Microplastics reach remote ecosystem as Indian Ocean animals show high levels

AI Summary

Microplastics have been detected in remote deep-sea hydrothermal vent ecosystems globally, with ninety-two percent of sampled animals containing them. Indian Ocean species show significantly higher concentrations compared to those from the Pacific.

Microplastics have infiltrated remote deep-sea hydrothermal vent ecosystems globally. A recent study found microplastics in ninety-two percent of examined deep-sea animals. Polystyrene was the most frequently detected polymer among the plastic particles found. Feeding behavior influenced microplastic accumulation within the animals' bodies. Animals from the Indian Ocean showed significantly higher microplastic concentrations than Pacific specimens.