Plastisphere in freshwaters: An emerging concern

Plastisphere, an ecosystem of microbes thriving on floating plastic debris, has been extensively studied in marine waters since 2013. Currently, very little is known about the freshwater plastisphere. This review seeks to provide a broad insight into the freshwater science of plastisphere in the light of marine plastisphere, including research gaps, suggestions, and rising concerns, which would be of interest to the public, policymakers, and stakeholders. Given that freshwaters are endangered ecosystems, it is imperative to understand the role and impact of plastisphere on freshwaters. Plastic debris, especially microplastics (size <5 mm) in freshwater ecosystems, provide a stable, persistent, and buoyant substrate for microbes. Although current evidence suggests that freshwater environmental conditions and microplastics' physical and chemical properties significantly influence microbial colonisation, its role and integration in the aquatic ecosystems are unknown. Considering that the plastisphere biodiversity is unique, we seek to establish why and how many species co-exist in the plastisphere. Evaluating such fundamental questions should advance our basic understanding of the resilience of plastisphere to the changing environment. Plastisphere microbes, including the pathogenic bacteria, were found in both systems demonstrating their ability to survive on the plastic fragments from one ecosystem to another. A significant concern regarding plastisphere is the potential freshwater dispersal of anthropogenic pollutants and invasive or pathogenic species. Notably, microplastics aggregates may serve as a food source for grazers, which opens the question of the extent to which it can impact freshwater food webs. To gain a thorough understanding of the interplay between microplastics and the biogeochemical cycle, further insight into plastisphere microbes’ functional role is needed. This would shed light on the unconsidered freshwater elemental cycling pathways. Given the complexity and universal nature of the plastisphere, strong interdisciplinary global research initiatives or networks are required to address the emerging concerns of plastisphere in freshwaters.