According to scientists in the United States, microplastics may be making us more resistant to antibiotics.
Rice University in Houston, Texas, conducted research on the effects of polystyrene on human health. It was discovered that microplastic particles provide a 'comfortable' environment for bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.
The study suggests that we're likely eating millions of microorganisms laced with microplastics because polystyrene is almost everywhere - in plastic packaging, teabags, clothing, and take-away food containers.
Human organs can absorb microplastics, according to alarming research, and this is especially concerning for babies, who can have 15 times more microplastics in their bodies than adults.
So, if these tiny plastic particles find their way into our bodies and bring antibiotic-resistant bacteria along with them, our immune systems will have a harder time fighting sickness.
How Do Plastic Particles And Bacteria Mix?
Plastic particles emit chemicals as they age, which allow antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) to propagate. These genes are equipped with bacterial chromosomes, phages, and plasmids, which can infect people and cause antibiotic resistance, reducing their ability to fight infections.
'We were surprised to discover that microplastic ageing enhances horizontal ARG,' says Pedro Alvarez, the George R. Brown Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and director of the Rice-based Nanotechnology Enabled Water Treatment Center.
'Enhanced dissemination of antibiotic resistance is an overlooked potential impact of microplastics pollution.'
Microplastics ranged in size from 100 nanometres to five micrometres in diameter, according to the study, which was published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials.
Antibiotic resistance is frequently linked to antibiotic misuse or overuse. However, according to this new study, resistance can develop even when antibiotics aren't used, and bacteria can become more deadly as a result of plastic pollution.