Plastisphere microbiome: Methodology, diversity, and functionality.

Area of Science:

• Environmental microbiology
• Polymer science
• Ecology

Background:

• Plastic pollution is a pervasive global issue, leading to the formation of novel microbial habitats.
• The plastisphere, a biofilm community colonizing plastic surfaces, represents a significant but understudied aspect of marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of the plastisphere.
• To synthesize current knowledge on methodologies, microbial diversity, ecological functions, and future research directions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing research on the plastisphere.
• Analysis of studies employing various techniques for plastisphere characterization (e.g., sequencing, microscopy).

Main Results:

• Diverse microbial communities inhabit plastics across various environments (aquatic, terrestrial).
• The plastisphere plays roles in biogeochemical cycling and potentially plastic degradation.
• Methodologies for studying the plastisphere are evolving, with advancements in molecular techniques.

Conclusions:

• The plastisphere is a dynamic and ecologically relevant component of the plastic pollution problem.
• Further research is needed to fully understand its functional roles and potential impacts.
• Standardized methodologies are crucial for advancing plastisphere research globally.