Publication Details |
| Category | Text Publication |
| Reference Category | Book chapters |
| DOI | 10.1201/9781032717814 |
| Title (Primary) | Beyond Biofilm: The Role of Biominerals and Metals in the Plastisphere – Implications for Elemental Cycling, Biogeochemical Processes, and Human Health |
| Title (Secondary) | Plastisphere: The Ecosystem of Plastics |
| Author | Peydaei, A.; Shakunt Dodhia, M.; Schmidt, D.; Hendiani, S.; Neu, T.R.; Krarup Sand, K.; Posth, N.R. |
| Publisher | Vithanage, M.; Bakir, A.; Posth, N.R. |
| Year | 2025 |
| Department | FLOEK |
| Page From | 243 |
| Page To | 267 |
| Language | englisch |
| Topic | T5 Future Landscapes |
| Abstract | The plastisphere is a highly reactive habitat that forms on plastic debris, constituting a unique and continuously evolving ecological niche. It functions as a dynamic interface among microorganisms, organic matter, salts, metals, and biominerals, thereby facilitating complex biogeochemical interactions and processes. The composition of the plastisphere is reflective of the host environment, and its biotic and abiotic properties have wide implications for ecosystem and human health. The plastisphere can drive or hinder biological uptake, gene transfer, alter plastic transport, influence element cycling, and promote degradation or prolong plastic stability in the environment. Associated minerals enhance the reactivity of the plastisphere; abiotic minerals such as salts, carbonates, and silicates as well as biominerals form on or attach to the plastic surface and can act as templates and catalysts for further reactions. Metals such as iron, manganese, and copper form on or are incorporated into the plastisphere. Metals, whether minerals or ions, impact the biogeochemical conditions at the surface, are potential substrates for microbial metabolism and consequently enhance the suitability to host pathogens or facilitate gene transfer reactions. Herein, we review the occurrence of minerals and metals associated with plastics and the plastisphere. We outline the significance of these minerals and metals for biogeochemical cycling of plastics and uptake into food webs. Finally, we present how metals and minerals in the plastisphere influence plastic fate, environmental and human health, microbial evolution, and diversity in the Anthropocene. |
| Persistent UFZ Identifier | https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=31479 |
| Peydaei, A., Shakunt Dodhia, M., Schmidt, D., Hendiani, S., Neu, T.R., Krarup Sand, K., Posth, N.R. (2025): Beyond Biofilm: The Role of Biominerals and Metals in the Plastisphere – Implications for Elemental Cycling, Biogeochemical Processes, and Human Health In: Vithanage, M., Bakir, A., Posth, N.R. (eds.) Plastisphere: The Ecosystem of Plastics CRC Press / Taylor & Francis, Boca Raton, FL, p. 243 - 267 10.1201/9781032717814 |
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