Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 1, 2026
13:38
Isolation of Native Soil Microorganisms with Potential for Breaking Down Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films Used in Agriculture
Published on: May 10, 2013
The Plastisphere - Uncovering tightly attached plastic "specific" microorganisms.
Inga Vanessa Kirstein1, Antje Wichels1, Elisabeth Gullans1
1Alfred-Wegener-Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, Helgoland, Germany.
Plos One
|April 24, 2019
Summary
Researchers identified plastic-specific microorganisms in marine biofilms. These microbes, found in the rare biosphere, attach closely to plastic surfaces, suggesting unique adaptations for survival in the marine environment.
Area of Science:
- Marine microbiology
- Polymer science
- Environmental science
Background:
- Understanding marine plastic degradation requires identifying specific colonizing microorganisms.
- Generalist microbes may obscure plastic-specific communities on submerged surfaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify microorganisms specifically attached to plastic surfaces in the marine environment.
- To test the hypothesis that plastic-specific microbes are part of the rare biosphere and tightly attached.
Main Methods:
- Incubation of nine distinct plastic films and glass in a seawater system for 21 months.
- Sequential removal of biofilm layers using a high-pressure water jet.
- 16S rRNA gene tag sequencing to analyze bacterial communities on different substrates.
Main Results:
- Tightly attached microorganisms on plastics were found to constitute the rare biosphere.
- Evidence suggests the presence of plastic-specific microbial communities.
- These communities may utilize plastic properties or limited carbon resources.
Conclusions:
- Marine plastic biofilms harbor specific microbial communities.
- The rare biosphere plays a role in plastic colonization.
- Further research can explore these specific microbes for plastic degradation potential.
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