Metatranscriptomics of microbial biofilm succession on HDPE foil: uncovering plastic-degrading potential in soil communities.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although plastic pollution is increasing worldwide, very little is known about the microbial processes that take place once plastic debris is incorporated into the soil matrix. In this study, we conducted the first metatranscriptome analysis of polyethylene (PE)-associated biofilm communities in highly polluted landfill soil and compared their gene expression to that of a forest soil community within a 53-day period.

Results

Our findings indicate that the microbial population present in soil contaminated with plastic debris is predisposed to both inhabit and degrade plastic surfaces. Surprisingly, the microbial community from undisturbed forest soil contained a diverse array of plastic-associated genes (PETase, alkB, etc.), indicating the presence of an enzymatic

SUBMITTER: MacLean J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11583400 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature