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The total amount of energy acquired by primary producers in an ecosystem is called gross primary production (GPP). However, of this energy, producers use some for metabolic processes, and some is lost as heat, decreasing the amount of energy available to the next trophic level. The remaining usable amount of energy is called the net primary productivity (NPP). In terrestrial ecosystems, NPP is driven by climate, while light penetration and nutrient availability drive NPP in aquatic ecosystems.
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Direct Evidence That Microplastics Are Transported to the Deep Sea by Turbidity Currents.

Peng Chen1,2, Ian A Kane1, Michael A Clare3

  • 1Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom.

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Turbidity currents in submarine canyons efficiently transport microplastics and other pollutants to the deep sea. These natural events, crucial for deep-sea ecosystems, also act as conduits for widespread microplastic pollution.

Keywords:
deep-sea monitoringmicroplastic transportocean sedimentsubmarine canyonturbidity current

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Area of Science:

  • Marine Geology
  • Oceanography
  • Environmental Science

Background:

  • Microplastic pollution is a global issue, with the deep sea being a significant sink.
  • Mechanisms of microplastic transport to the deep sea are not fully understood.
  • Turbidity currents are hypothesized to be a major transport pathway.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide direct field-scale evidence of microplastic transport by turbidity currents.
  • To investigate the role of submarine canyons in deep-sea pollution.
  • To assess the co-location of deep-sea biodiversity and microplastic hotspots.

Main Methods:

  • In situ hydrodynamic monitoring of turbidity currents.
  • Direct sampling of seafloor and suspended materials within submarine canyons.
  • Analysis of anthropogenic particles, including microplastics and microfibers.

Main Results:

  • Turbidity currents in submarine canyons efficiently transport microplastics and anthropogenic particles to depths >3200 m.
  • Submarine canyons act as conduits for pollutants from the continental shelf, even those far from land.
  • Biodiversity hotspots in deep-sea canyons are found to be co-located with microplastic hotspots.

Conclusions:

  • Turbidity currents are a proven mechanism for deep-sea microplastic pollution.
  • Land-detached submarine canyons worldwide are significant, previously unproven, conveyors of pollution.
  • The findings highlight the dual role of these canyons in supporting ecosystems and accumulating pollutants.