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Journal article
Plastic pollution and human pathogens: towards a conceptual shift in risk management at bathing water and beach environments
Water research (Oxford), Vol.261, 122028
2024
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates that micro- and macro-plastics present in water can support a diverse microbial community, including potential human pathogens (e.g., bacteria, viruses). This interaction raises important concerns surrounding the role and suitability of current bathing water regulations and associated pathogen exposure risk within beach environments. In response to this, we critically evaluated the available evidence on plastic-pathogen interactions and identified major gaps in knowledge. This review highlighted the need for a conceptual shift in risk management at public beaches recognising: (i) interconnected environmental risks, e.g., associations between microbial compliance parameters, potential pathogens and both contemporary and legacy plastic pollution; and (ii) an appreciation of risk of exposure to plastic co-pollutants for both water and waterside users. We present a decision-making framework to identify options to manage plastic-associated pathogen risks alongside short- and longer-term research priorities. This advance will help deliver improvements in managing plastic-associated pathogen risk, acknowledging that human exposure potential is not limited to only those who engage in water-based activity. We argue that adopting these recommendations will help create an integrated approach to managing and reducing human exposure to pathogens at bathing, recreational water and beach environments.
Details
- Title
- Plastic pollution and human pathogens: towards a conceptual shift in risk management at bathing water and beach environments
- Authors/Creators
- David M. OliverRebecca MetcalfDavey L. JonesSabine Matallana-SurgetDavid N. ThomasPeter RobinsConstance L. TullochBenjamin M. CotterellGwion WilliamsJoseph A. ChristieOlezaRichard S. Quilliam
- Publication Details
- Water research (Oxford), Vol.261, 122028
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd.
- Number of pages
- 8
- Grant note
- UKRI Natural Environment Research Council (NERC): NE/S005196/1 European Union: 101057764 UKRI/HM Government
This work was supported by the UKRI Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) as part of the Plastic Vectors Project, "Microbial hitch-hikers of marine plastics: the survival, persistence & ecology of micro-bial communities in the 'Plastisphere'" [grant number NE/S005196/1] . This work was also supported by the European Union's Horizon Research and innovation programme under the BlueAdapt project (101057764) and by the UKRI/HM Government.
- Identifiers
- 991005682567607891
- Copyright
- © 2024 The Authors.
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Centre for Sustainable Farming Systems
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Citation topics
- 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology
- 3.60 Herbicides, Pesticides & Ground Poisoning
- 3.60.2078 Microplastics
- Web Of Science research areas
- Engineering, Environmental
- Environmental Sciences
- Water Resources
- ESI research areas
- Environment/Ecology