A spatio-temporal analysis of marine diatom communities associated with pristine and aged plastic polymers
The global production of plastic has increased drastically since 1950, leading to rising amounts of oceanic debris that harm marine ecosystems. Plastic debris accumulates due to their durability and notably affect microbial marine fauna through plastic leachates, potentially impairing primary producers such as cyanobacteria, and provide additional growth support in the photic zone, increasing the potential risks and impacts of eutrophication in aquatic systems, and the risk associated with the dispersion and growth of harmful algal blooms. Complex microbial communities colonize plastic debris over time, forming an ecosystem called the plastisphere. Interaction of these organisms with the plastic surface can influence its degradation and has important implications regarding the fate of plastic wastes. Diatoms are particularly important in the development of the plastisphere as they are among the first colonizers. Yet, there is little information on the colonization and evolution of diatom communities and their succession during plastisphere development. It also remains unclear whether diatoms express specificity across different types of plastics and whether core plastisphere communities exist. This study aimes to shed light on these unknowns to provide a better understanding of the elements shaping the plastisphere and better forecast the fate and consequences of plastic debris in marine ecosystems