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Seafloor microplastic hotspots controlled by deep-sea circulation
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Researchers discovered that deep-sea ocean currents, not just vertical settling from the surface, play a major role in concentrating microplastics on the seafloor, creating pollution hotspots with the highest concentrations ever recorded in any seafloor setting. These thermohaline-driven bottom currents sort and accumulate microplastics in the same areas where they deliver oxygen and nutrients to deep-sea life. The findings suggest that the most biologically rich areas of the deep ocean floor are likely also the most contaminated with microplastics.
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.
More Papers Like This
Not just settling
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This perspective piece describes research showing that deep-sea microplastic distribution is controlled not by simple sinking from the surface but by deep ocean thermohaline currents that create localized accumulation hotspots on the seafloor. Understanding these current-driven concentration patterns changes how scientists model microplastic fate in the deep ocean.
Data from: Seafloor microplastic hotspots controlled by deep-sea circulation
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This dataset accompanies a landmark study showing that thermohaline-driven deep-sea currents control microplastic distribution and create hotspots with concentrations up to 1.9 million particles per square meter, the highest ever reported, on certain seafloor sediment drifts.
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Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.