Microbial Contribution to the Early-Stage Weathering of PVC in Marine Environments
ID:523
Poster Presentation
2027-01-15 19:00 (China Standard Time)
Session:Session 15 - Marine Micro- and Nano-Plastics: Novel Methods, Environmental Fate and Ecological Effects
Abstract
Marine plastic pollution has become a major global environmental concern. Plastics released into marine environments undergo gradual weathering, driven by physical, chemical, and biological processes, such as ultraviolet exposure, wave action, oxidation, and microbial colonization. While extensive research has focused on physical and chemical degradation, the role of marine microorganisms in plastic weathering remains relatively under-explored. This study investigated the microbial contribution to the early-stage weathering of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a polymer known for its high environmental persistence. Marine bacterial, cyanobacterial, and fungal strains commonly identified in the plastisphere (e.g., Sphingomonas aestuarii, Alteromonas macleodii, Polaribacter marinaquae, Synechococcus sp., and Penicillium citrinum) were used for experimental exposure to PVC films under controlled seawater conditions. To evaluate the weathering dynamics, a three-tiered analytical framework was employed. Biological interactions were first characterized by visualizing microbial colonization via fluorescence microscopy, accompanied by quantitative analysis of biofilm and qPCR-based assessment of microbial abundance. Surface-level physicochemical alterations were subsequently probed using a suite of advanced spectroscopy techniques–including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy–alongside contact angle measurements. Finally, the broader degradation dynamics were assessed by monitoring changes in microplastic particle abundance within the seawater samples. This comparative study provides critical insights into the biological mechanisms driving marine plastic weathering and highlights the significant contribution of microorganisms to early-stage degradation.
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Important Dates
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Jan 30
2026
Session / Event proposals open
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Mar 31
2026
Session / Event proposals close
(Extended to April 7) -
Apr 30
2026
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Apr 30
2026
Abstract submissions & registration open
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Jun 30
2026
Abstract submissions close
(Extended to July 21) -
Aug 31
2026
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Sep 15
2026
Scientific program released
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Oct 15
2026
Early bird registration closes
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Jan 12–15
2027
XMAS 2027
