Assessment of Biofilm Growth on Microplastics in Freshwaters Using a Passive Flow-Through System
Biofilms that colonize on the surface of microplastics (MPs) in freshwaters may pose a potential health risk. This study examined factors that influence MP-associated biofilm growth, including polymer type, degree of weathering, and source water quality. Weathered MPs produced in-lab were employed i...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2023-12-01
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| Series: | Toxics |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/11/12/987 |
| _version_ | 1797379213368492032 |
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| author | Chengyang Jiang Husein Almuhtaram Michael J. McKie Robert C. Andrews |
| author_facet | Chengyang Jiang Husein Almuhtaram Michael J. McKie Robert C. Andrews |
| author_sort | Chengyang Jiang |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Biofilms that colonize on the surface of microplastics (MPs) in freshwaters may pose a potential health risk. This study examined factors that influence MP-associated biofilm growth, including polymer type, degree of weathering, and source water quality. Weathered MPs produced in-lab were employed in biofilm trials conducted on site using a passive flow-through system with raw water at drinking water treatment facility intakes. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was used to quantify biofilm abundance; biofilm composition was assessed via metagenomic sequencing. Biofilm growth was observed on all polymer types examined and most prevalent on polyvinyl chloride (PVC), where ATP levels were 6 to 12 times higher when compared to other polymers. Pathogen-containing species including Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli were present on all polymers with relative abundance up to 13.7%. <i>S. enterica</i> was selectively enriched on weathered MPs in specific water matrices. These findings support the need to research the potential accumulation of pathogenic organisms on microplastic surfaces. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-08T20:18:54Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-328bd7f9040f4a8b98d273cf738433d6 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2305-6304 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-08T20:18:54Z |
| publishDate | 2023-12-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Toxics |
| spelling | doaj.art-328bd7f9040f4a8b98d273cf738433d62023-12-22T14:46:04ZengMDPI AGToxics2305-63042023-12-01111298710.3390/toxics11120987Assessment of Biofilm Growth on Microplastics in Freshwaters Using a Passive Flow-Through SystemChengyang Jiang0Husein Almuhtaram1Michael J. McKie2Robert C. Andrews3Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, 35 St. George Street, Toronto, ON M5S 1A4, CanadaDepartment of Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, 35 St. George Street, Toronto, ON M5S 1A4, CanadaDepartment of Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, 35 St. George Street, Toronto, ON M5S 1A4, CanadaDepartment of Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, 35 St. George Street, Toronto, ON M5S 1A4, CanadaBiofilms that colonize on the surface of microplastics (MPs) in freshwaters may pose a potential health risk. This study examined factors that influence MP-associated biofilm growth, including polymer type, degree of weathering, and source water quality. Weathered MPs produced in-lab were employed in biofilm trials conducted on site using a passive flow-through system with raw water at drinking water treatment facility intakes. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was used to quantify biofilm abundance; biofilm composition was assessed via metagenomic sequencing. Biofilm growth was observed on all polymer types examined and most prevalent on polyvinyl chloride (PVC), where ATP levels were 6 to 12 times higher when compared to other polymers. Pathogen-containing species including Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli were present on all polymers with relative abundance up to 13.7%. <i>S. enterica</i> was selectively enriched on weathered MPs in specific water matrices. These findings support the need to research the potential accumulation of pathogenic organisms on microplastic surfaces.https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/11/12/987biofilmweatheringATPmetagenomicsfreshwaterPVC |
| spellingShingle | Chengyang Jiang Husein Almuhtaram Michael J. McKie Robert C. Andrews Assessment of Biofilm Growth on Microplastics in Freshwaters Using a Passive Flow-Through System Toxics biofilm weathering ATP metagenomics freshwater PVC |
| title | Assessment of Biofilm Growth on Microplastics in Freshwaters Using a Passive Flow-Through System |
| title_full | Assessment of Biofilm Growth on Microplastics in Freshwaters Using a Passive Flow-Through System |
| title_fullStr | Assessment of Biofilm Growth on Microplastics in Freshwaters Using a Passive Flow-Through System |
| title_full_unstemmed | Assessment of Biofilm Growth on Microplastics in Freshwaters Using a Passive Flow-Through System |
| title_short | Assessment of Biofilm Growth on Microplastics in Freshwaters Using a Passive Flow-Through System |
| title_sort | assessment of biofilm growth on microplastics in freshwaters using a passive flow through system |
| topic | biofilm weathering ATP metagenomics freshwater PVC |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/11/12/987 |
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