How microbes survive in the plastisphere
Why it matters: The formation of the 'plastisphere' on plastic particles creates new microbial ecosystems with unknown ecological consequences.
- Plastic pollution is a global issue, harming ecosystems, animals, and potentially human health through nanoplastic particles.
- A global agreement to regulate plastic pollution is considered long overdue.
- Plastic particles have become a new habitat for microbes, forming a unique 'plastisphere' where these organisms can survive.
Microbes are adapting to plastic pollution, forming new ecosystems called the 'plastisphere' on plastic particles, which presents both an ecological concern and a novel area of scientific study.
