Microplastics enhance the prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes in mariculture sediments by enriching host bacteria and promoting horizontal gene transfer

• DOI: 10.1016/j.eehl.2025.100136
• Publication Date: 2025-01-30T08:33:45Z
• Authors: Yifan Liu; Liuqingqing Liu; Xiao Wang; Mengying Shao; Zihan Wei; Lina Wang; Bing Li; Chenguang Li; Xianxiang Luo; Fengmin Li; Hao Zheng
• Keywords: Horizontal Gene Transfer; Mariculture; Gene transfer

Microplastics (MPs) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) pose significant challenges to the One Health framework due their intricate multifaceted ecological environmental impacts. However, understanding of how MP properties influence ARG prevalence in mariculture sediments remains limited. Herein, polystyrene (PS) polyvinyl chloride (PVC) MPs with different sizes (20-120 μm 0.5-2.0 mm) were selected evaluate impacts underlying mechanisms driving ARGs dissemination. The results showed that PS PVC increased relative abundance by 1.41-2.50-fold 2.01-2.84-fold, respectively, compared control, particularly high-risk genes. polymer type effect was identified as more influential than size sediment resistome evolution. shifted microbial community assembly from stochastic deterministic processes, thus enriching host pathogens. Furthermore, highly hydrophobic not only recruited bacteria colonization but also facilitated exchange within plastisphere. exogenous additives released (e.g., heavy metals, bisphenol A, tridecyl ester) particles synergistically promoted conjugative transfer inducing oxidative stress enhancing cell membrane permeability. These findings revealed characteristics spread marine benthic ecosystems, underscoring importance mitigating pollution maintain ecosystem health, prevent zoonotic diseases, balance global health.