03 Jul 2023 --- There is growing evidence that plastic pollution in marine environments can enrich pathogenic bacteria and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes. But it is unclear whether these effects are driven by the physical or chemical attributes of plastic marine pollution, according to a new study by Australian researchers. Differential colonization and growth rates on plastic particles may be driven by physical surface properties and chemicals leached from the plastic. The scientists who conducted the study say that given the widespread problem of plastic waste entering the environment, the consequent enrichment of AMR and pathogenic traits is likely occurring in polluted sites worldwide.
