Plastics pervade sea life
Experts say microplastics are almost universally found in marine mammals.
Researchers have reviewed a range of studies that looked at the presence of the modern pollutants in marine environments.
The studies consistently found microplastics inside marine mammals such as whales, dolphins, and seals.
Of the 30 studies reviewed, only one did not report finding microplastics inside one of these animals.
Additionally, eight out of ten studies looking specifically at seals also reported finding differing amounts of microplastics in their faeces.
The authors say it is a concerning finding, and that the next step will to research the impact of microplastics on the health of marine mammals.
The study also lays out a framework to improve consistency across studies that examine the incidence of microplastics in marine mammal gut and scat.