Authors

J Cable¹;  ¹ Cardiff University, UK

Discussion

‘Human-built, modified, or engineered niches of the Anthropocene’ cover most of the Earth’s landmasses. These novel ecosystems are constantly changing with increased urbanisation, production, climate shifts and pollution. Parasites, like other animals, are adapting to these changing conditions. To ameliorate the impact of future epidemics, we need to understand how multiple stressors affect our ability to combat infections. Among the most prevalent pollutants are plastics, indispensable in modern life with significant medical uses. However, their durability and resistance to degradation also make them recalcitrant waste sources. Here, we explore the impact of both petroleum-based and bio-based plastics on a model freshwater-ectoparasite system, focussing particularly on the additives that enhance polymer functionality. Without comprehensive risk assessments of all manufactured products, we risk ‘green-washing’, substituting one pollutant with another, and inadvertently fostering future disease outbreaks.