[Research progress on the effect of estuary microplastics on antibiotic resistance genes]

Estuaries are transitional zones between rivers and marine environments, with intensive human activities. Pollutants pose a threat to the ecological systems of estuaries. Among these pollutants, microplastics and antibiotic resistant genes have gained significant attention due to their potential impacts on estuarine organisms and human health. Microplastics can form unique biofilms, adsorb pollutants from the surrounding environment, and provide potential hosts for antibiotic resistant genes, with positive consequence on horizontal gene transfer of antibiotic resistance. We provided an overview of the pollution status of microplastics and antibiotic resistant genes in estua-rine areas, with a particular emphasis on the influence of biofilms formed on microplastics on the enrichment, transport, and transfer of antibiotic resistant genes. We also highlighted the limitations in current research, regarding microplastic sampling, analysis methods, and inconsistent reporting units. Furthermore, we proposed prospects for the biodegradation of microplastics and potential risk assessment of microplastic biofilms.