilian urban freshwater and discuss how various parameters, such as organic matter, suspended solids, temperature, and pH, among others, influence the behavior of microplastics and their interactions with organic and inorganic contaminants. Furthermore, we address how microplastic conditions, such as biofouling, the type of plastic, or degradation level, may impact their behavior. By analyzing how these conditions change, we propose priority themes for investigating the occurrence of microplastics in Brazilian urban freshwater systems under different degrees of human impact. Ultimately, this study aims to establish a network dedicated to standardized monitoring of microplastic pollution in Brazilian urban freshwaters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando F Sodré
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
| | - Imisi M Arowojolu
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Maria C Canela
- Exact Sciences and Technology Center, State University of the North Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos Dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo S Ferreira
- Exact Sciences and Technology Center, State University of the North Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos Dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Andreia N Fernandes
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Cristiane Vidal
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana A Dias
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Gilberto Abate
- Chemistry Department, Federal University of Paraná, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Marco T Grassi
- Chemistry Department, Federal University of Paraná, PR, Brazil
| | - Crislaine Bertoldi
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Chemistry Department, Federal University of Paraná, PR, Brazil
| | - Pedro S Fadini
- Chemistry Department, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Roberta C Urban
- Chemistry Department, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabriel M Ferraz
- Chemistry Department, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Natalí S Schio
- Chemistry Department, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Walter R Waldman
- Science and Technology Center for Sustainability, Federal University of São Carlos, Sorocaba, SP, Brazil
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25
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He J, Zhou T, Shen X, Zhang N, Sun C, Lu S, Shao Y. Primer selection impacts the evaluation of microecological patterns in environmental microbiomes. IMETA 2023; 2:e135. [PMID: 38868223 PMCID: PMC10989904 DOI: 10.1002/imt2.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
This study revealed that primer selection substantially influences the taxonomic and predicted functional composition and the characterization of microecological patterns, which was not alleviated by close-reference clustering. Biases were relatively consistent across different habitats in community profiling but not in microecological patterns. These primer biases could be attributed to multiple aspects, including taxa specificity, regional hypervariability, and amplification efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jintao He
- Max Planck Partner Group, Institute of Sericulture and Apiculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Life and Environmental SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Tong Zhou
- Laboratory of Marine Organism Taxonomy and Phylogeny, Qingdao Key Laboratory of Marine Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of OceanologyChinese Academy of SciencesQingdaoChina
| | - Xiaoqiang Shen
- Max Planck Partner Group, Institute of Sericulture and Apiculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Life and Environmental SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Nan Zhang
- Max Planck Partner Group, Institute of Sericulture and Apiculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Life and Environmental SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Chao Sun
- Analysis Center of Agrobiology and Environmental SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Shipeng Lu
- Institute of BotanyJiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of SciencesNanjingChina
| | - Yongqi Shao
- Max Planck Partner Group, Institute of Sericulture and Apiculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Life and Environmental SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Bee Resource Utilization and Innovation of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Animal NutritionMinistry of EducationHangzhouChina
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26
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Zhu L, Li R, Yang K, Xu F, Lin C, Chen Q, Zhu D, Sun Q, Zhu YG, Cui L. Quantifying health risks of plastisphere antibiotic resistome and deciphering driving mechanisms in an urbanizing watershed. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 245:120574. [PMID: 37690412 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) ubiquitous in environments promote the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), threatening ecosystem safety and human health. However, quantitative assessments of the health risks of ARGs (HRA) in plastisphere and an in-depth exploration of their driving mechanisms are still lacking. Here, the microbiomes, ARGs, and community assembly processes of five types of MPs in an urbanizing watershed were systematically investigated. By fully considering the abundance, clinical availability, human pathogenicity, human accessibility, and mobility of 660 ARGs in plastisphere, the HRA on MPs were quantified and compared. Polyethylene had the highest HRA among the five MP types, and urbanization further increased its risk index. In addition to abiotic factors, more complex biotic factors have been shown to drive HRA in plastisphere. Specifically, dispersal limitation accounted for the increasing diversity and interaction of bacteria that determined HRA in plastisphere. Further analysis of metabolic functions indicated that a higher HRA was accompanied by decreased normal metabolic functions of plastisphere microbiota due to the higher fitness costs of ARGs. This study advances the quantitative surveillance of HRA in plastisphere and understanding of its driving mechanisms. This will be helpful for the management of both MPs and ARGs treatments for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longji Zhu
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Ruilong Li
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; School of Marine Science, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Kai Yang
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Fei Xu
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Chenshuo Lin
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Qinglin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Dong Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Qian Sun
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Yong-Guan Zhu
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; State Key Lab of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Li Cui
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China.
