Scientists have detected microplastics in 11 of 12 deep-sea mussels and snails collected from hydrothermal vents in the Indian Ocean and the southwestern Pacific Ocean, according to a study published in Water Research.
Researchers found that animals from the Indian Ocean contained up to 14.7 times more microplastics than those collected from the Pacific, possibly due to higher plastic pollution entering the Indian Ocean through rivers and coastal runoff.
The study also found that deep-sea snails accumulated more plastic particles in their digestive organs, while mussels showed contamination throughout their tissues because they continuously filter seawater while feeding.
Researchers said the findings demonstrate that plastic pollution has reached some of the most remote marine ecosystems on Earth and highlighted the need for further studies on its ecological impacts.