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Seafloor microplastic hotspots controlled by deep-sea circulation
Kane, I.A.; Clare, M.A.; Miramontes, E.; Wogelius, R.; Rothwell, J.J.; Garreau, P.; Pohl, F. (2020). Seafloor microplastic hotspots controlled by deep-sea circulation. Science (Wash.) 368(6495): 1140-1145. https://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.aba5899
In: Science (Washington). American Association for the Advancement of Science: New York, N.Y. ISSN 0036-8075; e-ISSN 1095-9203, more
Related to:
Mohrig, D. (2020). Deep-ocean seafloor islands of plastics. Science (Wash.) 368(6495): 1055-1055. https://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.abc1510, more
Peer reviewed article  

Available in  Authors 

Authors  Top 
  • Kane, I.A.
  • Clare, M.A.
  • Miramontes, E.
  • Wogelius, R.
  • Rothwell, J.J.
  • Garreau, P.
  • Pohl, F.

Abstract
    Although microplastics are known to pervade the global seafloor, the processes that control their dispersal and concentration in the deep sea remain largely unknown. Here, we show that thermohaline-driven currents, which build extensive seafloor sediment accumulations, can control the distribution of microplastics and create hotspots with the highest concentrations reported for any seafloor setting (190 pieces per 50 grams). Previous studies propose that microplastics are transported to the seafloor by vertical settling from surface accumulations; here, we demonstrate that the spatial distribution and ultimate fate of microplastics are strongly controlled by near-bed thermohaline currents (bottom currents). These currents are known to supply oxygen and nutrients to deep-sea benthos, suggesting that deep-sea biodiversity hotspots are also likely to be microplastic hotspots.

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