Scientists Discover Toxic Chemicals On Amphipods At Mariana Trench

A new study shows that chemicals banned in the 1970's are now found in the deep level of the Pacific Ocean. Scientists discovered the chemical pollutants in the deep.

According to BBC, high level pollutants were found in the deep sea ecosystems. The pollutants included polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). These pollutants were found to be toxic and these were used during the 20^th century.

The study indicated that a certain sea creature called the amphipods have certain level of these pollutants in their tissues. These pollutants found on the creatures were mostly used as electrical insulators and flame retardants.

The Washington Post reported that these amphipods that have the pollutants were found 10,000 meters deep. This has been a surprise for scientists since the deepest level of the ocean was supposed to be clear of any toxic chemicals.

The researchers went to two of the deepest ocean trenches. One of the places that the study was conducted was at the Mariana in the Western Pacific. This trench happens to be near the Mariana Islands.  The other was conducted on the Kermadec trench north of New Zealand.

These trenches contain the amphipods that have the toxic chemicals. However, the Mariana trench had more of the pollutants than the other one. The report indicated that the vague part of the result from the study was how the pollutants got into the deepest levels f the ocean. It also needs to be proven on why the Mariana trench has been contaminated more than the other trench.

The amphipods may have gotten the chemicals from the food they eat according to USA Today. The latest study does not indicate yet on how the PCBs affect these amphipods. However, there may be dangers that can be expected in the future.

The study also did not trace the contaminants of these trenches but landfill may be factors on why these pollutants are present in these creatures.

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Science, Amphipods, pollutants

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