Microbiological perspectives on the effects of microplastics on the aquatic environment

Abstract Plastic waste has been known as threatening pollution, especially to the aquatic environment. Larger-sized plastic particles have noticeable impacts on the marine ecosystem. Current studies have revealed serious menaces of small plastic particles namely Microplastics (MPs). In contrast to the larger particles, little is known about the interaction between MPs and the surrounding microorganisms. MPs pose more threats to the environment and human health due to their abilities to influence the microbial ecology of the marine environment. This paper will discuss the MPs effect on the aquatic environment from the microbiological points of view consisting of the biofilm formation on MPs, the exchange of microbial genes on MPs particles and also the role of MPs as the reservoir for antimicrobial and metal resistance genes.