Microplastic-associated biofilms: A comparison of freshwater and marine environments
Harrison, J.P.; Hoellein, T.J.; Sapp, M.; Tagg, A.S.; Ju-Nam, Y.; Ojeda, J.J. (2018). Microplastic-associated biofilms: A comparison of freshwater and marine environments, in: Wagner, M. et al. Freshwater microplastics: Emerging environmental contaminants?. The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry, 58: pp. 181-201. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-61615-5_9
In: Wagner, M.; Lambert, S. (Ed.) (2018). Freshwater microplastics: Emerging environmental contaminants? The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry, 58. Springer: Cham. ISBN 978-3-319-61615-5. xiv, 303 pp. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-61615-5, more
In: The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry. Springer: Heidelberg. ISSN 1867-979X; e-ISSN 1616-864X, more
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| Keywords |
Biofilms
Chemical reactions > Degradation > Biodegradation
Microorganisms
Pathogens
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| Author keywords |
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| Authors | | Top |
- Harrison, J.P.
- Hoellein, T.J.
- Sapp, M.
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- Tagg, A.S.
- Ju-Nam, Y.
- Ojeda, J.J.
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| Abstract |
Microplastics (<5 mm particles) occur within both engineered and natural freshwater ecosystems, including wastewater treatment plants, lakes, rivers, and estuaries. While a significant proportion of microplastic pollution is likely sequestered within freshwater environments, these habitats also constitute an important conduit of microscopic polymer particles to oceans worldwide. The quantity of aquatic microplastic waste is predicted to dramatically increase over the next decade, but the fate and biological implications of this pollution are still poorly understood. A growing body of research has aimed to characterize the formation, composition, and spatiotemporal distribution of microplastic-associated (“plastisphere”) microbial biofilms. Plastisphere microorganisms have been suggested to play significant roles in pathogen transfer, modulation of particle buoyancy, and biodegradation of plastic polymers and co-contaminants, yet investigation of these topics within freshwater environments is at a very early stage. Here, what is known about marine plastisphere assemblages is systematically compared with up-to-date findings from freshwater habitats. Through analysis of key differences and likely commonalities between environments, we discuss how an integrated view of these fields of research will enhance our knowledge of the complex behavior and ecological impacts of microplastic pollutants. |
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