Plastisphere microalgae

Microbial risks stemming from the plastisphere (a microecosystem with plastics as the matrix) intensify the complexity and danger of plastic pollution. Profiling the communities inhabiting this novel ecosystem and the relevant potential impacts helps to achieve a comprehensive risk assessment of plastic pollution. However, microalgae, a core component of marine ecosystems that shape ecosystem functions and biodiversity, remain largely unknown in the plastisphere. Here, we collected plastic and ambient water sample pairs from coastal ecosystems and investigated compositional characteristics, driving mechanisms, and harmful and toxic species in the plastisphere.