Oceanic regions shape the composition of the Antarctic plastisphere

Lacerda, Ana L. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6654-5597; Proietti, Maíra C. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5504-5770; Kessler, Felipe ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5641-6871; Mendes, Carlos R. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6875-8860; Secchi, Eduardo R. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9087-9909; Taylor, Joe D. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0095-0869. 2025 Oceanic regions shape the composition of the Antarctic plastisphere. Communications Earth & Environment, 6, 462. 12, pp. 10.1038/s43247-025-02445-4

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-025-02445-4

Abstract/Summary

Antarctica, once considered pristine, is increasingly threatened by plastic pollution, with debris found in its waters, sediments, sea ice, and biota. Here, we provide a comprehensive molecular survey of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic diversity on plastics around the Antarctic Peninsula, addressing a gap in existing research. Using eDNA metabarcoding, we identified diverse communities, with Pseudomonadota and Bacteroidota dominating prokaryotic communities, while Gyrista (mostly diatoms), Fungi and Arthropods were prevalent among eukaryotes. Geographic location significantly influenced community composition, with differences between the Bransfield Strait and the Gerlache Strait/Bellingshausen Sea. Polymer type and plastic shape did not impact species richness or community structure. These findings offer new insights into the complexity of the Antarctic plastisphere, highlighting potential impacts on biodiversity, ecosystem functions, and the broader implications of marine plastic pollution.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	10.1038/s43247-025-02445-4
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Environmental Pressures and Responses (2025-)
ISSN:	2662-4435
Additional Information:	Open Access paper - full text available via Official URL link.
Additional Keywords:	environmental sciences, marine biology, microbial ecology
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment Marine Sciences Biology and Microbiology
Related URLs:	Dataset
Date made live:	20 Jun 2025 09:05 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/539651

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

10.1038/s43247-025-02445-4

UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:

Environmental Pressures and Responses (2025-)

ISSN:

2662-4435

Additional Information:

Open Access paper - full text available via Official URL link.

Additional Keywords:

environmental sciences, marine biology, microbial ecology