Deep Sea Mining and the possible increase of metals in the water column: how will echinoderms and mussels respond?

Marine pollution has been increasing as a consequence of human activities. In the near future will start the extraction of minerals from ocean depths, Deep Sea Mining (DSM). However, the impacts at the ecosystem level are still unknown. It is necessary to know the effects to contribute to the creation of rules, laws and mining codes that protect and conserve ecosystems and biodiversity. Sea urchin and mussels represents one of the most important seafood product, but also, a sentinel organism for ecotoxicological studies to assess aquatic environments quality. They are directly exposed to anthropogenic contaminants in their habitat. The aim of this study is to understand the influences of tw…