Agro-ecological microplastics enriching the antibiotic resistance in aquatic environment

Abstract

Agricultural and allied sector constitute one of the greatest plastic consumers/users. Plastic undergoes fragmentation in these setups generating micro-/nanoplastics (MPs/NPs), where they share the environment with many toxic/hazardous chemicals and considerable quantities of antibiotics. MPs are contaminants of high priority and are often accompanied by biological contaminants in the form of antibiotic-resistance (ABR) genes (ARGs). Recent reports confirm that the MPs can carry and enrich the ARGs in the environment. However, the information on the spread and persistence of MPs-driven ARGs in aquatic ecosystems associated with agricultural sectors is limited. Due to the heavy MP-inflow, diverse kinds of ARGs are anticipated to be present in agricultural water resources and may therefore be the cause of the ABR. The ecological and health risks associated with the MPs and the related ARGs require genuine consideration and further in-depth investigations for effective and sustainable solutions.