Microplastics act as mobile shuttles for toxic pollutants and pathogens

A new review published in the journal Energy & Environment Nexus reveals that microplastics act as mobile “pollutant shuttles,” transporting toxic chemicals, microorganisms, and antibiotic resistance genes across water, soil, and food webs.

Researchers from Jiangxi Agricultural University identified a “Trojan horse effect,” where microplastics adsorb heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants on their surfaces. Once ingested, these contaminants can be released into an organism's digestive system. The study notes a size-dependent distinction: conventional microplastics typically deliver pollutants through the gastrointestinal tract, whereas nanoplastics smaller than one micrometer may cross biological membranes to reach internal organs.

Additionally, the review highlights the role of the “plastisphere,” microbial communities that develop on microplastic surfaces. These biofilms can provide protected habitats for pathogens and facilitate horizontal gene transfer, potentially accelerating the spread of antibiotic resistance.