The species eats plastic in the deepest ocean groove in the world

Scientists have discovered a new species of marine animal in the Mariana Trench in the Pacific Ocean that contains plastic waste in the body.

The team at Newcastle University, UK, found crustaceans in soft armor in the Mariana Trench at a depth of about 6,096 m, according to a report published in early March in the journal Zootaxa. The 2,543 km Mariana Trench is located in the western Pacific Ocean, with a depth of about 10,973 m. But even animals living in these extreme and remote environments are not immune to the effects of plastic waste pollution.

Eurythenes plasticus.(Photo: Newsweek).

The researchers found many tiny pieces of plastic called microplastics in the body of previously unknown soft-shell animals. They classify this material as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) , a common plastic widely used in food and beverage packaging. Therefore, the team decided to name the new species Eurythenes plasticus to emphasize the need for immediate action to prevent the spread of plastic waste in the ocean. According to Alan Jamieson, marine ecologist, lead researcher, E. plasticus is one of 240 animals recorded to digest plastic.

Micro resin in the abdomen of Eurythenes plasticus.(Photo: Newsweek).

"The discovery is a testament to the extent of plastic waste pollution. Species in remote marine environments are suffering the consequences of human activities," Jamieson said.

Microplastics are floating in the oceans around the world. A 2015 study found about 8 million tons of plastic are dumped into the ocean each year. Once mixed with water, plastic waste can decompose into smaller pieces, eventually turning into micro-plastic that marine animals regularly digest. According to Jamieson, the ingestion of plastic pieces can lead to bowel obstruction and absorption of toxic chemicals clinging to the plastic in water.

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