Evaluation of virgin microplastic leachates in Echinometra lucunter embryolarva Francisco Eduardo Melo dos Santos, Laura Borges Cunha, Caio Rodrigues Nobre, Paloma Kachel Gusso Choueri

Abstract

 Annually, approximately 300 million tons of plastic are produced globally, with around 8 million tons ending up in the oceans. Marine ecosystems, covering about 70% of the Earth's surface, are at risk due to increasing exposure to anthropogenic waste, resulting in marine pollution, where 80% originates from human activities, including 10% attributed to plastics. Despite their versatility and low cost, plastics often fragment into microplastics, which constitute the majority of marine litter. These particles, smaller than 5mm, can arise from both natural and industrial processes, carrying chemical substances and potentially disseminating them across oceans, impacting marine ecosystems. The gradual release of chemical substances from microplastics, known as leaching, affects marine organisms over time. Beyond ingestion, microplastics interact with marine organisms, raising concerns about chemical exposure. The toxic effects of microplastic leachates and their additives remain unclear and require in-depth studies, including ecotoxicological tests. Sea urchins, as crucial components of marine food chains, are often selected for ecotoxicological studies due to their sensitivity and ecological significance, encompassing both larval and adult phases.