Dynamics and functions of microbial communities in the plastisphere in temperate coastal environments

Battulga, B. ; Nakayama, Masataka  ; Matsuoka, Shunsuke*; Kondo, Toshiaki*; Atarashi-Andoh, Mariko  ; Koarashi, Jun   

Growing attention has been given to microbial attachment and biofilm formation on microplastics (MPs; sizes: 5 mm) in the environment. Here, we explore the microbial communities in the plastisphere to improve our understanding of microbial ecology as well as their impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Using the amplicon sequence of 16S and ITS genes, we identified bacterial and fungal community composition and diversity on MPs, surface waters, bottom sediments, and coastal sands in two contrasting coastal areas of Japan. Significantly different microbial diversity and taxonomic composition were detected depending on sample types and research sites. This research highlights the microbial metabolic functions in MP-associated biofilm, which could be the key to uncovering the true impact of plastic debris on the global ecosystem.