Whales and dolphins are now partly made of plastic due to pollution in the ocean, a study has found.
The study published by a graduate student at Duke University in Environmental Pollution found that of those studied, two-thirds of marine mammals had microscopic plastic particles embedded into their fats and lungs.
Samples from 32 stranded mammals in Alaska, California and North Carolina, between 2000 to 2021—or those used for meat—were assessed in the study. In total, 12 species were studied, including a bearded seal.
Scientists already know that plastic pollution is a major risk to the ocean’s wildlife, but the new study suggests that when ingested, microplastics can travel through the digestive tract and get lodged in tissues along the way.
A stock photo shows a whale fluke surrounded by plastic bottles. Whales and dolphins are now partly made of plastic due to pollution in the ocean, according to a new study. AntonioSolano/Getty
Three kinds of fats plus lungs were assessed—plastics were found in all four tissues.
Whales and Dolphins Are Now Partly Made of Plastic: Study
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