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27
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Li Y, Hou Y, Hou Q, Long M, Wang Z, Rillig MC, Liao Y, Yong T. Soil microbial community parameters affected by microplastics and other plastic residues. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1258606. [PMID: 37901816 PMCID: PMC10601715 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1258606] [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: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The impact of plastics on terrestrial ecosystems is receiving increasing attention. Although of great importance to soil biogeochemical processes, how plastics influence soil microbes have yet to be systematically studied. The primary objectives of this study are to evaluate whether plastics lead to divergent responses of soil microbial community parameters, and explore the potential driving factors. Methods We performed a meta-analysis of 710 paired observations from 48 published articles to quantify the impact of plastic on the diversity, biomass, and functionality of soil microbial communities. Results and discussion This study indicated that plastics accelerated soil organic carbon loss (effect size = -0.05, p = 0.004) and increased microbial functionality (effect size = 0.04, p = 0.003), but also reduced microbial biomass (effect size = -0.07, p < 0.001) and the stability of co-occurrence networks. Polyethylene significantly reduced microbial richness (effect size = -0.07, p < 0.001) while polypropylene significantly increased it (effect size = 0.17, p < 0.001). Degradable plastics always had an insignificant effect on the microbial community. The effect of the plastic amount on microbial functionality followed the "hormetic dose-response" model, the infection point was about 40 g/kg. Approximately 3564.78 μm was the size of the plastic at which the response of microbial functionality changed from positive to negative. Changes in soil pH, soil organic carbon, and total nitrogen were significantly positively correlated with soil microbial functionality, biomass, and richness (R2 = 0.04-0.73, p < 0.05). The changes in microbial diversity were decoupled from microbial community structure and functionality. We emphasize the negative impacts of plastics on soil microbial communities such as microbial abundance, essential to reducing the risk of ecological surprise in terrestrial ecosystems. Our comprehensive assessment of plastics on soil microbial community parameters deepens the understanding of environmental impacts and ecological risks from this emerging pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yüze Li
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Crop Strip Intercropping System, College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Yuting Hou
- College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Quanming Hou
- College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Mei Long
- College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Ziting Wang
- College of Agronomy, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biology, Nanning, China
| | - Matthias C. Rillig
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Biology, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), Berlin, Germany
| | - Yuncheng Liao
- College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Taiwen Yong
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Crop Strip Intercropping System, College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
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Perez-Garcia P, Chow J, Costanzi E, Gurschke M, Dittrich J, Dierkes RF, Molitor R, Applegate V, Feuerriegel G, Tete P, Danso D, Thies S, Schumacher J, Pfleger C, Jaeger KE, Gohlke H, Smits SHJ, Schmitz RA, Streit WR. An archaeal lid-containing feruloyl esterase degrades polyethylene terephthalate. Commun Chem 2023; 6:193. [PMID: 37697032 PMCID: PMC10495362 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-023-00998-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a commodity polymer known to globally contaminate marine and terrestrial environments. Today, around 80 bacterial and fungal PET-active enzymes (PETases) are known, originating from four bacterial and two fungal phyla. In contrast, no archaeal enzyme had been identified to degrade PET. Here we report on the structural and biochemical characterization of PET46 (RLI42440.1), an archaeal promiscuous feruloyl esterase exhibiting degradation activity on semi-crystalline PET powder comparable to IsPETase and LCC (wildtypes), and higher activity on bis-, and mono-(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET and MHET). The enzyme, found by a sequence-based metagenome search, is derived from a non-cultivated, deep-sea Candidatus Bathyarchaeota archaeon. Biochemical characterization demonstrated that PET46 is a promiscuous, heat-adapted hydrolase. Its crystal structure was solved at a resolution of 1.71 Å. It shares the core alpha/beta-hydrolase fold with bacterial PETases, but contains a unique lid common in feruloyl esterases, which is involved in substrate binding. Thus, our study widens the currently known diversity of PET-hydrolyzing enzymes, by demonstrating PET depolymerization by a plant cell wall-degrading esterase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Perez-Garcia
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute for General Microbiology, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Jennifer Chow
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Elisa Costanzi
- Center for Structural Studies (CSS), Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Marno Gurschke
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jonas Dittrich
- Institute for Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Robert F Dierkes
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Rebecka Molitor
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology (IMET), Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Jülich, Germany
| | - Violetta Applegate
- Center for Structural Studies (CSS), Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Golo Feuerriegel
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Prince Tete
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dominik Danso
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stephan Thies
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology (IMET), Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Jülich, Germany
| | - Julia Schumacher
- Center for Structural Studies (CSS), Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christopher Pfleger
- Institute for Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Karl-Erich Jaeger
- Institute of Molecular Enzyme Technology (IMET), Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Jülich, Germany
- Institute of Bio- and Geosciences IBG-1: Biotechnology, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| | - Holger Gohlke
- Institute for Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute for Bio- and Geosciences (IBG-4: Bioinformatics), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Sander H J Smits
- Center for Structural Studies (CSS), Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute for Biochemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ruth A Schmitz
- Institute for General Microbiology, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Wolfgang R Streit
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
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Koh J, Bairoliya S, Salta M, Cho ZT, Fong J, Neo ML, Cragg S, Cao B. Sediment-driven plastisphere community assembly on plastic debris in tropical coastal and marine environments. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 179:108153. [PMID: 37607427 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Coastal habitats have been suggested to serve as a sink for unaccounted plastic debris, i.e., "missing plastic" in the sea, and hence, a hotspot of plastic pollution in the marine and coastal environments. Although the accumulation of plastic debris may pose significant threats to coastal ecosystems, we know little about the fate of these plastic debris and their ecological impacts due to the lack of studies on plastic-microbe interactions in coastal habitats, especially for the tropical marine and coastal environments. In this study, we collected plastic debris from 14 sites consisting of various coastal ecosystems (seagrass meadows, mangrove forests, and beaches), and marine ecosystem (coral reef) around Singapore and characterized the prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbial communities colonized on them. Our results showed that the composition of plastisphere communities in these intertidal ecosystems was predominantly influenced by the sediment than by the plastic materials. Compared with surrounding sediment and seawater, the plastic debris enriched potential plastic degraders, such as Muricauda, Halomonas, and Brevundimonas. The plastic debris was also found to host taxa that play significant roles in biogeochemical cycles (e.g., cyanobacteria, Erythrobacter), hygienically relevant bacteria (e.g., Chryseobacterium, Brevundimonas), and potential pathogens that may negatively impact the health of coastal ecosystems (e.g., Thraustochytriaceae, Labyrinthulaceae, Flavobacterium). Taken together, our study provides valuable insights into the plastic-microbe interactions in tropical coastal and marine ecosystems, highlighting the urgent need for plastisphere studies to understand the fate and ecological impacts of plastic debris accumulated in coastal habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Koh
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Sakcham Bairoliya
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Maria Salta
- Biofilm and MIC Research, Endures BV, the Netherlands
| | - Zin Thida Cho
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Jenny Fong
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mei Lin Neo
- Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Simon Cragg
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom; Centre for Enzyme Innovation, School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Bin Cao
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
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30
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Liu M, Wang C, Zhu B. Drought Alleviates the Negative Effects of Microplastics on Soil Micro-Food Web Complexity and Stability. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023. [PMID: 37471306 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c01538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Soil ecosystems are under considerable pressure due to anthropogenic factors, including microplastics (MPs) pollution and drought. However, little is known about the interactive effects of MPs and drought on soil organisms, especially soil micro-food web. We conducted a microcosm experiment with MPs pollution (including two types and two sizes of MPs) and drought to investigate their interaction effects on soil microbial, protist, and nematode communities in soil micro-food web. We found that MPs significantly decreased the complexity and stability of soil micro-food web, with greater negative effects of biodegradable and smaller-sized MPs than conventional and larger-sized MPs. Drought had negative effects on soil micro-food web in the non-MPs pollution soils while increasing the complexity and stability of soil micro-food web in the MPs pollution soils. Drought increased the proportion of negative correlations between bacteria and fungi in the biodegradable MPs soils while decreasing the proportion of negative correlations between protists and nematodes in the smaller-sized MPs soils. Our study reveals that drought may alleviate the negative effects of MPs on soil micro-food web by reducing competition among lower trophic levels in the biodegradable MPs pollution soils while reducing competition among higher trophic levels in the smaller-sized MPs pollution soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengli Liu
