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Effects of Microplastics on Microbial Community in Zhanjiang Mangrove Sediments
Meng-Meng Chen1, Fang-Hong Nie2, Aftab Qamar1
1Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Coastal Agriculture, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524088, Guangdong, China.
Abstract:
Microplastics are easily consumed by marine animals, thereby entering the food chain and endangering animal health. However, there are few studies focusing on the effects of microplastics in mangrove sediments on microbial communities. In order to study the influence of microplastics on microorganisms, microplastics and microorganisms were extracted from Zhanjiang (Guangdong Province, China) mangrove sediments and analyzed. The results showed that there were differences in Shannon and Simpson indices of the microbial community in microplastics (p < 0.05), and there were also differences between JG30_KF_CM45 and Natranaerovirga at the genus level, indicating that microplastics may affect the diversity and composition of microorganisms in sediments. In addition, FAPROTAX function prediction analysis showed that microplastics may affect the nitrification of microbial communities. The results from this study indicate that microplastics affected the diversity and richness of microorganisms in mangrove sediments, which provides an experimental basis for the relationship between microplastics and microorganisms.
Insights
Microplastics in mangrove sediments alter microbial diversity and community composition. This study reveals potential impacts on essential microbial functions like nitrification.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
- Marine Biology
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) pose a global threat to marine ecosystems and food chains.
- Limited research exists on MP impacts within mangrove sediment microbial communities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of microplastics on the diversity and composition of microbial communities in mangrove sediments.
- To analyze potential functional changes in microbial communities due to microplastic presence.
Main Methods:
- Extraction of microplastics and associated microorganisms from Zhanjiang mangrove sediments.
- Analysis of microbial community diversity using Shannon and Simpson indices.
- Genus-level identification and functional prediction (FAPROTAX) of microbial communities.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in microbial community diversity (Shannon and Simpson indices) were observed in the presence of microplastics (p < 0.05).
- Distinct microbial genus-level differences were identified, including shifts in JG30_KF_CM45 and Natranaerovirga abundance.
- Functional analysis suggested microplastics may influence microbial nitrification processes.
Conclusions:
- Microplastics significantly affect the diversity and richness of mangrove sediment microorganisms.
- Microplastics can alter the composition and functional potential of microbial communities.
- This research provides a foundational understanding of microplastic-microorganism interactions in mangrove ecosystems.
