| Eurythenes plasticus | |
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Malacostraca |
| Order: | Amphipoda |
| Family: | Eurytheneidae |
| Genus: | Eurythenes |
| Species: |
E. plasticus
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| Binomial name | |
| Eurythenes plasticus Weston, 2020 | |
Eurythenes plasticus is a species of amphipod of the genus Eurythenes, first described in 2020.[1] It was named in reference to the PET plastic found in its stomach,[2] after researchers wanted to highlight the impact of plastic pollution.[3]
Eurythenes plasticus was found at depths between 6,010 m (19,720 ft) and 6,949 m (22,799 ft) deep in the Mariana Trench of the Pacific Ocean in 2014.[4] Researchers from Newcastle University caught four specimens, one of which had plastic particles in its body.[3] The plastic microfibre that was found in its hindgut was 84% similar to PET plastic,[4] showing plastic pollution affects marine organisms even 6,000 metres (20,000 ft) below sea level.
| Eurythenes plasticus |
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