Differential Regulation Mechanisms of Algal Microbiome by Degradable and Non-degradable Microplastic-derived Dissolved Organic Matter in Freshwater Ecosystems

Freshwater ecosystems face mounting threats from microplastic pollution, and the dissolved organic matter (DOM) released from these particles represents an emerging ecological risk factor. Here, we performed a 28-day co-culture study to investigate the comparative effects of UV-aged DOM derived from biodegradable poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) versus conventional polyethylene (PE) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics on the phycosphere microbiome community associated with the harmful cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa PCC 7806.