Microfibres from clothing found in most remote part of world’s oceans

‘Unexpectedly high’ concentration of fibre fragments in sample of seawater collected by scientists off coast of Antarctic, writes Chris Baynes

Textile fibres, seen retained on a filter, were found in seawater samples across the world (Peter G. Ryan)

“Unexpectedly high” quantities of micorfibres from textiles typically used in clothing have been found floating in the most remote part of the world’s oceans.

Scientists found fragments of plastic, wool, cotton, linen and other fabrics were discovered in the Southern Ocean off the coast of Antarctica.

Researchers at Italy’s Institute of Marine Science believe the microscopic strands may have travelled long distances by plane or boat.