Impact of Microplastics on Rhizosphere Microbiota in Mangrove Ecosystems

This study investigates the effects of microplastic exposure on rhizosphere microbial communities in Sonneratia caseolaris mangroves located in an urban estuarine ecosystem. A controlled exposure experiment was conducted using five treatment groups: a control, low- and high-concentration polypropylene (PP) microplastics, and low- and high-concentration polylactic acid (PLA) microplastics. The experiment spanned two exposure durations (30 and 100 days) to evaluate temporal variations in microbial responses. Due to 100 days of environmental influences, three representative treatment groups were selected for analysis. Samples from each plot were analyzed to assess shifts in microbial diversity, community structure, and functional dynamics, providing insights into the ecological risks of microplastics in vulnerable mangrove habitats.