IMIS

In the first experiment, embryos of the ascidian Ciona intestinalis were exposed to different concentrations of microplastics in the form of polystyrene beams of 1 micrometer diameter. After 18 hours, the number of alive and dead larvae were counted. The experiment was performed in triplicate and the data obtained are reported in the first sheet in the excel file. In the second experiment, larvae were exposed to different levels of microplatics during their metamorphosis stage. After five days of exposure, the developmental stage reached by each individual was recorded. Only two replicates were obtained for this experiment and the data are reported in the second sheet in the excel file. Finally, the number of alive and dead juveniles eight days after exposure to different levels of microplastics was counted. For this experiment only a single replicate was obtained and the data are reported in the third table in the excel file. These data significantly increase our knowledge about the possible negative effects induced by microplastics on marine invertebrates.