Assessment of Biofilm Growth on Microplastics in Freshwaters Using a Passive Flow-Through System.
Toxics
; 11(12)2023 Dec 05.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38133388
ABSTRACT
Biofilms that colonize on the surface of microplastics (MPs) in freshwaters may pose a potential health risk. This study examined factors that influence MP-associated biofilm growth, including polymer type, degree of weathering, and source water quality. Weathered MPs produced in-lab were employed in biofilm trials conducted on site using a passive flow-through system with raw water at drinking water treatment facility intakes. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was used to quantify biofilm abundance; biofilm composition was assessed via metagenomic sequencing. Biofilm growth was observed on all polymer types examined and most prevalent on polyvinyl chloride (PVC), where ATP levels were 6 to 12 times higher when compared to other polymers. Pathogen-containing species including Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli were present on all polymers with relative abundance up to 13.7%. S. enterica was selectively enriched on weathered MPs in specific water matrices. These findings support the need to research the potential accumulation of pathogenic organisms on microplastic surfaces.
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Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Toxics
Ano de publicação:
2023
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Canadá
País de publicação:
Suíça