- Institute of Ecology, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Chong Wang
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Biao Zhu
- Institute of Ecology, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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31
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Pang G, Li X, Ding M, Jiang S, Chen P, Zhao Z, Gao R, Song B, Xu X, Shen Q, Cai FM, Druzhinina IS. The distinct plastisphere microbiome in the terrestrial-marine ecotone is a reservoir for putative degraders of petroleum-based polymers. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 453:131399. [PMID: 37062095 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Research into plastic-degrading bacteria and fungi is important for understanding how microorganisms can be used to address the problem of plastic pollution and for developing new approaches to sustainable waste management and bioplastic production. In the present study, we isolated 55 bacterial and 184 fungal strains degrading polycaprolactone (PCL) in plastic waste samples from Dafeng coastal salt marshes, Jiangsu, China. Of these, Jonesia and Streptomyces bacteria also showed potential to degrade other types of petroleum-based polymers. The metabarcoding results proved the existence of plastisphere as a distinct ecological niche regardless of the plastic types where 27 bacterial and 29 fungal amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) enriched, including some belonging to Alternaria (Ascomycota, Fungi) and Pseudomonas (Gammaproteobacteria, Bacteria) that were also mined out by the method of cultivation. Further assembly analyses demonstrated the importance of deterministic processes especially the environmental filtering effect of carbon content and pH on bacteria as well as the carbon and cation content on fungi in shaping the plastisphere communities in this ecosystem. Thus, the unique microbiome of the plastisphere in the terrestrial-marine ecotone is enriched with microorganisms that are potentially capable of utilizing petroleum-based polymers, making it a valuable resource for screening plastic biodegraders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guan Pang
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for Solid Organic Waste Utilization, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Solid Organic Wastes, Educational Ministry Engineering Center of Resource-saving Fertilizers, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xuesong Li
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for Solid Organic Waste Utilization, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Solid Organic Wastes, Educational Ministry Engineering Center of Resource-saving Fertilizers, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Mingyue Ding
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for Solid Organic Waste Utilization, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Solid Organic Wastes, Educational Ministry Engineering Center of Resource-saving Fertilizers, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Siqi Jiang
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for Solid Organic Waste Utilization, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Solid Organic Wastes, Educational Ministry Engineering Center of Resource-saving Fertilizers, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Peijie Chen
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for Solid Organic Waste Utilization, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Solid Organic Wastes, Educational Ministry Engineering Center of Resource-saving Fertilizers, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Zheng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Ecology, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Renwei Gao
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for Solid Organic Waste Utilization, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Solid Organic Wastes, Educational Ministry Engineering Center of Resource-saving Fertilizers, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Bin Song
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xiaowei Xu
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
| | - Qirong Shen
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for Solid Organic Waste Utilization, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Solid Organic Wastes, Educational Ministry Engineering Center of Resource-saving Fertilizers, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Feng M Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Ecology, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China.
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32
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Kumar M, Chaudhary DR, Jha B. Surface-associated bacterial assemblages on marine anthropogenic litter in the intertidal zone of the Arabian Sea, India. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 193:115211. [PMID: 37392592 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic marine litter (mainly plastic pollution) is a serious concern globally. The interactions between terrestrial and marine ecosystems lead to the accumulation of marine litter in the intertidal zone. The biofilm-forming bacteria tend to colonize on surfaces of marine litter which are composed of diverse bacteria and are less studied. The present study investigated the bacterial community composition using both culturable and non-culturable (Next-generation sequencing (NGS)) approaches associated with the marine litter (polyethylene (PE), styrofoam (SF) and fabric (FB)) at three distinct locations (Alang, Diu and Sikka) of the Arabian Sea, Gujarat, India. Predominant bacteria observed using culturable and NGS techniques belonged to Proteobacteria phyla. Alphaproteobacteria class dominated on polyethylene and styrofoam surfaces in the culturable fraction among the sites while the Bacillus dominated fabric surfaces. In the metagenomics fraction, Gammaproteobacteria dominated the surfaces except for PE and SF surfaces from Sikka and Diu, respectively. The PE surface at Sikka was dominated by Fusobacteriia while SF surface from Diu was dominated by Alphaproteobacteria. Both culture-dependent and NGS approaches identified hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria as well as pathogenic bacteria on the surfaces. The outcome of the present study illustrates diverse bacterial assemblages which occur on marine litter and increases our understanding of the plastisphere community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhav Kumar
- CSIR - Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, G. B. Marg, Bhavnagar, Gujarat 364002, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Doongar R Chaudhary
- CSIR - Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, G. B. Marg, Bhavnagar, Gujarat 364002, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
| | - Bhavanath Jha
- CSIR - Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, G. B. Marg, Bhavnagar, Gujarat 364002, India.
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Chigwada AD, Ogola HJO, Tekere M. Multivariate analysis of enriched landfill soil consortia provide insight on the community structural perturbation and functioning during low-density polyethylene degradation. Microbiol Res 2023; 274:127425. [PMID: 37348445 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2023.127425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Plastic-enriched sites like landfills have immense potential for discovery of microbial consortia that can efficiently degrade plastics. In this study, we used a combination of culture enrichment, high-throughput PacBio sequencing of 16 S rRNA and the ITS gene, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine the compositional and diversity perturbations of bacterial and fungal consortia from landfill soils and their impact on low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film biodegradation over a 90-day period. Results showed that enrichment cultures effectively utilized LDPE as a carbon source for cellular growth, resulting in significant weight reduction (22.4% and 55.6%) in the films. SEM analysis revealed marked changes in the micrometric surface characteristics (cracks, fissures, and erosion) and biofilm formation in LDPE films. FTIR analyses suggested structural and functional group modification related to C-H (2831-2943 cm⁻¹), and CH₂ (1400 cm⁻¹) stretching, CO and CC (680-950 cm⁻¹) scission, and CO incorporation (3320-3500 cm⁻¹) into the carbon backbone, indicative of LDPE polymer biodegradation. Enrichment cultures had lower diversity and richness of microbial taxa compared to soil samples, with LDPE as a carbon source having a direct influence on the structure and functioning of the microbial consortia. A total of 26 bacterial and 12 fungal OTU exhibiting high relative abundance and significant associations (IndVal > 0.7, q < 0.05) were identified in the enrichment culture. Bacterial taxa such as unclassified Parvibaculum FJ375498, Achromobacter xylosoxidans, unclassified Chitinophagaceae PAC002331, unclassified Paludisphaera and unclassified Comamonas JX898122, and six fungal species (Galactomyces candidus, Trichosporon chiropterorum, Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium chalabudae, Talaromyces thailandensis, and Penicillium citreosulfuratum) were identified as the putative LDPE degraders in the enrichment microbial consortium cultures. PICRUSt2 metagenomic functional profiling of taxonomic bacterial taxa abundances in both landfill soil and enrichment microbial consortia also revealed differential enrichment of energy production, stress tolerance, surface attachment and motility pathways, and xenobiotic degrading enzymes important for biofilm formation and hydrolytic/oxidative LDPE biodegradation. The findings shed light on the composition and structural changes in landfill soil microbial consortia during enrichment with LDPE as a carbon source and suggest novel LDPE-degrading bacterial and fungal taxa that could be explored for management of polyethylene pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubrey Dickson Chigwada
- Department of Environmental Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa (UNISA), Florida Campus, Roodepoort 1709, South Africa
| | - Henry Joseph Oduor Ogola
- Department of Environmental Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa (UNISA), Florida Campus, Roodepoort 1709, South Africa
| | - Memory Tekere
- Department of Environmental Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa (UNISA), Florida Campus, Roodepoort 1709, South Africa.
