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Separation and Identification of Conventional Microplastics from Farmland Soils
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Microplastics accumulate fungal pathogens in terrestrial ecosystems
Gerasimos Gkoutselis1, Stephan Rohrbach2, Janno Harjes1
1Department of Mycology, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany.
Scientific Reports
|July 16, 2021
Summary
Microplastics (MP) carry diverse fungi, including plant and animal pathogens, in terrestrial ecosystems. This study reveals MPs as a potential reservoir and vector for fungal infections, posing global health risks.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Mycology
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- Microplastics (MP) are widespread environmental pollutants.
- Fungi colonize MPs, yet their role as pathogens is understudied.
- Terrestrial ecosystems face increasing plastic waste accumulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate MPs as carriers of fungal pathogens in terrestrial environments.
- To identify fungal communities on MPs from municipal plastic waste.
- To assess the risk of MPs facilitating fungal disease transmission.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of epiplastic mycobiomes using ITS metabarcoding.
- Comprehensive meta-analysis of existing data.
- Microscopic visualization via scanning electron and confocal laser scanning microscopy.
Main Results:
- Terrestrial plastisphere supports diverse fungi, including animal and plant pathogens.
- MPs act as selective microhabitats, attracting distinct fungal communities.
- Opportunistic human pathogens like Cryptococcal and Phoma-like species were found on MPs.
Conclusions:
- MPs serve as a persistent reservoir and potential vector for fungal pathogens in soil.
- The accumulation of plastic waste worldwide may exacerbate fungal disease epidemiology.
- Further research is needed to understand the global impact of MPs on fungal infections.
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