Toxic Travellers (IMAGE) Helmholtz Association Caption While drifting in the world's ocean, microplastics can absorb persistent bioaccumulative and toxic compounds from seawater. Once ingested by animals, the absorbed pollutants may be transferred to the respective organisms. Credit © Valeria Hidalgo-Ruz/Universidad Católica del Norte, Chile Usage Restrictions Free use in connection to media reports about the Alfred Wegener Institute's research on microplastic particles. For any other use permission must be obtained. An unauthorized use or disclosure to third parties is prohibited. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.