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Bitalac JMS, Lantican NB, Gomez NCF, Onda DFL. Attachment of potential cultivable primo-colonizing bacteria and its implications on the fate of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastics in the marine environment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 451:131124. [PMID: 36871466 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131124] [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: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Plastics released in the environment become suitable matrices for microbial attachment and colonization. Plastics-associated microbial communities interact with each other and are metabolically distinct from the surrounding environment. However, pioneer colonizing species and their interaction with the plastic during initial colonization are less described. Marine sediment bacteria from sites in Manila Bay were isolated via a double selective enrichment method using sterilized low-density polyethylene (LDPE) sheets as the sole carbon source. Ten isolates were identified to belong to the genera Halomonas, Bacillus, Alteromonas, Photobacterium, and Aliishimia based on 16S rRNA gene phylogeny, and majority of the taxa found exhibit a surface-associated lifestyle. Isolates were then tested for their ability to colonize polyethylene (PE) through co-incubation with LDPE sheets for 60 days. Growth of colonies in crevices, formation of cell-shaped pits, and increased roughness of the surface indicate physical deterioration. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy revealed significant changes in the functional groups and bond indices on LDPE sheets separately co-incubated with the isolates, demonstrating that different species potentially target different substrates of the photo-oxidized polymer backbone. Understanding the activity of primo-colonizing bacteria on the plastic surface can provide insights on the possible mechanisms used to make plastic more bioavailable for other species, and their implications on the fate of plastics in the marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Marey S Bitalac
- The Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines Diliman, 1101 Quezon City, Philippines; Microbiology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, 4031 Laguna, Philippines
| | - Nacita B Lantican
- Microbiology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, 4031 Laguna, Philippines
| | - Norchel Corcia F Gomez
- The Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines Diliman, 1101 Quezon City, Philippines; Microbiology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, 4031 Laguna, Philippines
| | - Deo Florence L Onda
- The Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines Diliman, 1101 Quezon City, Philippines.
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Zhu M, Qi X, Yuan Y, Zhou H, Rong X, Dang Z, Yin H. Deciphering the distinct successional patterns and potential roles of abundant and rare microbial taxa of urban riverine plastisphere. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 450:131080. [PMID: 36842200 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microbial colonization on microplastics has provoked global concern; however, many studies have not considered the successional patterns and potential roles of abundant and rare taxa of the plastisphere during colonization. Hence, we investigate the taxonomic composition, assembly, interaction and function of abundant and rare taxa in the riverine plastisphere by conducting microcosm experiments. Results showed that rare taxa occupied significantly high community diversity and niche breadth than the abundant taxa, which implies that rare taxa are essential components in maintaining the community stability of the plastisphere. However, the abundant taxa played a major role in driving the succession of plastisphere communities during colonization. Both stochastic and deterministic processes signally affected the plastisphere community assemblies; while, the deterministic patterns (heterogeneous selection) were especially pronounced for rare biospheres. Plastisphere microbial networks were shaped by the enhancement of network modularity and reinforcement of positive interactions. Rare taxa played critical roles in shaping stable plastisphere by occupying the key status in microbial networks. The strong interaction of rare and non-rare taxa suggested that multi-species collaboration might be conducive to the formation and stability of the plastisphere. Both abundant and rare taxa were enriched with plentiful functional genes related to carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur cycling; however, their potential metabolic functions were significantly discrepant, implying that the abundant and rare microbes may play different roles in ecosystems. Overall, this study strengthens our comprehending of the mechanisms regarding the formation and maintenance of the plastisphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghan Zhu
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xin Qi
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yibo Yuan
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Heyang Zhou
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xufa Rong
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhi Dang
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education on Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Wastes Pollution Control and Recycling, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Hua Yin
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education on Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Wastes Pollution Control and Recycling, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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36
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Wang L, Bank MS, Rinklebe J, Hou D. Plastic-Rock Complexes as Hotspots for Microplastic Generation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:7009-7017. [PMID: 37010423 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c00662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Discarded plastics and microplastics (MPs) in the environment are considered emerging contaminants and indicators of the Anthropocene epoch. This study reports the discovery of a new type of plastic material in the environment─plastic-rock complexes─formed when plastic debris irreversibly sorbs onto the parent rock after historical flooding events. These complexes consist of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or polypropylene (PP) films stuck onto quartz-dominated mineral matrices. These plastic-rock complexes serve as hotspots for MP generation, as evidenced by laboratory wet-dry cycling tests. Over 1.03 × 108 and 1.28 × 108 items·m-2 MPs were generated in a zero-order mode from the LDPE- and PP-rock complexes, respectively, following 10 wet-dry cycles. The speed of MP generation was 4-5 orders of magnitude higher than that in landfills, 2-3 orders of magnitude higher than that in seawater, and >1 order of magnitude higher than that in marine sediment as compared with previously reported data. Results from this investigation provide strong direct evidence of anthropogenic waste entering geological cycles and inducing potential ecological risks that may be exacerbated by climate change conditions such as flooding events. Future research should evaluate this phenomenon regarding ecosystem fluxes, fate, and transport and impacts of plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuwei Wang
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Michael S Bank
- Institute of Marine Research, Bergen NO-5817, Norway
- University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- Laboratory of Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water- and Waste-Management, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, University of Wuppertal, Pauluskirchstraße 7, Wuppertal 42285, Germany
| | - Deyi Hou
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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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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Hu Z, Yang L, Liu Z, Han J, Zhao Y, Jin Y, Sheng Y, Zhu L, Hu B. Excessive disinfection aggravated the environmental prevalence of antimicrobial resistance during COVID-19 pandemic. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 882:163598. [PMID: 37094669 PMCID: PMC10122561 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
