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The impact of microplastic-microbe interactions on animal health and biogeochemical cycles: A mini-review

Jiao Wang1, Chu Peng2, Hongyu Li1

  • 1School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, PR China.

The Science of the Total Environment
|May 4, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Microplastics (MPs) create habitats for microbes, influencing ecosystems and potentially harming animal health. This review synthesizes MP-microbe interactions and their broader environmental and health impacts.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Microbiology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Microplastic (MP) pollution is a growing global concern due to widespread plastic use.
  • The surface of MPs serves as a niche for microbial colonization and biofilm formation.
  • Limited systematic reviews exist on the comprehensive effects of MP-microbe interactions on health and biogeochemical cycles.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the interactions between microplastics and microbes.
  • To elucidate the impact of these interactions on microbial communities, biodegradation, animal health, and biogeochemical processes.
  • To identify knowledge gaps and suggest future research directions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing studies on microplastic-microbe interactions.
  • Analysis of research focusing on microbial colonization, biofilm development, and microbial degradation of MPs.
  • Examination of studies investigating the effects of MP-microbe complexes on gut microbiota and animal health.
  • Assessment of the influence on biogeochemical cycles.

Main Results:

  • MPs facilitate microbial colonization, biofilm formation, and the transfer of microbes.
  • Microbial activity can lead to morphological changes and biodegradation of MPs.
  • MP-microbe associations can alter gut flora and pose risks to animal health.
  • These interactions significantly impact global biogeochemical cycles.

Conclusions:

  • Microplastics and microorganisms engage in complex interactions with significant environmental and health implications.
  • Understanding these interactions is crucial for assessing the ecological risks of plastic pollution.
  • Further research is needed to fully comprehend the long-term consequences and develop mitigation strategies.
Keywords:
Animal healthBiodegradationColonizationMicroorganismsMicroplastic

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