Plastisphere
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Plastisphere is a term used to refer to ecosystems that have evolved to live in human-made plastic environments.
Plastic that has made its way into marine habitats has been found to host various microorganisms. A recent study identified more than 1,000 species of bacteria and algae attached to microplastic debris, including members of the genus Vibrio, which includes the bacteria that cause cholera and other gastrointestinal ailments. Plastic provides a more durable "ship" than biodegradable material for carrying the organisms over long distances. Some of the organisms are thought to accelerate the biodegradation of plastic materials into potentially hazardous chemicals.
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