Microplastics host distinct microbial communities enriched in potentially pathogenic taxa and antibiotic resistance genes: evidence from environmental and experimentally aged plastics in a coastal marine environment
This study investigates microbial communities associated with environmental and laboratory-aged microplastics in the Northern Adriatic Sea. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, shotgun metagenomics, and ddPCR, we show that microplastics host distinct, less diverse microbial biofilms compared to surrounding waters. These communities are enriched in potentially pathogenic taxa, particularly Vibrio, and carry a more diverse and abundant set of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), including clinically relevant markers such as mcr-1 and qnr. Overall, the results highlight microplastics as selective and biologically active substrates that may contribute to the environmental spread of antimicrobial resistance.