Size-dependent effects of microplastics on antibiotic resistance genes fate in wastewater treatment systems: The role of changed surface property and microbial assemblages in a continuous exposure mode

Early stage of biofilm assembly on microplastics is structured by substrate size and bacterial motility

“…Various parameters are known to determine the taxonomic structures of MP‐associated biofilms [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ]. For example, one study pointed out that the microbial diversity and uniformity in MP‐associated biofilms are higher than those in seawater, and they are co‐influenced by polymer types and exposure duration [ 11 ].…”

“…Interestingly, the color of the plastic was also found to affect both the taxonomic structure and functional composition of MP‐associated biofilms [ 13 ]. Moreover, the relationship between MP size (diameter) and the functional properties of MP‐associated biofilms has been investigated in a few studies [ 14 , 15 , 16 ]. For example, in wastewater treatment systems, the MP size influences the environmental behavior of antibiotic‐resistance genes [ 14 ].…”

“…Moreover, the relationship between MP size (diameter) and the functional properties of MP‐associated biofilms has been investigated in a few studies [ 14 , 15 , 16 ]. For example, in wastewater treatment systems, the MP size influences the environmental behavior of antibiotic‐resistance genes [ 14 ]. However, the mechanisms governing the influence of MP size on bacterial colonization in in situ marine environments remain elusive.…”

Antimicrobial and the Resistances in the Environment: Ecological and Health Risks, Influencing Factors, and Mitigation Strategies

“…Among the five kinds of MPs (polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene-fiber, and polyethylene-fiber-polyethylene), the detected ARGs abundance of polyethylene and polypropylene was much higher than that of the other three kinds [ 130 ]. Similarly, exposure to millimeter-sized MPs (polyamide and polyethylene terephthalate) was found to increase the abundance of ARGs by 42.8% and 39.4%, respectively, both higher than that of microplastics at micron sizes [ 131 ]. Meanwhile, as a carrier, MPs can absorb other pollutants, such as antimicrobials and heavy metals, which can promote the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and easily form superbugs by exerting environmental selection pressure together [ 128 , 132 ].…”