Impact of microplastics on host-microbe interactions
Microplastics have a profound impact on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems worldwide, yet the consequences for host-microbe interactions remain poorly understood. Within the framework of a BMBF-funded project, we use simple invertebrate model host systems to study the direct effects of various microplastic materials on the structure and function of host-associated microbiomes, as well as the resulting implications for host-microbe interactions and host health. Additionally, we investigate the indirect effects of microplastics on human health by assessing changes in food quality due to altered crop phenotypes in microplastic-affected agroecosystems.
Microplastics have a profound impact on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems worldwide, yet the consequences for host-microbe interactions remain poorly understood. Within the framework of a BMBF-funded project, we use simple invertebrate model host systems to study the direct effects of various microplastic materials on the structure and function of host-associated microbiomes, as well as the resulting implications for host-microbe interactions and host health. Additionally, we investigate the indirect effects of microplastics on human health by assessing changes in food quality due to altered crop phenotypes in microplastic-affected agroecosystems.
