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Incubation habitats and aging treatments affect the formation of biofilms on polypropylene microplastics
Encui Shan1, Xiaoli Zhang2, Jiasen Li1
1Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Center for Ocean Mega-science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China.
Abstract:
Microbial colonization and biofilm formation associated with microplastics (MPs) have recently attracted wide attention. However, little is known about the effect of MP aging and different exposed habitats on biofilm formation and associated microbial community characteristics. To obtain a comprehensive understanding, virgin and aged polypropylene MPs were selected as attachment substrates and exposed to different aquatic habitats (marine, estuary, and river). The results showed that the aging process could destroy surface structure and increase oxygen-containing groups of MPs. The total biomass of the biofilms, attached-bacterial OTU numbers, and α diversities increased with exposure time. The biofilms biomass and α diversity of MPs in the river were significantly higher than those in the marine and estuary habitats, and temperature and salinity were primary factors affecting microbial colonization. Bacterial communities in MP-attached biofilms were significantly different from those in surrounding water. Microorganisms tend to adhere to aged MPs, and especially, genes related to human pathogens were significantly expressed on aged MPs, suggesting a potential ecological and health risk of aged MPs in aquatic ecosystems. Our results showed that aged MPs and different habitats have an important influence on microbial colonization, and the weathering process can accelerate biofilm formation on MPs.
Insights
Aging microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environments accelerates biofilm formation and alters microbial communities. Aged MPs pose potential ecological and health risks due to increased pathogen-associated gene expression.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Microplastic (MP) pollution is a global concern.
- Microbial colonization and biofilm formation on MPs are significant but understudied.
- The impact of MP aging and habitat type on these processes requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of microplastic aging and aquatic habitat on biofilm formation.
- To characterize the microbial communities associated with microplastics.
- To assess the potential ecological and health risks.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of virgin and aged polypropylene MPs.
- Exposure of MPs to marine, estuary, and river habitats.
- Analysis of biofilm biomass, microbial diversity, and community composition.
- Assessment of MP surface changes due to aging.
Main Results:
- MP aging altered surface structure and increased oxygen-containing groups.
- Biofilm biomass and microbial diversity increased with exposure time and were higher in river habitats.
- Bacterial communities on MPs differed from surrounding water; aged MPs showed higher microbial adherence.
- Genes related to human pathogens were significantly expressed on aged MPs.
Conclusions:
- MP aging and habitat type significantly influence microbial colonization and biofilm formation.
- Weathering accelerates biofilm development on MPs.
- Aged MPs present potential ecological and health risks due to altered microbial communities and pathogen-associated gene expression.
