Microplastics and Their Role in the Maintenance and Spread of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Marine Ecosystems

Abstract

One of the most discussed issues in environmental science and society is plastic pollution of natural ecosystems and its impact on living organisms. This is evidenced by the flow of numerous publications that have appeared in recent years. The results of the studies confirm that the pollution of aquatic ecosystems with plastic waste is considered one of the most severe global environmental problems. The wide distribution of photooxidation and biological degradation products of micro- and nano-sized plastic particles (MP and NP) in the World Ocean is of particular concern, which make the main contribution to biological effects. Catastrophic environmental consequences of marine ecosystems contamination with microplastics are associated not only with economic damage, but also with human health and the biosecurity of mariculture. Human-made plastisphere is a new ecosystem that plays an increasingly significant role in the life of marine microorganisms. Biofilms formed on the rough and hydrophobic surfaces of the plastisphere consist of various taxa of microorganisms and differ in composition from the surrounding marine communities. In addition, they act as depositories and carriers of intra- and extracellular antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). The purpose of the review is to summarize current information on environmental pollution by microplastics in the context of its role in the conservation and spread of pathogenic bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes in natural environments with an emphasis on marine ecosystems.