Extraordinary levels of organic pollutants in the deepest ocean trenches

nature.com

4 pointsRobertoG1 comment

"Polychlorinated biphenyls were once widely deployed as dielectric and coolant fluids in electrical apparatus, carbonless copy paper and in heat transfer fluids.[1] Because of their longevity, PCBs are still widely in use, even though their manufacture has declined drastically since the 1960s"

Hydrophobic, highly soluble in organic solvents, oils & fats. How long ago were these pollutants (PCBs) deposited? A quick check shows toxicity was known and acted on in the 70s. [1] Is this a concentration by old pollution or is it still happening? The article seems to suggest both.

A higher level article is here: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=13639274

Reference

[0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polychlorinated_biphenyl

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