Plastic Debris in the Aquatic Environment: An Emerging Substratum for Antimicrobial Resistant (AMR) Biofilms

Plastic pollution has increased globally, impacting life forms. A study in Kerala, India, investigated if plastic debris could serve as a substrate for antimicrobial-resistant bacteria to form biofilms. The debris was collected from the Periyar River, a polluted water source. The plastics were screened for AMR characteristics and found to be polyethylene and polypropylene. Bacteria isolated showed 100% resistance to colistin, with six high multiple antibiotic resistance isolates identified. In vitro biofilm formation was observed, indicating plastic conditioning for biofilm formation.