An integrated metagenomic model to uncover the cooperation between microbes and magnetic biochar during microplastics degradation in paddy soil

The free radicals released from the advanced oxidation processes can enhance microplastics degradation, however, the existence of microbes acting synergistically in this process is still uncertain. In this study, magnetic biochar was used to initiate the advanced oxidation process in flooded soil. paddy soil was contaminated with polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride microplastics in a long-term incubation experiment, and subsequently subjected to bioremediation with biochar or magnetic biochar. After incubation, the total organic matter present in the samples containing polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene, and treated with magnetic biochar, significantly increased compared to the control. In the same samples there was an accumulation of “UVA humic” and “protein/phenol-like” substances. The integrated metagenomic investigation revealed that the relative abundance of some key genes involved in fatty acids degradation and in dehalogenation changed in different treatments. Results from genome-centric investigation suggest that a Nocardioides species can cooperate with magnetic biochar in the degradation of microplastics. In addition, a species assigned to the Rhizobium taxon was identified as a candidate in the dehalogenation and in the benzoate metabolism. Overall, our results suggest that cooperation between magnetic biochar and some microbial species involved in microplastic degradation is relevant in determining the fate of microplastics in soil.