Microplastics in soil induce a new microbial habitat, with consequences for bulk soil microbiomes

Microplastic (MP) pollution poses a threat to agricultural soils and may induce significant loss of the soil quality services provided by these ecosystems. Studies in marine environments suggest that this impact is mediated shifts microbiome. However, studies on mode action MP materials microbiome are rare, particularly when comparing effects different materials. In study, we characterized microbiota colonizing two materials, granules made polypropylene (PP) expanded polystyrene (ePS), introduced into arable incubated for 8 weeks using molecular barcoding approach. We further assessed consequences bulk soil. The complexity bacterial communities was significantly higher ePS compared PP. Many detected genera belonged taxa, known degrade polymeric substances, including TM7a, Phenylobacterium, Nocardia, Arthrobacter Streptomyces . Interestingly, samples amended with microbial diversity after control soil, which without composition differed. Mainly Acidobacteria were mostly found whereas they rare colonizers Differences community between affected not found. Overall, our data indicate form new niche microbes specific depending used, strongly influencing short term. Long-term associated functions need be elaborated future proper risk assessment terrestrial