Deep sea mining Marine pollution

deep sea mining relatively new mineral retrieval process takes place on ocean floor. ocean mining sites around large areas of polymetallic nodules or active , extinct hydrothermal vents @ 1,400 – 3,700 meters below ocean s surface. vents create sulfide deposits, contain precious metals such silver, gold, copper, manganese, cobalt, , zinc. deposits mined using either hydraulic pumps or bucket systems take ore surface processed. mining operations, deep sea mining raises questions environmental damages surrounding areas

because deep sea mining relatively new field, complete consequences of full-scale mining operations unknown. however, experts removal of parts of sea floor result in disturbances benthic layer, increased toxicity of water column, , sediment plumes tailings. removing parts of sea floor disturbs habitat of benthic organisms, possibly, depending on type of mining , location, causing permanent disturbances. aside direct impact of mining area, leakage, spills, , corrosion alter mining area s chemical makeup.

among impacts of deep sea mining, sediment plumes have greatest impact. plumes caused when tailings mining (usually fine particles) dumped ocean, creating cloud of particles floating in water. 2 types of plumes occur: near-bottom plumes , surface plumes. near-bottom plumes occur when tailings pumped down mining site. floating particles increase turbidity, or cloudiness, of water, clogging filter-feeding apparatuses used benthic organisms. surface plumes cause more serious problem. depending on size of particles , water currents plumes spread on vast areas. plumes impact zooplankton , light penetration, in turn affecting food web of area.