Journal
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
Volume 194, Issue -, Pages -Publisher
PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115402
Keywords
Microplastics; Oyster farm; Bacterial communities; Antibiotic resistance genes; Bacterial pathogens
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This study reveals that microplastics can harbor bacterial communities and form distinct plastisphere. The composition and function of plastisphere communities are influenced by polymer type and exposure time. Microplastics can also enrich antibiotic resistance genes and potential pathogens, posing a threat to aquaculture ecosystems and human health.
Microplastics can be colonized by microorganisms and form plastisphere. However, knowledge of bacterial community succession and the enrichment of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and pathogens on microplastics in aquaculture environments is limited. Here, we conducted a 30-day continuous exposure experiment at an oyster farm. Results showed that the alpha-diversity of communities on most microplastics continuously increased and was higher than in planktonic communities after 14 days. Microplastics could selectively enrich certain bacteria from water which can live a sessile lifestyle and promote colonization by other bacteria. The composition and function of plastisphere communities were distinct from those in the surrounding water and influenced by polymer type and exposure time. Microplastics can enrich ARGs (sul1, qnrS and blaTEM) and harbor potential pathogens (e.g., Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Therefore, microplastic pollution may pose a critical threat to aquaculture ecosystems and human health. Our study provides further insight into the ecological risks of microplastics.
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