Among materials found in analysis of penguins’ feces are cellulose, polyethylene and polyester, the journal Science of the Total Environment said.

Experts expected to find low pollution data due to the almost non-existent human presence in Antarctica and ocean waters around it.

However, they were surprised with what they found when studying the species Adelie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae), chinstrap penguin (Pygoscelis antarcticus) and gentoo (Pygoscelis papua).

In their opinion, such problems are related to research stations, fishing and tourist boats and ocean currents causing these particles to reach these habitats.

Microplastics are particles of less than five millimeters increasingly present in marine ecosystems.

It is becoming worrisome given its persistence in environments and its accumulation in food chains, specialists warn.

Scientists recommended continuing the study of the mentioned environmental problem to set new policies in ecosystems of the Antarctic continent.

pgh/lcp