Impacts of Biofilm Formation on the Fate and Potential Effects of Microplastic in the Aquatic Environment
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TLDR
The physical interactions of early microbial colonization on plastic surfaces and their reciprocal influence on the weathering processes and vertical transport as well as sorption and release of contaminants by MP are reviewed.Abstract:
In the aquatic environment, microplastic (MP; <5 mm) is a cause of concern because of its persistence and potential adverse effects on biota. Studies of microlitter impacts are mostly based on virgin and spherical polymer particles as model MP. However, in pelagic and benthic environments, surfaces are always colonized by microorganisms forming so-called biofilms. The influence of such biofilms on the fate and potential effects of MP is not understood well. Here, we review the physical interactions of early microbial colonization on plastic surfaces and their reciprocal influence on the weathering processes and vertical transport as well as sorption and release of contaminants by MP. Possible ecological consequences of biofilm formation on MP, such as trophic transfer of MP particles and potential adverse effects of MP, are virtually unknown. However, evidence is accumulating that the biofilm−plastic interactions have the capacity to influence the fate and impacts of MP by modifying the physical propertie...read more
Citations
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Microplastics in wastewater treatment plants: Detection, occurrence and removal
TL;DR: In this review, the up-to-date status on the detection, occurrence and removal of microplastics in WWTPs are comprehensively reviewed and the development of potential microplastic-targeted treatment technologies is presented.
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Studies of the effects of microplastics on aquatic organisms: What do we know and where should we focus our efforts in the future?
TL;DR: A critical perspective on published studies of MP ingestion by aquatic biota is provided and there are significant mismatches between the types of MP most commonly found in the environment or reported in field studies and those used in laboratory experiments.
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Trophic transfer of microplastics and mixed contaminants in the marine food web and implications for human health.
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Emergence of Nanoplastic in the Environment and Possible Impact on Human Health
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Interaction of toxic chemicals with microplastics: A critical review.
TL;DR: The role of marine microplastic as a novel medium for environmental partitioning of chemicals in the ocean, which can cause toxic effects in the ecological environment is systematically demonstrated.
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