During COVID-19 pandemic, chemicals from excessive consumption of pharmaceuticals and disinfectants i.e., antibiotics, quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), and trihalomethanes (THMs), flowed into the urban environment, imposing unprecedented selective pressure to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). To decipher the obscure character pandemic-related chemicals portrayed in altering environmental AMR, 40 environmental samples covering water and soil matrix from surroundings of Wuhan designated hospitals were collected on March 2020 and June 2020. Chemical concentrations and antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) profiles were revealed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and metagenomics. Selective pressure from pandemic-related chemicals ascended by 1.4-5.8 times in March 2020 and then declined to normal level of pre-pandemic period in June 2020. Correspondingly, the relative abundance of ARGs under increasing selective pressure was 20.1 times that under normal selective pressure. Moreover, effect from QACs and THMs in aggravating the prevalence of AMR was elaborated by null model, variation partition and co-occurrence network analyses. Pandemic-related chemicals, of which QACs and THMs respectively displayed close interaction with efflux pump genes and mobile genetic elements, contributed >50 % in shaping ARG profile. QACs bolstered the cross resistance effectuated by qacEΔ1 and cmeB to 3.0 times higher while THMs boosted horizon ARG transfer by 7.9 times for initiating microbial response to oxidative stress. Under ascending selective pressure, qepA encoding quinolone efflux pump and oxa-20 encoding β-lactamases were identified as priority ARGs with potential human health risk. Collectively, this research validated the synergistic effect of QACs and THMs in exacerbating environmental AMR, appealing for the rational usage of disinfectants and the attention for environmental microbes in one-health perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Hu
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lihua Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zishu Liu
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jian Han
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yuxiang Zhao
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yihao Jin
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yaqi Sheng
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lizhong Zhu
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Baolan Hu
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory for Water Pollution Control and Environmental Safety, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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Citterich F, Lo Giudice A, Azzaro M. A plastic world: A review of microplastic pollution in the freshwaters of the Earth's poles. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 869:161847. [PMID: 36709890 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution is of great environmental concern. MPs have been found all over the Earth, including in the poles, which is indicative for the important threat they constitute. Yet, while the ocean is object of major interest, the data available in the literature about MP pollution in the freshwaters of the Earth's poles are still limited. Here, we review the current knowledge of MP pollution in the freshwaters of the Arctic, Antarctica and Third Pole, and we assess its ecological implications. This review highlights the presence of MPs in the lakes, rivers, snow, and glaciers of the investigated sites, questions the transport patterns through which MPs reach these remote areas, and illustrates that MP pollution is a real problem not only in marine systems, but also in the freshwater environments of the Earth's poles. MPs can indeed be ingested by animals and can physically damage their digestive tracts, as well as escalate the trophic levels. MPs can also alter microbial communities by serving as surfaces onto which microbes can grow and develop, and can enhance ice melting when trapped in glaciers. Hence, considered the limited data available, we encourage more research on the theme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Citterich
- Institute of Polar Sciences (ISP), National Research Council (CNR-ISP), Spianata S. Raineri 86, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Angelina Lo Giudice
- Institute of Polar Sciences (ISP), National Research Council (CNR-ISP), Spianata S. Raineri 86, 98122 Messina, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Azzaro
- Institute of Polar Sciences (ISP), National Research Council (CNR-ISP), Spianata S. Raineri 86, 98122 Messina, Italy
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Ding MQ, Yang SS, Ding J, Zhang ZR, Zhao YL, Dai W, Sun HJ, Zhao L, Xing D, Ren N, Wu WM. Gut Microbiome Associating with Carbon and Nitrogen Metabolism during Biodegradation of Polyethene in Tenebrio larvae with Crop Residues as Co-Diets. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:3031-3041. [PMID: 36790312 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c05009] [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] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Tenebrio molitor and Tenebrio obscurus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) larvae are two commercial insects that eat plant and crop residues as diets and also biodegrade synthetic plastics polyethylene (PE). We examined biodegradation of low-density PE (LDPE) foam (Mn = 28.9 kDa and Mw = 342.0 kDa) with and without respective co-diets, i.e., wheat brain (WB) or corn flour (CF), corn straw (CS), and rice straw (RS) at 4:1 (w/w), and their gut microbiome and genetic metabolic functional groups at 27.0 ± 0.5 °C after 28 days of incubation. The presence of co-diets enhanced LDPE consumption in both larvae and broad-depolymerized the ingested LDPE. The diet type shaped gut microbial diversity, potential pathways, and metabolic functions. The sequence of effectiveness of co-diets was WB or CF > CS > RS for larval development and LDPE degradation. Co-occurrence networks indicated that the larvae co-fed with LDPE displayed more complex correlations of gut microbiome than the larvae fed with single diets. The primary diet of WB or CF and crop residues CS and RS provided energy and nitrogen source to significantly enhance LDPE biodegradation with synergistic activities of the gut microbiota. For the larvae fed LDPE and LDPE plus co-diets, nitrogen fixation function was stimulated compared to normal diets and associated with LDPE biodegradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Qi Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Shan-Shan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Jie Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Zhi-Rong Zhang
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Yi-Lin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Wei Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Han-Jun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Defeng Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Nanqi Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Wei-Min Wu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of Chemistry, William & Cloy Codiga Resource Recovery Center, Center for Sustainable Development & Global Competitiveness, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
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Liang H, de Haan WP, Cerdà-Domènech M, Méndez J, Lucena F, García-Aljaro C, Sanchez-Vidal A, Ballesté E. Detection of faecal bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes in biofilms attached to plastics from human-impacted coastal areas. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 319:120983. [PMID: 36596379 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Plastics have been proposed as vectors of bacteria as they act as a substrate for biofilms. In this study, we evaluated the abundance of faecal and marine bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) from biofilms adhered to marine plastics. Floating plastics and plastics from sediments were collected in coastal areas impacted by human faecal pollution in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea. Culture and/or molecular methods were used to quantify faecal indicators (E. coli, Enterococci and crAssphage), and the ARGs sulI, tetW and blaTEM and the 16S rRNA were detected by qPCR assays. Pseudomonas and Vibrio species and heterotrophic marine bacteria were also analysed via culture-based methods. Results showed that, plastic particles covered by bacterial biofilms, primarily consisted of marine bacteria including Vibrio spp. Some floating plastics had a low concentration of viable E. coli and Enterococci (42% and 67% of the plastics respectively). Considering the median area of the plastics, we detected an average of 68 cfu E. coli per item, while a higher concentration of E. coli was detected on individual plastic items, when compared with 100 ml of the surrounding water. Using qPCR, we quantified higher values of faecal indicators which included inactive and dead microorganisms, detecting up to 2.6 × 102 gc mm-2. The ARGs were detected in 67-88% of the floating plastics and in 29-57% of the sediment plastics with a concentration of up to 6.7 × 102 gc mm-2. Furthermore, enrichment of these genes was observed in biofilms compared with the surrounding water. These results show that floating plastics act as a conduit for both the attachment and transport of faecal microorganisms. In contrast, low presence of faecal indicators was detected in plastic from seafloor sediments. Therefore, although in low concentrations, faecal bacteria, and potential pathogens, were identified in marine plastics, further suggesting plastics act as a reservoir of pathogens and ARGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxia Liang
