A “SHOCKING” amount of plastic pollution has been found in one of Sussex’s most beautiful rivers.

Microplastics – tiny pieces – were present in all 188 mussel samples in the River Ouse in a new study by a University of Brighton student.

Megan Fitzpatrick, a final year geography student, undertook the field research for her dissertation project.

She described the results of her work as “very shocking” and warned about the dangers facing humans who eat Sussex shellfish.

Megan carried out her investigation at Piddinghoe in the Lewes district, a site which she said is known for its poor water quality.

She examined the mussels in the area along with 20 litres of brackish water, finding that microplastics were regularly ingested into the digestive tract and cells of the mussels.

Each mussel was found to have absorbed 51.6 particles of plastic per day, while there were 29.45 particles per litre of water.

Megan said: “The high concentrations of microplastics observed within the Sussex mussels was very shocking.

“Studies have suggested that these particles are causing harm to the mussels, however we are unaware of the full impacts as well as the potentially severe implications for shellfish eaters – including humans.

“Possible impacts for mussels may mirror the strangulation and entanglement seen within larger marine species and dolphins, now a commonly recognised image due to the influence of Blue Planet II.”

The problem of plastic pollution in our marine environments was highlighted by the award-winning BBC documentary narrated by Sir David Attenborough.

Also, earlier this month a pilot whale died off southern Thailand after swallowing 80 plastic bags.

The bags, weighing about 8kg (17lbs), had made it impossible for the whale to eat food.

Megan, who graduates in August, said her motivation for this project stems from her love for the sea, which she has had from a young age.

She fears that human neglect of the natural world could have dire consequences in the future.

She said: “The environment is treated as a rubbish bin by many and if this high level of disrespect towards it continues, future generations will not be able to enjoy its benefits.”