Work

Effects of microplastic degradability and concentrations on antibiotic resistance genes between soil and phyllosphere

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Microplastics have emerged as significant environmental pollutants and notably facilitated the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs); however, their impacts and underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. So, this study investigated the effects of different types of microplastics (biodegradable microplastics; PGA and non-degradable microplastics; HDPE) and their concentrations (0.5 %, 1.0 %, and 1.5 % w/w) on ARGs distribution and transfer between soil and the phyllosphere, utilizing a greenhouse germination experiment. The results demonstrated that microplastic addition altered the characteristics of ARGs in both soil and phyllosphere. PGA, in particular, had a more pronounced effect on ARGs abundance in the phyllosphere. In soil, ARGs abundance were jointly regulated by both microplastic type and concentration: PGA exerted a stronger influence at lower concentrations, while HDPE had a greater effect at higher concentrations. Regardless of type or concentration, microplastic addition reduced microbial network modularity, leading to substantial shifts in ARGs community structure in both soil and phyllosphere. Notably, microplastic addition at 1 % concentration yielded the highest ARGs diversity in soil. Structural equation model revealed that microplastic types and concentrations influenced ARGs transfer via distinct pathways by changing soil physicochemical properties and microbial diversity. Specifically, PGA increased soil electrical conductivity (EC) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) to influence ARGs, while HDPE primarily affected ARGs through alterations in soil pH, available phosphorus (AP), and available potassium (AK). These findings can offer important insights into the mechanisms by which microplastics influence ARGs dissemination in terrestrial ecosystems.

Source: Emerging contaminants

DOI: 10.1016/j.emcon.2025.100564

Authors: Jianzhong Xu, Lingyue Lv, Zheyu Li, Xunqiang Mo, Mengxuan He, Yingchao Lin

Institutions: Nankai University, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Shandong Academy of Environmental Science, Tianjin Normal University

Language: English

Topic: Pharmaceutical and Antibiotic Environmental Impacts

Subfield: Pollution

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Life on land

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,100