#Florida researchers find ‘high amounts’ of #FleshEating bacteria in #Sargassum
by Dylan Abad, May 30, 2023
"A new study from Florida Atlantic University is uncovering how the seaweed interacts with #plastic debris and Vibrio bacteria to create the 'perfect pathogen storm' for beachgoers and marine life.
"Samples collected by FAU revealed that Vibrio pathogens had harnessed the unique ability to 'stick' to #microplastics within the seaweed blob. The findings further showed that some #Vibrio bacteria had an ‘omnivorous’ lifestyle that targeted both plant and animal hosts.
"'Another interesting thing we discovered is a set of genes called ‘zot’ genes, which causes leaky gut syndrome,' said assistant professor Tracy Mincer, Ph.D.
"For instance, if a fish eats a piece of plastic and gets infected by this Vibrio, which then results in a leaky gut and diarrhea, it’s going to release waste nutrients such nitrogen and phosphate that could stimulate Sargassum growth and other surrounding organisms.
"Simply put, the combination of the bacteria and microplastics could be responsible, in part, for the rapid growth of Sargassum."
#ClimateChange #ClimateCrisis #Extinction #Oceans
https://www.wfla.com/news/florida/florida-researchers-find-high-amounts-of-flesh-eating-bacteria-in-sargassum/