Suffocating the ocean: modeling the impacts of plastic debris on carbon sequestration

Marine plastic debris can lead to growth inhibition in algae and impact the carbon sequestration service of marine ecosystems. Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) can assess the environment impacts of human activities but does not yet cover ecosystem services as an impact category. We therefore developed Effect Factors in LCIA measuring the plastic debris impacts on carbon sequestration service of marine ecosystems in monetary units.