Triclosan is a common antibacterial agent in antibacterial soaps, detergents, carpets, paints, toys and toothpaste. It is effective against bad and good bacteria. Monica Mendez, associate professor, Department of Biology and Chemistry at Texas A&M International University is interested in triclosan-contaminated streams and rivers. These streams often serve as the water source for crops. Mendez has been studying what happens to soils and plants watered with triclosan-contaminated water.
Source: High Plains Journal, May 31, 2016.
We know that triclosan decreases the diversity of bacterial communities,” says Mendez, “But we still need to figure out which good bacteria we are losing.” Mendez’s study was the first to measure the long-term, repeated effects of triclosan on soil and plant communities. She hopes that further studies will track its impact on microbial communities. “Because we’re all concerned about disease-causing bacteria, we generally ignore what happens below ground,” Mendez says. “Water and soil come together. We need to look at the quality of both, because food is important.”
Also see: Journal of Environmental Quality, March 11, 2016. (abstract only)