Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
05:31
Sampling, Sorting, and Characterizing Microplastics in Aquatic Environments with High Suspended Sediment Loads and Large Floating Debris
Published on: July 28, 2018
Plastisphere-biofouling nexus: a systematic and bibliometric synthesis of emerging microbial assemblages on
1Earth Observation Centre, Institute of Climate Change, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Selangor, UKM, Malaysia.
Biofouling
|July 16, 2026
Summary
Microplastics in coastal waters host distinct microbial communities, forming the plastisphere. While these biofilms can interact with contaminants, current evidence does not indicate direct human health risks.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
Background:
- Microplastics are prevalent in coastal waters, offering surfaces for microbial colonization.
- These microbial assemblages form biofilms, collectively termed the plastisphere.
- The plastisphere-biofouling nexus is an emerging ecological interface.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize evidence on the plastisphere-biofouling nexus.
- To evaluate microbial community composition and interactions with microplastics.
- To assess potential risks associated with microplastic-associated biofilms.
Main Methods:
- PRISMA-guided systematic review of 1,248 records (2015-2025).
- Bibliometric mapping and narrative-quantitative synthesis of 124 primary studies.
- Conceptual evidence integration.
Main Results:
- Microplastics frequently support distinct biofilm-associated microbial communities, with variable patterns.
- Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were dominant bacterial groups; opportunistic genera like Vibrio were detected.
- Evidence for polymer-specific effects, contaminant retention, and pathogen transmission is context-dependent and not universally supported.
- Direct human health risks are not currently substantiated.
Conclusions:
- The plastisphere-biofouling nexus is a significant ecological interface in coastal environments.
- Microplastic biofilms may influence contaminant interactions under specific conditions.
- Further standardized, field-relevant, and functionally validated studies are needed.
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