wild-type animals (left) compared to animals of the same stage treated with PVC granular leachate (right). High levels of plastic pollution can kill a variety of Marine animal embryos, according to a new study jointly carried out by the Antondorn Zoological Center in Italy and the University of Exeter in the UK. Scientists tested the effects of new PVC particles on the development of seven species covering major groups of Marine animals, highlighting the potentially catastrophic consequences of rising levels of plastic in the oceans. The findings are published in the latest issue of Actinosphere.

The researchers noted that when exposed to high levels of the new PVC particles, the species they examined developed problems in different ways. Some failed to form shells or notochords, some failed to form proper bilateral (left and right) features, and some stopped developing after a few rounds of cell division. None of these species have been able to produce usable embryos.

The study also included three species that reproduce asexually by splitting. It turned out they were also affected by high concentrations of new PVC particles.

The study also examined the toxic effects of plastic samples recovered from beaches. While the effects were not as widespread as the new PVC particles, high concentrations of the plastic were still found to affect the development of mollusks, sea urchins, starfish and sea sheeps.

Coasts and rivers are known hotspots for plastic pollution. Since the species in this study all live in coastal areas, high levels of pollution could have a significant impact. If extreme pollution occurs while these species are breeding, they may not even produce the next generation, the researchers said.

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