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Interactions between microplastics and microbiota in a One Health perspective.
Anna Caterina Procopio1, Alessio Soggiu2, Andrea Urbani3,4
1Department of Health Science, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
One Health (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
|March 24, 2025
Summary
Microplastics significantly impact microbial communities in ecosystems, affecting both environmental and human health. Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate microplastic pollution and its adverse health effects.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Microplastics are pervasive pollutants found across all ecosystems.
- The interaction between microplastics and microbiota is a critical factor for global health.
- Microplastics can disrupt microbial community structures and functions, leading to negative health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the interactions between microbiota and microplastics.
- To understand the implications of these interactions within a One Health framework.
- To identify potential strategies for mitigating microplastic harm.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of interdisciplinary research.
- Analysis of studies focusing on microplastic-microbiota interactions.
- Synthesis of findings within the One Health paradigm.
Main Results:
- Microplastics alter microbial community composition and function.
- These alterations have direct and indirect impacts on ecosystem and human health.
- The One Health approach provides a framework for understanding these complex relationships.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive understanding of microplastic-microbiota interactions is essential.
- Interdisciplinary research is key to developing effective mitigation strategies.
- Addressing microplastic pollution is vital for protecting ecosystem and human health.
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