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia I Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Diagonal 643, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - William P de Haan
- GRC Geociències Marines, Departament de Dinàmica de La Terra I de L'Oceà, Facultat de Ciències de La Terra, Universitat de Barcelona, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Cerdà-Domènech
- GRC Geociències Marines, Departament de Dinàmica de La Terra I de L'Oceà, Facultat de Ciències de La Terra, Universitat de Barcelona, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Méndez
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia I Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Diagonal 643, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francisco Lucena
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia I Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Diagonal 643, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina García-Aljaro
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia I Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Diagonal 643, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Sanchez-Vidal
- GRC Geociències Marines, Departament de Dinàmica de La Terra I de L'Oceà, Facultat de Ciències de La Terra, Universitat de Barcelona, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisenda Ballesté
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia I Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Diagonal 643, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain.
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Martínez-Campos S, González-Pleiter M, Rico A, Schell T, Vighi M, Fernández-Piñas F, Rosal R, Leganés F. Time-course biofilm formation and presence of antibiotic resistance genes on everyday plastic items deployed in river waters. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 443:130271. [PMID: 36351347 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The plastisphere has been widely studied in the oceans; however, there is little information on how living organisms interact with the plastisphere in freshwater ecosystems, and particularly on how this interaction changes over time. We have characterized, over one year, the evolution of the eukaryotic and bacterial communities colonizing four everyday plastic items deployed in two sites of the same river with different anthropogenic impact. α-diversity analyses showed that site had a significant role in bacterial and eukaryotic diversity, with the most impacted site having higher values of the Shannon diversity index. β-diversity analyses showed that site explained most of the sample variation followed by substrate type (i.e., plastic item) and time since first colonization. In this regard, core microbiomes/biomes in each plastic at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months could be identified at genus level, giving a global overview of the evolution of the plastisphere over time. The measured concentration of antibiotics in the river water positively correlated with the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) on the plastics. These results provide relevant information on the temporal dynamics of the plastisphere in freshwater ecosystems and emphasize the potential contribution of plastic items to the global spread of antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Martínez-Campos
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, E-28871 Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel González-Pleiter
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, E-28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Andreu Rico
- IMDEA Water Institute, Science and Technology Campus of the Universidad de Alcalá, Av. Punto Com 2, 28805 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain; Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Universidad de Valencia, c/ Catedrático José Beltrán 2, Paterna, 46980 Valencia, Spain
| | - Theresa Schell
- IMDEA Water Institute, Science and Technology Campus of the Universidad de Alcalá, Av. Punto Com 2, 28805 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marco Vighi
- IMDEA Water Institute, Science and Technology Campus of the Universidad de Alcalá, Av. Punto Com 2, 28805 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisca Fernández-Piñas
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, E-28049 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Global (CIBC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C Darwin 2, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Rosal
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, E-28871 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Leganés
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, E-28049 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Global (CIBC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C Darwin 2, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
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Amaneesh C, Anna Balan S, Silpa PS, Kim JW, Greeshma K, Aswathi Mohan A, Robert Antony A, Grossart HP, Kim HS, Ramanan R. Gross Negligence: Impacts of Microplastics and Plastic Leachates on Phytoplankton Community and Ecosystem Dynamics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:5-24. [PMID: 36534053 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c05817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Plastic debris is an established environmental menace affecting aquatic systems globally. Recently, microplastics (MP) and plastic leachates (PL) have been detected in vital human organs, the vascular system, and in vitro animal studies positing severe health hazards. MP and PL have been found in every conceivable aquatic ecosystem─from open oceans and deep sea floors to supposedly pristine glacier lakes and snow covered mountain catchment sites. Many studies have documented the MP and PL impacts on a variety of aquatic organisms, whereby some exclusively focus on aquatic microorganisms. Yet, the specific MP and PL impacts on primary producers have not been systematically analyzed. Therefore, this review focuses on the threats posed by MP, PL, and associated chemicals on phytoplankton, their comprehensive impacts at organismal, community, and ecosystem scales, and their endogenous amelioration. Studies on MP- and PL-impacted individual phytoplankton species reveal the production of reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, physical damage of thylakoids, and other physiological and metabolic changes, followed by homo- and heteroaggregations, ultimately eventuating in decreased photosynthesis and primary productivity. Likewise, analyses of the microbial community in the plastisphere show a radically different profile compared to the surrounding planktonic diversity. The plastisphere also enriches multidrug-resistant bacteria, cyanotoxins, and pollutants, accelerating microbial succession, changing the microbiome, and thus, affecting phytoplankton diversity and evolution. These impacts on cellular and community scales manifest in changed ecosystem dynamics with widespread bottom-up and top-down effects on aquatic biodiversity and food web interactions. These adverse effects─through altered nutrient cycling─have "knock-on" impacts on biogeochemical cycles and greenhouse gases. Consequently, these impacts affect provisioning and regulating ecosystem services. Our citation network analyses (CNA) further demonstrate dire effects of MP and PL on all trophic levels, thereby unsettling ecosystem stability and services. CNA points to several emerging nodes indicating combined toxicity of MP, PL, and their associated hazards on phytoplankton. Taken together, our study shows that ecotoxicity of plastic particles and their leachates have placed primary producers and some aquatic ecosystems in peril.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Amaneesh
- Sustainable Resources Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Periya, Kasaragod, Kerala 671316, India
| | - Shankari Anna Balan
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Maclean Building, Benson Lane, Wallingford, Oxfordshire OX10 8BB, United Kingdom
- Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 8000, 6700 EA, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - P S Silpa
