Presence of microplastic particles increased abundance of pathogens and antimicrobial resistance genes in microbial communities from the Oder river water and sediment

A study assessing the microbial community on microplastic surfaces in water from the Oder River in Central Europe found that high abundance of microplastic particles could spread pathogens and antimicrobial resistance genes, particularly antibiotic resistance genes. The study involved adding microplastic particles to water and sediment, incubating them for 7-14 days, and analyzing the resulting DNA. Results showed a higher abundance of pathogenic bacteria and higher numbers of antibiotic resistance genes after 7 days of incubation.