Distributions of microplastics and larger anthropogenic debris in Norfolk Canyon, Baltimore Canyon, and the adjacent continental slope (Western North Atlantic Margin, U.S.A.)

Abstract

Anthropogenic debris has been reported in all studied marine environments, including the deepest parts of the sea. Finding areas of accumulation and methods of transport for debris are important to determine potential impacts on marine life. This study analyzed both sediment cores and Remotely Operated Vehicle video to determine the density and distribution of debris, including both micro- and macroplastics, in Norfolk and Baltimore canyons. The average microplastic density in Norfolk Canyon sediment was 37.30 plastic particles m−2 within the canyon and 21.03 particles m−2 on the adjacent slope, suggesting that microplastics could accumulate within submarine canyons. In video transects from both Norfolk and Baltimore canyons, the largest amounts of macroplastic were recorded near the canyon heads. Our findings contribute to a growing evidence base that canyons and their associated benthic invertebrate communities are important repositories and conduits for debris to the deep sea.