Abstract
One of the consequences of the richness (high diversity of use and economic activities) of the Mediterranean coastal socio-ecosystem is the intensification of anthropogenic pressures exerted on the environment. As part of them, demographic pressure goes along with production of plastic waste, some of which escaping the treatment process. It is estimated that about 600 tons of plastic waste are discharged daily into the Mediterranean Sea, 94% of them are macroplastics. The consequences of their presence in the coastal environment are multiple, including an impact on the diffusion of pathogens and microbial interactions (i.e. exchanges of genes). The hypothesis of the project is the involvement of the plastisphere from coastal waters in the dissemination and/or emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Two sites of the OHM were chosen to compare the bacterial communities subjected to different anthropogenic pressures: the Gulf of Aigues Mortes (marina of Port-Camargue, lagoon areas, seaside areas, and watershed) and the Etang de Biguglia (watershed, lagoon). Initial experiments allowed the implementation of a protocol to chemically characterize plastics and to an in situ experimental adaptation. These protocols will allow to answer the following questions: is the plastisphere in the Mediterranean coastal zone a reservoir or a site of emergence of antibiotic resistance genes? Do chemical characteristics of plastics and water impact antimicrobial dynamics? Finally, the results will be explored in order to determine possible indicators of risk for public health and thus help in decision-making concerning the measures necessary to reduce plastic pollution.