Stressors of emerging concern in deep-sea environments: microplastics, pharmaceuticals, personal care products and deep-sea mining

Although most deep-sea areas are remote in comparison to coastal zones, a growing body of literature indicates that many sensitive ecosystems could be under increased stress from anthropogenic sources. Among the multiple potential stressors, microplastics (MPs), pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs/PCPs) and the imminent start of commercial deep-sea mining have received increased attention. Here we review recent literature on these emerging stressors in deep-sea environments and discuss cumulative effects with climate change associated variables. Impor-tantly, MPs and PPCPs have been detected in deep-sea waters, organisms and sediments, in some locations in compa-rable levels to coastal areas. The Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea are the most studied areas and where higher levels of MPs and PPCPs have been detected. The paucity of data for most other deep-sea ecosystems indicates that many more locations are likely to be contaminated by these emerging stressors, but the absence of studies hampers a better assessment of the potential risk. The main knowledge gaps in the field are identified and discussed, and future research priorities are highlighted to improve hazard and risk assessment.

Automated summary

Recent research suggests that sensitive deep-sea ecosystems may face increasing pressure from human activities. Microplastics, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products, as well as upcoming deep-sea mining, are among the major stressors. The Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea have been extensively studied and show higher levels of microplastics and pharmaceuticals. However, data for other deep-sea ecosystems are lacking, limiting our understanding of the potential risks.