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Microplastics as vectors for microbial transport: experimental interaction with Escherichia coli
Luis Parmenio Suescún-Bolívar1,2,3, Juan José Granada-Calderón4, Wilkendry Ramos Cervantes5,6
1Licenciatura en Educación con Énfasis en Ciencias Sociales y Ambientales, Universidad de Cartagena, Cartagena de Indias, 130001, Colombia. lsuescunb@unicartagena.edu.co.
Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology
|June 17, 2026
Summary
Recycled PET microplastics serve as surfaces for E. coli colonization and biofilm formation in aquatic environments. Spectroscopic tools can aid in monitoring these microplastic-microorganism interactions.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants.
- MPs can act as vectors for microorganisms in aquatic ecosystems.
- Understanding MP-microorganism interactions is crucial for environmental risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction between recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics and Escherichia coli (E. coli).
- To analyze the structural and chemical integrity of PET MPs upon bacterial exposure.
- To assess the impact of MP colonization on bacterial activity.
Main Methods:
- Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy were employed to analyze PET structure.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to visualize bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation.
- Gram staining and lactose fermentation tests were conducted on E. coli.
Main Results:
- FTIR identified characteristic PET bands; Raman confirmed no significant chemical changes in PET after glutaraldehyde treatment or E. coli exposure.
- SEM and Gram staining demonstrated E. coli adhesion and biofilm formation on MP surfaces.
- E. coli colonies showed reduced lactose fermentation activity.
Conclusions:
- Recycled PET microplastics support E. coli colonization and biofilm development.
- E. coli colonization did not alter the fundamental chemical structure of PET MPs.
- MPs act as significant vectors for microbial transport and colonization in aquatic systems.
- Rapid spectroscopic methods show potential for monitoring MP-microorganism interactions.
