Microbial communities on microplastics from the Tuul river system, Mongolia

Batdulam, B.*; Nakayama, Hiromasa   ; Munkhbat, D.*; Atarashi-Andoh, Mariko  ; Koarashi, Jun   ; Kawahigashi, Masayuki*

Plastic pollution in inland river systems is a growing environmental issue, particularly with the accumulation of microplastics (MPs, 5 mm). While microbial communities play a significant role in the formation of biofilms on MPs, their impact on the properties and persistence of plastic debris in aquatic ecosystems is not well understood. This study investigates the microbial communities associated with MPs collected from the Tuul river and its tributaries in Mongolia. Differences in microbial composition and diversity were observed between MPs and environmental compartments (water and sediment). In addition, the Tuul river and its tributaries showed distinct patterns of bacterial and fungal communities. This study provides insights into how biofilms affect the fate of plastic debris in the Tuul river system and other inland aquatic environments.