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Non-biodegradable microplastics amplify antibiotic resistance and pathogen spread in bay plastisphere
Zhi-Wei Wei1, Huan-Qin Li2, Xin-Hong Wang3
1State Key Laboratory for Ecological Security of Regions and Cities, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1799 Jimei Road, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China.
Journal of Hazardous Materials
|April 22, 2026
Summary
Non-biodegradable plastics harbor more antibiotic resistance genes and pathogens than biodegradable ones. This highlights risks associated with plastic pollution and informs management strategies for environmental health.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) act as vectors for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and human bacterial pathogens (HBPs), posing public health risks.
- Quantitative data on high-risk ARGs and comprehensive health risk assessments in the plastisphere are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically compare ARGs, virulence factor genes (VFGs), mobile genetic elements (MGEs), and HBPs on biodegradable versus non-biodegradable MPs.
- To assess the associated microbial health risks and identify key bacterial vectors.
Main Methods:
- In-situ incubation of MPs.
- High-throughput quantitative PCR (qPCR) and metagenomic sequencing.
- Integrated risk assessment using Projection Pursuit Regression.
Main Results:
- Non-biodegradable MPs (polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene) showed significantly higher enrichment of ARGs, VFGs, MGEs, and HBPs compared to biodegradable MPs (polyhydroxyalkanoates, polylactic acid, polybutylene adipate terephthalate).
- Non-biodegradable MPs were associated with significantly elevated microbial risks.
- Pseudomonas and Aeromonas were identified as key HBPs carrying ARGs and VFGs.
Conclusions:
- Plastic properties significantly influence microbial colonization and the dissemination of ARGs and VFGs in the plastisphere.
- Non-biodegradable plastics present a greater risk for spreading antimicrobial resistance and virulence.
- Findings provide a framework for environmental risk evaluation and management of plastic-associated biological hazards.
Keywords:
Antibiotic Resistance GenesHuman bacterial pathogensMetagenomicsMicroplasticsVirulence factor genesMore Related Videos
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