Plastic-associated biofilms in the cryosphere
Microplastics have been detected even in remote ecosystems such as the cryosphere, where biofilms dominate microbial life and play key roles in geochemical cycles and food webs. In this study, we incubated polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and glass substrates in a proglacial lake, allowing microbial colonization throughout the glacier's ablation phase. Lake water served as a non-surface control, and water parameters were also analysed. Bacterial communities were identified using full-length 16S rRNA nanopore sequencing. After one month of incubation, we observed distinct microbial assemblages influenced by time, substrate type, dissolved organic carbon, and dissolved phosphorus. Biofilm succession was further shaped by substrate material. Notably, taxa with known potential for polymer biodegradation were detected, particularly on PE after six weeks of incubation. Our findings indicate that plastics provide novel habitats for biofilm-associated microbes in the cryosphere, potentially influencing these sensitive and environmentally stressed ecosystems.
Microplastics have been detected even in remote ecosystems such as the cryosphere, where biofilms dominate microbial life and play key roles in geochemical cycles and food webs. In this study, we incubated polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and glass substrates in a proglacial lake, allowing microbial colonization throughout the glacier's ablation phase. Lake water served as a non-surface control, and water parameters were also analysed. Bacterial communities were identified using full-length 16S rRNA nanopore sequencing. After one month of incubation, we observed distinct microbial assemblages influenced by time, substrate type, dissolved organic carbon, and dissolved phosphorus. Biofilm succession was further shaped by substrate material. Notably, taxa with known potential for polymer biodegradation were detected, particularly on PE after six weeks of incubation. Our findings indicate that plastics provide novel habitats for biofilm-associated microbes in the cryosphere, potentially influencing these sensitive and environmentally stressed ecosystems.
Innsbruck University, Department of Ecology