Marine microbial biotechnology in the fight against the microplastic crisis: the role of biofilms and the complexities of microbial contamination

Subject Areas : Biotechnological Journal of Environmental Microbiology

Mohammad Kamali ^{1 *} , Seyedeh Zahra Seyedpour ²

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Received: 2025-01-05 Accepted : 2025-01-25 Published : 2025-01-27

Keywords: Emerging pollutants, microplastics, biofilms, horizontal gene transfer, antibiotic resistance, aquatic ecosystem,

Abstract :

In recent years, researchers have paid increasing attention to newly emerging contaminants (CECs) in order to identify and eliminate them. Microplastics are known as one of the most important of these contaminants, which are widely present in aquatic environments and sediments with a size of less than 5 mm. These diverse particles arise from the decomposition of large plastic waste or primary sources such as pellets, fishing gear, synthetic textiles, cosmetic-hygiene products, and electronic equipment. The presence of microplastics in the bodies of aquatic animals has caused health concerns and the transfer of dangerous chemical pollutants. Microplastic biofilms also provide a platform for the accumulation of microorganisms, the horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes, and the increase in their rate. Studies have shown that these biofilms can increase cell density and increase the rate of gene transfer by more than 19 times. The effects of biofilms depend on the type of polymer, size, concentration, and environmental conditions, and can limit the spread of resistance in some situations. Thus, emerging pollutants, especially microplastics, pose significant risks to human health and ecosystems by changing the environment and aquatic microbiomes. This review article analyzes the position of microplastics in emerging pollutants, emphasizing the need for further research and the development of effective management policies.

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