Study Reveals Plastic Pollution's Lethal Impact on Ocean Embryo Development
New research shows high concentrations of PVC pellets disrupt crucial developmental processes in a range of ocean species, threatening marine biodiversity.
- High levels of new PVC pellets prevent normal development across seven major ocean animal groups, leading to non-viable embryos.
- The disruption primarily affects morphogenesis, crucial for the organisms' survival, as malformed embryos cannot survive.
- Incidents like the recent PVC pellet spill off Portugal highlight the real-world implications of such pollution.
- The European Union is considering new legislation to curb the release of pre-production plastic pellets into the environment.
- Researchers call for urgent action to reduce plastic waste entering oceans to protect marine life and ecosystems.
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