BACTERIA-MICROPLASTICS INTERACTIONS IN TWO TYRRHENIAN SITES: THE SEA PLASTICS SURVEY 2021

In the Mediterranean Sea, a few data are still available on the "plastisphere" [plastic-associated microbial communities]. Moreover, there is a lack of standardized methods for the sampling and analysis of microplastics (MPs). As a first contribute to assess the effect of the collection device and the sampling site on the plastisphere distribution and metabolism, in May 2021 MPs were collected at two coastal Tyrrhenian stations [Naples Gulf (NA) and Castelsardo (SAR)] from surface (using Niskin bottles and Manta net), middle (30-80 m) using a WP2 Plankton net and deep waters (80 m) using a SB Buoy. Culturable bacteria by Marine agar, enzyme activities (leucine aminopeptidase-LAP, beta-glucosidase-GLU, and alkaline phosphatase-AP) by fluorogenic substrates and community structure by molecular methods were studied. Bacterial isolates (n=46) were taxonomically identified. Polymeric identification via Micro-FTIR was also performed. ANalysis Of SIMilarities (ANOSIM) and Cluster Analysis were calculated.