Exploring the Plastisphere: Impacts of Plastic-Bound Pathogens on Marine Ecosystems in a Changing Climate

The proposed MEM project will investigate the emerging role of the plastisphere—the dynamic microbiological ecosystems forming on plastic debris—in coastal and marine environments. Focused on the newly discovered colonisation by bacteria, including potential pathogens such as Vibrio spp., the thesis will examine how these microorganisms adhere to and are transported by plastics across the ocean. This movement facilitates the delivery of pathogens to marine animals and plants, impacting biodiversity and ecosystem health. Additionally, the thesis will explore how climate change exacerbates these challenges by altering ocean temperatures and currents, thus influencing bacterial growth patterns and distribution. It aims to highlight the interaction between plastics, pathogenic colonisation, and climate change as an indicator of ecological shifts, providing critical insights for marine conservation strategies, food safety and climate adaptation policies.