Dynamic impact of polyethylene terephthalate nanoplastics on antibiotic resistance and microplastics degradation genes in the rhizosphere of Oryza sativa L

Yi Li; Weiwei Qin; Xiaomin Xin; Chijian Tang; Yueying Huang; Xinying He; Lixing Chen; Guo Yu; Fangming Yu

doi:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.137173

Dynamic impact of polyethylene terephthalate nanoplastics on antibiotic resistance and microplastics degradation genes in the rhizosphere of Oryza sativa L

J Hazard Mater. 2025 Jan 10:487:137173. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.137173. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Yi Li¹, Weiwei Qin¹, Xiaomin Xin¹, Chijian Tang¹, Yueying Huang¹, Xinying He¹, Lixing Chen¹, Guo Yu², Fangming Yu³

Affiliations

¹ Guangxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Processes and Remediation in Ecologically Fragile Regions, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, China; Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, Guilin 541004, China.
² College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China; State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China. Electronic address: yuguo@glut.edu.cn.
³ Guangxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Processes and Remediation in Ecologically Fragile Regions, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, China; Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, Guilin 541004, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China. Electronic address: fmyu1215@163.com.

PMID: 39799674
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.137173

Abstract

This study examined the effects of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) nanoplastics on the rhizosphere of Oryza sativa L., focusing on dynamic changes and interactions among microbial communities, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and microplastic degradation genes (MDGs). PET exposure altered the structure and function of soil microbial, enabling specific microbial groups to thrive in polluted environments. High-dose PET treatments markedly increased the abundance and dissemination of ARGs, primarily via resistance mechanisms such as antibiotic efflux and target alteration. By providing additional carbon sources and surfaces for microbial attachment, PET stimulated the growth of microorganisms harboring MDGs, resulting in an increase in MDGs abundance. The elevated expression of MDGs facilitated the propagation of ARGs, with overlapping host microorganisms suggesting that certain microbial groups exhibit dual metabolic capabilities, enabling them to endure both antibiotic and microplastic pressures. Toxic byproducts of microplastic degradation, such as mono-ethylhexyl phthalate, further promoted ARGs dissemination by increasing horizontal gene transfer frequency. Structural equation modeling revealed that PET indirectly influenced ARGs and MDGs expression by altering soil C/N ratio, available phosphorus, and enzyme activities. Thus, nanoscale PET exacerbates ecological risks to soil microbial communities by driving co-propagation of ARGs and MDGs, highlighting the persistent threat of composite pollution to agroecosystems.

Keywords: Metagenomics; Microorganisms; Oryza sativa L.; Polyethylene terephthalate; Structural equation modeling.