Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Ingested Microplastics Act as Microbial Vectors

Version 1 : Received: 10 March 2024 / Approved: 11 March 2024 / Online: 11 March 2024 (09:04:09 CET)

How to cite: Jawdhari, A.; Deák, G.; Mihăilescu, D.F.; Crăciun, N.; Staicu, A.C.; Stanca, I.; Cozorici, D.; Fendrihan, S.; Pop, C.; Mernea, M. Ingested Microplastics Act as Microbial Vectors. Preprints 2024, 2024030559. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202403.0559.v1 Jawdhari, A.; Deák, G.; Mihăilescu, D.F.; Crăciun, N.; Staicu, A.C.; Stanca, I.; Cozorici, D.; Fendrihan, S.; Pop, C.; Mernea, M. Ingested Microplastics Act as Microbial Vectors. Preprints 2024, 2024030559. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202403.0559.v1

Abstract

Microplastics (plastic particles < 5 mm) are ubiquitous pollutants that pose the ability to carry microbiota, including pathogens. Microbial adhesion is usually a sign of pathogenicity, thus we investigated the adherent strains found on 4 mm nylon strips, which were ingested and excreted by wild fish specimens. Polymer analysis of the excreted samples shown no signs of degradation, nor have their controls, represented by the nylon strips submerged in the same water tanks. Both the ingested samples and controls presented pathogens in large numbers, revealing the fact that nylon microplastics can be physical carriers for pathogens in the aquatic environment.

Keywords

microplastics; ingestion; nylon; pathogens; bacterial vectors; ichthyofauna

Subject

Biology and Life Sciences, Biology and Biotechnology

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