Plastisphere is a term used to refer to ecosystems that have evolved to live in human-made plastic environments.
Plastic that has made its way into marine habitats has been found to host various microorganisms. The hydrophobic nature of plastic surfaces stimulates rapid formation of biofilms,[1] which support a wide range of metabolic activities, and drive succession of other micro- and macro-organisms.[2] A recent study identified more than 1,000 species of bacteria and algae attached to microplastic debris, including members of the genus Vibrio, a genus which includes the bacteria that cause cholera and other gastrointestinal ailments. Plastic pollution provides a more durable "ship" than biodegradable material for carrying the organisms over long distances.[3] This long distance transportation can move microbes to different ecosystems and potentially introduce invasive species.[4] The microorganisms found on the plastic debris include autotrophs, heterotrophs and symbionts.[5]
Some of the organisms are thought to accelerate the biodegradation of plastic materials into potentially hazardous chemicals.[3] This could be potentially advantageous though, as scientists may be able to utilize the microbes to break down plastic that would otherwise remain intact longer[6].
In addition to microbes, insects have come to flourish in areas of the ocean that they previously could not. The sea skater, for example, has been able to reproduce on the hard surface provided by the floating plastic [6].
Research edit
The plastisphere was first discovered by Dr. Tracy Mincer and Dr. Linda Amaral-Zettler from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. They collected plastic samples from Sea Education Association research trips to study "what kinds of microbes live in the plastisphere, how they colonize the surfaces of plastic, and how they might affect marine ecosystems.[4]" The researchers used scanning electron micrographs to divulge what was colonizing on the plastic surface[4]. "Pit formers" were among the most notable finds. The researchers speculate that these "pit formers" help to accelerate the biodegradation and form crevices were other microorganisms can colonize [4].
See also edit
References edit
- ^ "Millimeter-Sized Marine Plastics: A New Pelagic Habitat for Microorganisms and Invertebrates". PLoS ONE. 18 June 2014. Retrieved 2015-09-27.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ Davet, ME; O'Toole, GA (2000), "Microbial biofilms: from ecology to molecular genetics", Microbiol Mol Bio R, 64: 847–867
- ^ a b Sahagun, Louis (2013-12-26). "An ecosystem of our own making could pose a threat". latimes.com. Retrieved 2014-01-13.
- ^ a b c d "The "Plastisphere:" A new marine ecosystem". Retrieved 2015-09-27.
- ^ "Scientists Discover Thriving Colonies of Microbes in Ocean 'Plastisphere'". Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Retrieved 2015-09-27.
- ^ a b "Our Trash Has Become A New Ocean Ecosystem Called "The Plastisphere"". Gizmodo. Retrieved 2015-10-20.
Sources edit
- Zettler, Erik R.; Mincer, Tracy J.; Amaral-Zettler, Linda A. (19 June 2013). "Life in the "Plastisphere": Microbial Communities on Plastic Marine Debris". Environmental Science & Technology: 130619162220002. doi:10.1021/es401288x.
- Stay informed today and every day (2013-07-20). "Marine ecology: Welcome to the plastisphere". The Economist. Retrieved 2014-01-13.
- "Plastisphere microbes go to sea on flotsam fragments - environment - 02 July 2013". New Scientist. Retrieved 2014-01-13.
- 11/13/13 3:40pm 11/13/13 3:40pm. "New life found on plastic waste gives rise to the 'plastisphere'". Io9.com. Retrieved 2014-01-13.
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Category:Plastics and the environment
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