Quantitative evaluation of microplastic interference with gut microbiota: Identifying sensitive indicators and key...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Microbiology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive pollutants accumulating in the gastrointestinal tract.
• MPs disrupt gut microbiota, but sensitive indicators and exposure factors remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a data-driven framework using meta-analysis and machine learning to evaluate MPs' impact on gut microbiota.
• To identify sensitive biomarkers and key exposure characteristics of MPs-induced gut microbiota disruption.

Main Methods:

• Meta-analysis of literature-derived data on MPs and gut microbiota.
• Application of machine learning models for quantitative evaluation.
• Identification of key exposure factors (concentration, size, duration) and responsive indicators (Shannon index, bacterial phyla, F/B ratio).

Main Results:

• The Shannon index, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria abundance, and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio significantly respond to MPs exposure.
• The F/B ratio emerged as the most sensitive indicator of MPs interference.
• A quantitative model predicting F/B ratio variation based on MPs exposure characteristics was developed (R² = 0.91).

Conclusions:

• The F/B ratio is a sensitive biomarker for MPs-induced gut microbiota disruption.
• MPs concentration, size, and duration are critical factors influencing the F/B ratio.
• This study provides insights and technical support for assessing gastrointestinal risks of MPs pollution.