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A new study now identifies several downstream health risks these tiny plastic fragments may pose as they traverse the environment. Now, on top of this, new findings from researchers at the University of Exeter and the Plymouth Marine Laboratory in the UK suggest microbes also develop biofilms on top of microplastics.
.That poses several serious health risks, from disease-causing bacteria finding their way into the food chain, to an increased spread of drug-resistant bacteria that make infections "Our research shows that microplastics can act as carriers for harmful pathogens and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, enhancing their survival and spread,""This interaction poses a growing risk to environmental and public health and demands urgent attention." The researchers submerged samples at four locations: upstream and downstream of a wastewater treatment plant, in a hospital sewage tank, and in a nearby harbor. (Stevenson et al.,Small beads of glass and wood were also tested, along with plastic bio-beads used to host bacteria that help purify water. These bio-beads are intended to improve the environment – but not when they escape from treatment plants and leak into the river systems, as has happened After two months, the team analyzed the bacteria that had gathered on the various materials. While the locations of the sampling sites influenced the makeup of resident bacteria more than the material type, the team did identify several problems with the, were also more common on microplastics further downstream of the hospital and wastewater treatment plant, where those bacteria weren't particularly abundant in the water. "Our research shows that microplastics aren't just an environmental issue – they may also play a role in the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance,""This is why we need integrated, cross-sectoral strategies that tackle microplastic pollution and safeguard both the environment and human health." The researchers want to set up more sample sites and test a broader range of environmental conditions to see what the impacts might be. They also want to see more done to keep plastics – such as bio-beads –of microplastics we need to worry about, but also their capacity to act as bacteria breeding grounds – putting humans and wildlife alike at risk wherever plastics accumulate.marine scientist Emily Stevenson, from the University of Exeter, so"we recommend that any beach-cleaning volunteer should wear gloves during clean-ups, and always wash hands afterwards."
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