Impacts of Plastic-Made Packaging on Marine Key Species: Effects Following Water Acidification and Ecological Implications

This study evaluates the impacts of 16 different leachates plastic-made packaging on marine species trophic levels (bacteria, algae, echinoderms). Standard ecotoxicological endpoints (inhibition bioluminescence, inhibition growth, embryo-toxicity) and alterations ecologically significant parameters (i.e., echinoderms’ body-size) were measured following exposure under pH water conditions: standard (pH 8.1) two increasingly acidic conditions 7.8 7.5) in order to evaluate possible variations induced by ocean acidification. The results obtained this evidence that tested doses are not able significantly affect bacteria (Vibrio fischeri) algae (Phaeodactylum tricornutum). On contrary, Paracentrotus lividus larvae affected several types (13 out 16) with meaningless differences between conditions.