Microplastics are a hotspot for antibiotic resistance genes: Progress and perspective

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Microbiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and microplastics are significant environmental concerns.
• Microplastics can harbor bacteria and pollutants, potentially promoting ARG proliferation.
• Understanding the interaction between ARGs and microplastics is crucial for assessing human health risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the scientific literature on the occurrence and transport of ARGs on microplastics.
• To summarize findings across various environmental compartments.
• To identify knowledge gaps regarding ARG-microplastic interactions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing scientific studies.
• Analysis of ARG occurrence and transport mechanisms in different environments.
• Examination of the role of microplastics in ARG enrichment and transfer.

Main Results:

• ARGs are confirmed to be selectively enriched on microplastics in wastewater treatment plants, aquatic, terrestrial, and air environments.
• Microplastic aggregates are important for ARG transport, especially in aquatic and terrestrial settings.
• Microplastics act as vectors for ARGs, potentially transferring them between environments and animals.

Conclusions:

• Microplastics create favorable conditions for ARG evolution and transfer due to pollutant accumulation and dense bacterial communities.
• Further research is essential to understand ARG enrichment, transport, and transfer dynamics on microplastics.
• Comprehensive studies are needed to evaluate the human health risks associated with ARGs on microplastics.