Microplastics Reach Deep-Sea Vents; Indian Ocean Species Harbor 14.7× More Particles

A KRIBB-KIOST study analyzed deep-sea snails and mussels from hydrothermal vents in the North Fiji Basin (Pacific) and Central Indian Ridge, finding microplastics in 92% of the animals (average 3.42 particles per specimen). Polystyrene was most common; grazing snails concentrated plastics in digestive organs, while mussels showed a more even distribution. After adjusting for body weight, Indian Ocean specimens had up to 14.7× higher microplastic concentrations than Pacific specimens, likely due to differences in human activity, river inputs, and circulation. The researchers emphasize that surface plastic pollution has reached remote deep-sea ecosystems and advocate for monitoring and conservation policies.