{"title":"Plastics as vectors for pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes in aquatic systems.","authors":"Kien Vu","doi":"10.2166/wst.2026.226","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The increasing amount of plastics in aquatic systems poses risks to water quality and biodiversity by transporting pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes. This article reviews how plastics spread and persist as vectors for these contaminants. In addition, their attachment, transport, and release mechanisms on plastic surfaces are discussed, underscoring the need for advanced detection and monitoring methods. Future research should focus on developing practical mitigation strategies and policy interventions to address plastic-mediated microbial pollution. Ultimately, this article emphasizes the value of interdisciplinary work to protect aquatic ecosystems and public health from the adverse effects of plastic pollution and proposes potential solutions to address this global challenge.</p>","PeriodicalId":23653,"journal":{"name":"Water Science and Technology","volume":"93 4","pages":"552-568"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8000,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Water Science and Technology","FirstCategoryId":"93","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2026.226","RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"2026/2/16 0:00:00","PubModel":"Epub","JCR":"Q3","JCRName":"ENGINEERING, ENVIRONMENTAL","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
The increasing amount of plastics in aquatic systems poses risks to water quality and biodiversity by transporting pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes. This article reviews how plastics spread and persist as vectors for these contaminants. In addition, their attachment, transport, and release mechanisms on plastic surfaces are discussed, underscoring the need for advanced detection and monitoring methods. Future research should focus on developing practical mitigation strategies and policy interventions to address plastic-mediated microbial pollution. Ultimately, this article emphasizes the value of interdisciplinary work to protect aquatic ecosystems and public health from the adverse effects of plastic pollution and proposes potential solutions to address this global challenge.
期刊介绍：
Water Science and Technology publishes peer-reviewed papers on all aspects of the science and technology of water and wastewater. Papers are selected by a rigorous peer review procedure with the aim of rapid and wide dissemination of research results, development and application of new techniques, and related managerial and policy issues. Scientists, engineers, consultants, managers and policy-makers will find this journal essential as a permanent record of progress of research activities and their practical applications.
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