World's deepest waters becoming 'ultimate sink' for plastic waste

Scientists say it is likely no marine ecosystems are left that are not affected by pollution

The world's deepest ocean trenches are becoming "the ultimate sink" for plastic waste, according to a study that reveals contamination of animals even in these dark, remote regions of the planet.

For the first time, scientists found microplastic ingestion by organisms in the Mariana trench and five other areas with a depth of more than 6,000 metres, prompting them to conclude "it is highly likely there are no marine ecosystems left that are not impacted by plastic pollution".