Viruses and bacteria travel on wet wipes and microplastics into coastal waters

Microplastics are often discussed as a pollution issue. But new research led by Dr Jessica Kevill and colleagues at Bangor University reveals a less visible risk: their ability to transport harmful microbes through wastewater systems and into coastal waters.

Highlights

1. Treatment removed most microplastics, but some still carried viruses
2. Wet wipes held more viruses than other plastics
3. The types of bacteria on microplastics changed during treatment
4. Microplastics and wet wipes can carry germs during sewage overflows
5. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria were found on microplastics throughout

As part of BlueAdapt, researchers tracked microplastics from hospital sewage through treatment plants and out into rivers and coastal waters. The findings show that these tiny particles, shed from everyday items like wet wipes and plastic packaging, can act as “rafts” for viruses and bacteria. By attaching to their surfaces, microbes (including antibiotic-resistant strains) can survive longer and travel further than they might otherwise.

Dr Jessica Kevill explained that: “While wastewater treatment removes the majority of microplastics, those that remain still carry risks. This is especially significant during periods of heavy rainfall, when storm overflows release untreated wastewater into the environment. During these events, microplastics can carry elevated levels of pathogens into bathing waters and shellfish habitats, creating potential pathways for human exposure.”

Read the paper

 

Wastewater systems may contribute to the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR)

The study also highlights how microbial communities change during treatment. By the time microplastics are released back into the environment after treatment, many carry bacteria associated with the treatment works themselves (often including antibiotic-resistant strains). This raises important questions about how wastewater systems may contribute to the spread of antimicrobial resistance.

Jess continued to say: ““A key point is that some of the pollution comes from sources we can prevent—especially plastic-based wet wipes. These were found to trap more microbes than other materials. By improving how overflows are managed and reducing the use of these wipes, we could make a real difference.”

For BlueAdapt, these findings underline the importance of understanding how pollution, climate change, and public health are linked. As rainfall patterns intensify, strengthening wastewater resilience will be critical to protecting our coastal ecosystems and communities.

Full citation:

Jessica L. Kevill, Margaret E. Knight, Yashi Jain, Karina A. Marsden, Rachel C. Williams, Kate Herridge, Winnie Courtene-Jones, Peter Robins, Shelagh K. Malham, Davey L. Jones 2006. Fate and transport of viruses, bacteria and antimicrobial resistance associated with wet wipes and microplastics through wastewater treatment to coastal waters. Water Research, Volume 303, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2026.126281.