Microplastics and Associated Microorganisms in the Sea Sediment of the Sentina Regional Natural Reserve (Central Adriatic Sea, Italy) †.

This article discusses a study conducted in the Sentina Regional Natural Reserve in the Central Adriatic Sea, Italy, to identify microplastics (MPs) and their associated microorganisms in sea sediments. The researchers optimized a protocol to isolate MPs from sandy sediments and performed metagenomic analysis to evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the microbial communities. The study found that polypropylene microplastics were the most prevalent, followed by polyethylene, poly-methyl acrylate, and poly-vinyl chloride. The analysis also revealed specific metabolic pathways in MP-associated microorganisms, including antibiotic resistance. Additionally, bacteria that are promising for plastic degradation were found, as well as potential pathogens. The study concludes that MPs serve as a vehicle for potential pathogens and antibiotic-resistant microorganisms in the Central Adriatic Sea. [Extracted from the article]