Microbial Bioactives
Microbial Bioactives | Online ISSN 2209-2161
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Volume 7 Number 1 2024
REVIEWS (Open Access)
Exploring the Interplay Between Environmental Factors, Microbial Diversity, and Human Health: Insights from Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Mohd Omar Ab Kadir 1*
Microbial Bioactives 7 (1) 1-8 https://doi.org/10.25163/microbbioacts.7110661
Submitted: 21 October 2024 Revised: 17 December 2024 Accepted: 25 December 2024 Published: 27 December 2024
Abstract
Biological systems are inherently dynamic, constantly interacting with environmental factors that shape their stability, functionality, and resilience. Across aquatic, terrestrial, and human ecosystems, stressors such as trace metals, ultraviolet radiation, pollutants, and dietary shifts act individually and synergistically, often pushing organisms beyond their normal physiological ranges. In aquatic systems, photosynthetic microorganisms experience complex interactions between light and metals, leading to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, altered metal bioavailability, and variable toxicological outcomes. Simultaneously, human health is intricately linked to environmental exposures, including sensory and non-sensory pathways. Visual and auditory experiences of natural environments, olfactory cues from plant-emitted phytoncides, and tactile interactions with animals contribute to stress reduction, immune modulation, and overall psychological well-being. Central to these effects is the human gut microbiota, a highly structured microbial ecosystem that mediates the gut-brain axis, supports immune homeostasis, and responds dynamically to diet, pollutants, and chemical stressors. Modern lifestyle factors, including reduced biodiversity exposure and Western dietary patterns, have disrupted microbial diversity, leading to immunological and metabolic dysregulation. To study these complex interactions, models like the SHIME® (Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem) allow for controlled evaluation of microbial responses to environmental stressors. Additionally, sustainable technological interventions, such as bioplastics designed for biodegradation, interact with microbial communities to mitigate environmental impact. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizes current evidence on how environmental factors influence microbial dynamics and human health, highlighting the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the need for integrative strategies to promote both ecological and human resilience.
Keywords: Environmental stressors, gut microbiota, human health, aquatic microorganisms, bioplastics, reactive oxygen species, biodiversity
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