- Sustainable Resources Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Periya, Kasaragod, Kerala 671316, India
| | - Ji Won Kim
- Cell Factory Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, KRIBB School of Biotechnology, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), 34113, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kozhumal Greeshma
- Sustainable Resources Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Periya, Kasaragod, Kerala 671316, India
| | - A Aswathi Mohan
- Sustainable Resources Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Periya, Kasaragod, Kerala 671316, India
| | - Aiswarya Robert Antony
- Sustainable Resources Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Periya, Kasaragod, Kerala 671316, India
| | - Hans-Peter Grossart
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Department of Plankton and Microbial Ecology, 12587 Berlin, Germany
- Potsdam University, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Hee-Sik Kim
- Cell Factory Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, KRIBB School of Biotechnology, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), 34113, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Rishiram Ramanan
- Sustainable Resources Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Periya, Kasaragod, Kerala 671316, India
- Cell Factory Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- Centre for Policy Research & Governance, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Periya, Kasaragod, Kerala 671316, India
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Zhai X, Zhang XH, Yu M. Microbial colonization and degradation of marine microplastics in the plastisphere: A review. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1127308. [PMID: 36876073 PMCID: PMC9981674 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1127308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Marine microplastic pollution is a growing problem for ecotoxicology that needs to be resolved. In particular, microplastics may be carriers of "dangerous hitchhikers," pathogenic microorganisms, i.e., Vibrio. Microplastics are colonized by bacteria, fungi, viruses, archaea, algae and protozoans, resulting in the biofilm referred to as the "plastisphere." The microbial community composition of the plastisphere differs significantly from those of surrounding environments. Early dominant pioneer communities of the plastisphere belong to primary producers, including diatoms, cyanobacteria, green algae and bacterial members of the Gammaproteobacteria and Alphaproteobacteria. With time, the plastisphere mature, and the diversity of microbial communities increases quickly to include more abundant Bacteroidetes and Alphaproteobacteria than natural biofilms. Factors driving the plastisphere composition include environmental conditions and polymers, with the former having a much larger influence on the microbial community composition than polymers. Microorganisms of the plastisphere may play key roles in degradation of plastic in the oceans. Up to now, many bacterial species, especially Bacillus and Pseudomonas as well as some polyethylene degrading biocatalysts, have been shown to be capable of degrading microplastics. However, more relevant enzymes and metabolisms need to be identified. Here, we elucidate the potential roles of quorum sensing on the plastic research for the first time. Quorum sensing may well become a new research area to understand the plastisphere and promote microplastics degradation in the ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Zhai
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiao-Hua Zhang
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, China.,Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Min Yu
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, China.,Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
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45
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Zhi Xiang JK, Bairoliya S, Cho ZT, Cao B. Plastic-microbe interaction in the marine environment: Research methods and opportunities. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 171:107716. [PMID: 36587499 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 9 million metric tons of plastics enters the ocean annually, and once in the marine environment, plastic surfaces can be quickly colonised by marine microorganisms, forming a biofilm. Studies on plastic debris-biofilm associations, known as plastisphere, have increased exponentially within the last few years. In this review, we first briefly summarise methods and techniques used in exploring plastic-microbe interactions. Then we highlight research gaps and provide future research opportunities for marine plastisphere studies, especially, on plastic characterisation and standardised biodegradation tests, the fate of "environmentally friendly" plastics, and plastisphere of coastal habitats. Located in the tropics, Southeast Asian (SEA) countries are significant contributors to marine plastic debris. However, plastisphere studies in this region are lacking and therefore, we discuss how the unique environmental conditions in the SEA seas may affect plastic-microbe interaction and why there is an imperative need to conduct plastisphere studies in SEA marine environments. Finally, we also highlight the lack of understanding of the pathogenicity and ecotoxicological effects of plastisphere on marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Koh Zhi Xiang
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Sakcham Bairoliya
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Zin Thida Cho
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Bin Cao
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
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46
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Chung JH, Yeon J, Seong HJ, An SH, Kim DY, Yoon Y, Weon HY, Kim JJ, Ahn JH. Distinct Bacterial and Fungal Communities Colonizing Waste Plastic Films Buried for More Than 20 Years in Four Landfill Sites in Korea. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 32:1561-1572. [PMID: 36453077 PMCID: PMC9843814 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2206.06021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Plastic pollution has been recognized as a serious environmental problem, and microbial degradation of plastics is a potential, environmentally friendly solution to this. Here, we analyzed and compared microbial communities on waste plastic films (WPFs) buried for long periods at four landfill sites with those in nearby soils to identify microbes with the potential to degrade plastics. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy spectra of these WPFs showed that most were polyethylene and had signs of oxidation, such as carbon-carbon double bonds, carbon-oxygen single bonds, or hydrogen-oxygen single bonds, but the presence of carbonyl groups was rare. The species richness and diversity of the bacterial and fungal communities on the films were generally lower than those in nearby soils. Principal coordinate analysis of the bacterial and fungal communities showed that their overall structures were determined by their geographical locations; however, the microbial communities on the films were generally different from those in the soils. For the pulled data from the four landfill sites, the relative abundances of Bradyrhizobiaceae, Pseudarthrobacter, Myxococcales, Sphingomonas, and Spartobacteria were higher on films than in soils at the bacterial genus level. At the species level, operational taxonomic units classified as Bradyrhizobiaceae and Pseudarthrobacter in bacteria and Mortierella in fungi were enriched on the films. PICRUSt analysis showed that the predicted functions related to amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism and xenobiotic degradation were more abundant on films than in soils. These results suggest that specific microbial groups were enriched on the WPFs and may be involved in plastic degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joon-hui Chung
- Agricultural Microbiology Division, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Rural Development Administration (RDA), Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Jehyeong Yeon
- Agricultural Microbiology Division, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Rural Development Administration (RDA), Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do 55365, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Si-Hyun An
- Agricultural Microbiology Division, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Rural Development Administration (RDA), Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Da-Yeon Kim
- Agricultural Microbiology Division, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Rural Development Administration (RDA), Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Younggun Yoon
