Interactions Between Microorganisms and Microplastics

What is it about?

This commentary evaluates our knowledge concerning the interactions between marine organisms and microplastics and identifies the lack of microbial research into microplastic contamination as a significant knowledge gap. Microorganisms in coastal sediments are highlighted as a key category of life with reference to understanding and mitigating the potential adverse effects of microplastics on marine ecosystems.

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Why is it important?

This work identifies several novel avenues for research, including: 1) characterizing the ecological responses of microorganisms to the deposition of microplastics and plastic-associated chemicals into marine environments; 2) wider investigations of the microbial colonization and biodegradation of plastic materials; 3) determining spatial and temporal patterns in the taxonomic composition and functional potential of microplastic-colonizing microbial assemblages.