Targeted metagenomic analysis (16S rRNA genes) performed on gut samples of sandhoppers (Talitrus saltator) fed with different kinds of bioplastics.
Bioplastic, like traditional plastics, are subjected to dispersion and accumulation, especially in marine and coastal environments. The impact of bioplastics on the environment is gaining attention due to the growing market demand. We previously assessed the ability of the supralittoral amphipod Talitrus saltator to ingest starch-based bioplastic and chitosan-starch blends in the absence of bacterial biofilm. Here, we fed groups of adult sandhoppers with two different kinds of starch-based bioplastic, a chitosan-starch blend, and paper and dry-fish-food. A group of freshly collected, unfed individuals was used as control. Results showed a rapid adaptation of sandhopper's gut microbiota to bioplastic feeding, with a notable increase of bioplastic-degrading associated bacteria in experimental groups, suggesting an involvment of Talitrus saltator's gut microbiota in bioplastic degradation and recycling in the supralittoral environment.