Article

Plastic pollution and human pathogens: Towards a conceptual shift in risk management at bathing water and beach environments

Details

Citation

Oliver DM, Metcalf R, Jones DL, Matallana-Surget S, Thomas DN, Robins P, Tulloch CL, Cotterell BM, Williams G, Christie-Oleza JA & Quilliam RS (2024) Plastic pollution and human pathogens: Towards a conceptual shift in risk management at bathing water and beach environments. Water Research, 261, Art. No.: 122028. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2024.122028

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.

Keywords
Biofilm; Microplastics; Plastisphere; Public health risk; Sewage-related debris

Journal
Water Research: Volume 261

StatusPublished
FundersNERC Natural Environment Research Council
Publication date01/09/2024
Publication date online01/07/2024
Date accepted by journal30/06/2024
URLhttp://hdl.handle.net/1893/36139
PublisherElsevier BV
ISSN0043-1354
eISSN1879-2448

People (3)

Dr Sabine Matallana-Surget

Dr Sabine Matallana-Surget

Associate Professor, Biological and Environmental Sciences

Professor David Oliver

Professor David Oliver

Professor, Biological and Environmental Sciences

Professor Richard Quilliam

Professor Richard Quilliam

Professor, Biological and Environmental Sciences

Projects (1)