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Size- and polymer-dependent toxicity of microplastics on Achromobacter-mediated polychlorinated biphenyl

Yingying Yang1, Sijia Fei1, Mengting Yang1

  • 1Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Digital Intelligence Monitoring and Restoration of Watershed Environment, College of Geography and Environmental Science, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321004, China.

Journal of Environmental Sciences (China)
|July 24, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Microplastics (MPs) significantly inhibit the growth and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) degradation by Achromobacter sp. HR2. Smaller MPs and polystyrene (PS) showed the greatest negative impact, affecting key genes and bacterial physiology.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Microbiology
  • Bioremediation

Background:

  • Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants.
  • Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants.
  • The combined effects of MPs and PCBs on microbial bioremediation are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of different types and sizes of MPs on PCB-degrading bacteria.
  • To assess MP-induced changes in bacterial growth, gene expression, and physiological responses.
  • To evaluate the implications for bioremediation in co-contaminated environments.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic evaluation of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) MPs (25 μm and 250 μm) on Achromobacter sp. HR2.
  • Analysis of microbial growth and Aroclor 1242 degradation.
  • Transcriptional analysis of key degradation genes.
  • Measurement of antioxidant enzyme activity, reactive oxygen species, and malondialdehyde.
  • Assessment of morphological and physiological characteristics.

Main Results:

  • MPs significantly inhibited bacterial growth and PCB degradation in a size-dependent manner.
  • Polystyrene (PS) MPs, particularly at 25 μm (PS25), caused the most significant inhibition.
  • Downregulation of key PCB degradation genes (e.g., bphB, bphD) was observed, most pronounced with PS25.
  • MPs induced oxidative stress (increased ROS and MDA) and activated antioxidant defenses (SOD, catalase).
  • Smaller MPs (25 μm) caused more pronounced morphological and physiological disturbances.

Conclusions:

  • Microplastic contamination negatively impacts the efficiency of microbial bioremediation of PCBs.
  • Bacterial responses to MPs are dependent on MP type and particle size.
  • Findings highlight challenges for bioremediation in environments polluted with both MPs and PCBs.
Keywords:
Aroclor 1242 degradationGene expressionMicroplasticsOxidative stressPhysiological changes

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