- College of Environmental and Bioresource Sciences, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan 54596, Republic of Korea
| | - Hang-Yeon Weon
- Agricultural Microbiology Division, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Rural Development Administration (RDA), Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Jun Kim
- Agricultural Microbiology Division, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Rural Development Administration (RDA), Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hyung Ahn
- Agricultural Microbiology Division, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Rural Development Administration (RDA), Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do 55365, Republic of Korea,Corresponding author Phone: +82-63-238-3045 Fax: +82-63-850-3835 E-mail:
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Rosato A, Barone M, Negroni A, Brigidi P, Fava F, Biagi E, Candela M, Zanaroli G. Bacterial colonization dynamics of different microplastic types in an anoxic salt marsh sediment and impact of adsorbed polychlorinated biphenyls on the plastisphere. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 315:120411. [PMID: 36240963 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Plastic debris dispersed into the environment provide a substrate for microbial colonization, constituting a new human-made ecosystem called "plastisphere", and altering the microbial species distribution in aquatic, coastal and benthic ecosystems. The study aims at exploring the interaction among microplastics (MPs) made of different polymers, a persistent organic contaminant (polychlorinated biphenyls, PCBs), and the environmental microbial communities, in an anoxic marine sediment. Plastic pellets were incubated in the field in a salt marsh anoxic sediment, to observe the stages of plastisphere formation, by quantitative PCR and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and PCB dechlorination activity on the MPs surface. Microbes from the sediment rapidly colonized the different microplastics types, with PVC recruiting a peculiar community enriched in sulfate-reducing bacteria. The composition of the plastisphere varied along the 1-year incubation possibly in response either to warmer temperatures in spring-summer or to microhabitat's changes due to the progressive plastic surface weathering. Even if PCB contaminated MPs were able to recruit potentially dehalogenating taxa, actual dechlorination was not detectable after 1 year. This suggests that the concentration of potentially dehalorespiring bacteria in the natural environment could be too low for the onset of the dechlorination process on MP-sorbed contaminants. Our study, which is among very few available longitudinally exploring the plastisphere composition in an anoxic sediment context, is the first exploring the fate and possible biodegradation of persistent organic pollutants sorbed on MPs reaching the seafloor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Rosato
- Dept. of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering (DICAM), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Terracini 28, 40131, Bologna, Italy
| | - Monica Barone
- Dept. of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBit), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126, Bologna, Italy; Dept. of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Negroni
- Dept. of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering (DICAM), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Terracini 28, 40131, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Brigidi
- Dept. of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabio Fava
- Dept. of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering (DICAM), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Terracini 28, 40131, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Biagi
- Dept. of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering (DICAM), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Terracini 28, 40131, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Candela
- Dept. of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBit), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulio Zanaroli
- Dept. of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering (DICAM), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Terracini 28, 40131, Bologna, Italy.
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Pathogens transported by plastic debris: does this vector pose a risk to aquatic organisms? Emerg Top Life Sci 2022; 6:349-358. [PMID: 36205551 DOI: 10.1042/etls20220022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Microplastics are small (<5 mm) plastic particles of varying shapes and polymer types that are now widespread global contaminants of marine and freshwater ecosystems. Various estimates suggest that several trillions of microplastic particles are present in our global oceanic system, and that these are readily ingested by a wide range of marine and freshwater species across feeding modes and ecological niches. Here, we present some of the key and pressing issues associated with these globally important contaminants from a microbiological perspective. We discuss the potential mechanisms of pathogen attachment to plastic surfaces. We then describe the ability of pathogens (both human and animal) to form biofilms on microplastics, as well as dispersal of these bacteria, which might lead to their uptake into aquatic species ingesting microplastic particles. Finally, we discuss the role of a changing oceanic system on the potential of microplastic-associated pathogens to cause various disease outcomes using numerous case studies. We set out some key and imperative research questions regarding this globally important issue and present a methodological framework to study how and why plastic-associated pathogens should be addressed.
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Ilić K, Kalčec N, Krce L, Aviani I, Turčić P, Pavičić I, Vinković Vrček I. Toxicity of nanomixtures to human macrophages: Joint action of silver and polystyrene nanoparticles. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 368:110225. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.110225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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50
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Jiménez‐Arroyo C, Tamargo A, Molinero N, Moreno‐Arribas MV. The gut microbiota, a key to understanding the health implications of micro(nano)plastics and their biodegradation. Microb Biotechnol 2022; 16:34-53. [PMID: 36415969 PMCID: PMC9803334 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of plastic debris on the environment and plant, animal, and human health are a global challenge, with micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) being the main focus. MNPs are found so often in the food chain that they are provoking an increase in human intake. They have been detected in most categories of consumed foods, drinking water, and even human feces. Therefore, oral ingestion becomes the main source of exposure to MNPs, and the gastrointestinal tract, primarily the gut, constantly interacts with these small particles. The consequences of human exposure to MNPs remain unclear. However, current in vivo studies and in vitro gastrointestinal tract models have shown that MNPs of several types and sizes impact gut intestinal bacteria, affecting gut homeostasis. The typical microbiome signature of MNP ingestion is often associated with dysbiosis and loss of resilience, leads to frequent pathogen outbreaks, and local and systemic metabolic disorders. Moreover, the small micro- and nano-plastic particles found in animal tissues with accumulated evidence of microbial degradation of plastics/MNPs by bacteria and insect gut microbiota raise the issue of whether human gut bacteria make key contributions to the bio-transformation of ingested MNPs. Here, we discuss these issues and unveil the complex interplay between MNPs and the human gut microbiome. Therefore, the elucidation of the biological consequences of this interaction on both host and microbiota is undoubtedly challenging. It is expected that microbial biotechnology and microbiome research could help decipher the extent to which gut microorganisms diversify and MNP-determinant species, mechanisms, and enzymatic systems, as well as become important to understand our response to MNP exposure and provide background information to inspire future holistic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alba Tamargo
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias de la Alimentación (CIAL)CSIC‐UAMMadridSpain
| | - Natalia Molinero
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias de la Alimentación (CIAL)CSIC‐UAMMadridSpain
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