Silent Threat: Plastic Microbes in Antarctica

Recently, the formation of an "Antarctic plastisphere," a microbial ecosystem that colonizes plastic fragments in the ocean, has been identified. Plastisphere refers to communities of microorganisms that attach to and multiply on floating plastic surfaces in marine environments. These microbes can include bacteria, algae and fungi, some of which are potential pathogens. The presence of these communities in Antarctica is of particular concern due to the fragility and uniqueness of its ecosystems.

Potential impacts

Pathogen transport: Plastics act as vehicles that facilitate the spread of microorganisms, including invasive species and pathogens, over vast oceanic distances.

Ecosystem Alteration: The introduction of new microbial species can destabilize local food webs, affecting biodiversity and the ecological balance of the region.

Carbon cycling: Some plastispheric microbes can influence carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas production, potentially affecting global climate processes.

Recent findings

Researchers at the Spanish base on Livingston Island conducted studies to assess the abundance and diversity of these microbial communities in different types of plastics, such as polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene, compared to materials such as glass. The results showed a rapid colonization of plastics by bacteria capable of degrading hydrocarbons, such as Oleispira sp., suggesting a potential biotechnological use to combat plastic pollution in the future.