The fate of plastic in the ocean environment – a minireview

Abstract

The fate of plastic in the ocean is influenced by physical, chemical and biological stressors. These cause fragemntation and the formation of micro and nanoplastics but also degradation of plastics.

Microbial Communities on Plastic Polymers in the Mediterranean Sea

“…Although less PS was on average detected (∼3%), it was found to account for up to 30% in single samplings. This MPD distribution pattern has been found globally and is linked to the production figures of plastics ( Geyer et al, 2017 ; Erni-Cassola et al, 2019b ; Wayman and Niemann, 2021 ). We thus argue that the similarities in polymer ID indicate that our findings are not extraordinary but generally applicable for floating MPD particles in the Mediterranean Sea and possibly other ocean areas, too.…”

“…We argue that the differential surface properties of the polymer (virgin structure and/or modified through UV radiation) and/or leaching of daughter products from UV-degradation select for differential microbial communities. Furthermore, these communities might directly or indirectly interact with the plastic substrate including potential biodegradation of the virgin or weathered plastic ( Wayman and Niemann, 2021 ). Also, others have demonstrated the presence of plastic-specific microbial biofilms on different plastic types ( De Tender et al, 2017 ; Oberbeckmann et al, 2018 ; Woodall et al, 2018 ) or that MPDs feature a distinct microbial community compared with seawater ( Bryant et al, 2016 ; De Tender et al, 2017 ; Kettner et al, 2017 ; Dussud et al, 2018b ; Frère et al, 2018 ; Kirstein et al, 2018 ) and in particular when only considering the part of the biofilm that is in direct contact and tightly adhered to the polymer ( Kirstein et al, 2019 ).…”

“…HCB comprise >175 genera ( Prince et al, 2010 ) and feature enzymes such as mono- and dioxygenases or peroxidases ( Brzeszcz and Kaszycki, 2018 ). In principle, these might be able to attack the primary polymer structure of plastic and/or further degrade daughter products generated through weathering of the primary polymers ( Wayman and Niemann, 2021 ). The genomic potential of Alcanivorax , for example, reveals the presence of several alkane degradation genes ( Brooijmans et al, 2009 ).…”

“…Plastics as unmanaged waste are a great environmental concern ( Xanthos and Walker, 2017 ; Wayman and Niemann, 2021 ). It is estimated that about 0.1% ( Cozar et al, 2014 ) to up to 4.1% ( Jambeck et al, 2015 ) of the globally produced plastics ultimately enter the ocean as so-called marine plastic debris (MPD).…”

“…It is estimated that about 0.1% ( Cozar et al, 2014 ) to up to 4.1% ( Jambeck et al, 2015 ) of the globally produced plastics ultimately enter the ocean as so-called marine plastic debris (MPD). Since the 1950s, a total of ∼7,800 Mt of plastic has been produced, hence >350 Mt of MPD may have been released to the ocean ( Wayman and Niemann, 2021 ). The size of MPD ranges from large items (macroplastics: >5 mm) to particles at the micrometer (microplastics: 1 μm–5 mm) and nanometer scale (nanoplastics).…”