Accumulation of phenol derivatives and microplastic in ferromanganese nodules (Fe-Mn) from Polish Exclusive Economic Zone – preliminary studies

Polymetallic iron-manganese (Fe-Mn) nodules from the Baltic Sea are increasingly seen as a valuable source of rare earth elements (REE) and technology-critical elements (TCE). However, no prior studies have examined their potential to accumulate toxic organic pollutants, which may affect REE recovery processes. Here, we report the first detection of endocrine-disrupting phenol derivatives: bisphenol A, 4-nonylphenol, and 4-tert-octylphenol as well as microplastic particles in Fe-Mn nodules from the Polish Exclusive Economic Zone. Phenol derivatives concentrations were 5-151 times higher in nodules than in sediments below. We identified 27 microplastic particles, dominated by industrial polymers such as neoprene and chlorosulfonated polyethylene. Our results show that Fe-Mn nodules can function not only as geochemical resources but also as sinks for organic pollutants. With increasing interest in nodule exploitation, recovery methods should be adapted to minimize phenol derivatives and microplastic release into the environment and reduce human exposure.