A critical review of microbiological colonisation of nano- and microplastics (NMPs) and their significance to the food chain

This project will critically review the science literature to determine the diversity of microorganisms that colonise nano and microplastics (NMPs), the key pathways these microbiologically contaminated plastics can enter the food chain and the risk that they pose to human health. This review will also consider antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and biofilm formation. To address this evidence gap, the FSA has commissioned Cefas, with support from University of Exeter and Fera, to carry out a critical review of the scientific literature (both peer-review and grey literature sources) concerning the diversity of microorganism that colonise microplastics and aggregates of nanoplastics, outline the key pathways that these microbiologically contaminated plastics are able to enter the food chain from environmental sources (e.g. from water, soil and air) and the associated risks these may pose to human health. We will also focus on areas of particular concerns such as the role of NMPs in the spread of AMR in the food chain.