Life
Briefing: Microplastic biofilms carry genes that could alter nutrient cycling in estuaries
Strategic angle: A study reveals that microbial communities on microplastics in the Chesapeake Bay may impact nutrient cycling.
editorial-staff
1 min read
Updated about 1 month ago
Research from William & Mary's Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences and VIMS indicates that microbial communities developing on microplastics possess genetic traits that could alter nutrient dynamics in estuarine environments.
The study, published in FEMS Microbiology Ecology, emphasizes the need to understand the implications of these biofilms for nutrient cycling processes.
Given the prevalence of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems, the findings suggest that these microbial communities could play a significant role in shaping ecological interactions and nutrient availability.