Microbial communities associated with plastic fishing nets: diversity, potentially pathogenic and hydrocarbon degrading bacteria.

ABSTRACT: Abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) represent a major source of marine plastic litter pollution. Similar to other plastic litter, these items can provide a new surface for the growth of biofilms harboring distinct microbial communities, containing potential opportunistic pathogens or pollutant-degrading microorganisms. While knowledge is increasing for marine plastic litter and microplastic-associated biofilms, there is a gap on the plastisphere research for fishing gear. This study aimed to comprehend the structure and dynamics of the microbial communities attached to plastic fishing nets, mimicking a scenario when lost at sea, but also to assess if polymer type can influence these communities. For that, a one-year in situ experiment was employed inside a recreatio

SUBMITTER: Perdigao R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12216815 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature