Bioaccumulation of persistent organic pollutants in the deepest ocean fauna

A recent study found out that there is a significant bioaccumulation of organic pollutants in the deepest parts of the Pacific Ocean.

Researchers from the University of Aberdeen measured PCBs and PBDEs in two endemic amphipods ( Hirondellea dubia and Bathycallisoma schellenbergi ) samples from the Kermadec Trench and one ( Hirondellea gigas ) from the Mariana. All these samples across all species at all depths (7,000 and 10,000 m) in both trenches contained PCBs and PBDEs. However, PCB concentration were notably higher in the Mariana than in the Kermacec Trench.

Found below more information and possible explanations of these findings in this article attached.

Jamieson, A. J. et al. Bioaccumulation of persistent organic pollutants in the deepest ocean fauna. Nat. Ecol. Evol. 1, 0051 (2017).

Abstract

The legacy and reach of anthropogenic influence is most clearly evidenced by its impact on the most remote and inaccessible habitats on Earth. Here we identify extraordinary levels of persistent organic pollutants in the endemic amphipod fauna from two of the deepest ocean trenches (>10,000 metres). Contaminant levels were considerably higher than documented for nearby regions of heavy industrialization, indicating bioaccumulation of anthropogenic contamination and inferring that these pollutants are pervasive across the world’s oceans and to full ocean depth.

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Taxonomy

• Pollutants
• Pollution
• Marine litter