The Travelling Particles: Investigating microplastics as possible transport vectors for multidrug resistant E. coli in the Weser estuary (Germany)

The Science of the Total Environment
Jessica SongGunnar Gerdts

Abstract

The prevalence of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria in aquatic environments has been a long withstanding health concern, namely extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli. Given increasing reports on microplastic (MP) pollution in these environments, it has become crucial to better understand the role of MP particles as transport vectors for such multidrug-resistant bacteria. In this study, an incubation experiment was designed where particles of both synthetic and natural material (HDPE, tyre wear, and wood) were sequentially incubated at multiple sites along a salinity gradient from the Lower Weser estuary (Germany) to the offshore island Helgoland (German Bight, North Sea). Following each incubation period, particle biofilms and water samples were assessed for ESBL-producing E. coli, first by the enrichment and detection of E. coli using Fluorocult® LMX Broth followed by cultivation on CHROMAgar™ ESBL media to select for ESBL-producers. Results showed that general E. coli populations were present on the surfaces of wood particles across all sites but none were found to produce ESBLs. Additionally, neither HDPE nor tyre wear particles were found to harbour any E. coli. Conversely, ESBL-produci...Continue Reading

Citations

Aug 12, 2020·Water Environment Research : a Research Publication of the Water Environment Federation·William BoniNicole L Fahrenfeld
May 5, 2021·The Science of the Total Environment·Jiao WangXianhua Liu
Jun 19, 2021·The Science of the Total Environment·Jing DingLingxin Chen
Apr 21, 2021·Environmental Microbiology·Sonja OberbeckmannStephanie Markert
Sep 5, 2020·Environmental Science & Technology·Robyn Joanna WrightJoseph Christie-Oleza

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