Microplastics and antibiotic resistance genes as rising threats: Their interaction represents an urgent environmental...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Microbiology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants found in air, soil, and water.
• MPs interact with antibiotics, forming a complex pollutant that poses risks to organisms.
• The adsorption of antibiotics by MPs is a significant area of academic interest.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the interplay between MPs, antibiotics, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB).
• To elucidate the mechanisms of antibiotic-MP interactions and the spread of MP-ARG complexes.
• To propose strategies for mitigating the environmental and public health risks associated with MP-associated ARG transmission.

Main Methods:

• Literature review synthesizing current research on microplastics and antibiotic resistance.
• Analysis of physical and chemical interactions between antibiotics and MPs.
• Exploration of pathways for the environmental dissemination of MP-ARG complexes.

Main Results:

• MPs effectively adsorb antibiotics, contributing to the spread of ARGs in soil and water ecosystems.
• Various physical and chemical mechanisms govern antibiotic-MP interactions.
• Understanding the spread of MP-ARG complexes is crucial for risk assessment.

Conclusions:

• Integrated pollution control, advanced monitoring, and stricter regulations are necessary to manage MP-associated ARG transmission.
• Targeted strategies are needed to mitigate the combined risks of microplastic and antibiotic pollution.
• Further research is essential to address the complex environmental and public health challenges posed by MPs and ARGs.