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Decoding the microplastic Micro-interface: a complex Web of gene transfer and pathogenic threats in wastewater

Hongyu Tian1, Jianwei Liu2, Yuxiu Zhang3

  • 1School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China; Key Laboratory of Urban Stormwater System and Water Environment (Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100044, China.

Environment International
|December 10, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Microplastic micro-interfaces in wastewater treatment harbor microbes and pathogens, accelerating the spread of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes. This study reveals their distribution and transfer, highlighting increased health risks.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Microbiology
  • Wastewater Treatment Technologies
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Microplastic micro-interfaces (MPMIs) in municipal wastewater treatment systems (MWTS) create unique niches for microbial communities (MGs) and potential pathogens (PPHs).
  • These MPMIs can facilitate the horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and virulence factor genes (VFGs).
  • The distribution and transfer dynamics of PPHs, ARGs, and VFGs within MPMIs remain largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the distribution patterns of MGs, PPHs, ARGs, and VFGs across different microplastic types (PET, PE, PP) within MWTS.
  • To elucidate the gene transfer events, particularly HGT of ARGs and VFGs, mediated by mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and PPHs within MPMIs.
  • To assess the associated public health risks stemming from ARG and VFG metastasis within MPMI.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized metagenomics to analyze three representative MPMIs (PET-MPMI, PE-MPMI, PP-MPMI) along a transverse gradient in MWTS.
  • Quantified and analyzed the co-occurrence and connectivity of MGs, PPHs, ARGs, VFGs, and MGEs.
  • Employed network analysis to determine centrality and diversity metrics for ARG hosts and gene interactions.

Main Results:

  • Significant variations in MGs, PPHs, ARGs, VFGs, and MGEs were observed across transverse gradients and horizontal interfaces.
  • MPMIs exhibited enhanced microbial and pathogen connectivity and robustness, with specific ARG hosts showing greater diversity.
  • A complex and persistent coexistence of MGs, ARGs, and VFGs was found in MPMIs, increasing pathogenicity risk and accelerating ARG HGT via MGEs and PPHs.

Conclusions:

  • MPMIs act as hotspots for microbial communities and pathogens, promoting the HGT of ARGs and VFGs.
  • The structure of MPMIs facilitates gene co-occurrence and transfer, posing significant public health risks due to ARG and VFG metastasis.
  • A conceptual framework was developed to understand gene dynamics and health implications within MPMIs.
Keywords:
Antibiotic resistance geneGene co-occurrence and transfer frameworkHorizontal gene transferMicroplastic micro-interfaceMunicipal wastewater treatment systemPotential pathogen

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