Sources, distribution and effects of rare earth elements in the marine environment: Current knowledge and research gaps. (15th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Piarulli, Stefania; Hansen, Bjørn Henrik; Ciesielski, Tomasz; Zocher, Anna-Lena; Malzahn, Arne; Olsvik, Pål A.; Sonne, Christian; Nordtug, Trond; Jenssen, Bjørn Munro; Booth, Andy M.; Farkas, Julia
• Is Part Of: Environmental pollution. Volume 291(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-12-15
• Subjects: REY -- Marine ecosystem -- Distribution -- Transfer -- Ecotoxicity -- Risk assessment; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Effets physiologiques -- Périodiques; Pollution; Pollution -- Environmental aspects; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.73
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118230
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-7491

Abstract

Abstract: Rare earth elements and yttrium (REY) are critical elements for a wide range of applications and consumer products. Their growing extraction and use can potentially lead to REY and anthropogenic-REY chemical complexes (ACC-REY) being released in the marine environment, causing concern regarding their potential effects on organisms and ecosystems. Here, we critically review the scientific knowledge on REY sources (geogenic and anthropogenic), factors affecting REY distribution and transfer in the marine environment, as well as accumulation in- and effects on marine biota. Further, we aim to draw the attention to research gaps that warrant further scientific attention to assess the potential risk posed by anthropogenic REY release. Geochemical processes affecting REY mobilisation from natural sources and factors affecting their distribution and transfer across marine compartments are well established, featuring a high variability dependent on local conditions. There is, however, a research gap with respect to evaluating the environmental distribution and fate of REY from anthropogenic sources, particularly regarding ACC-REY, which can have a high persistence in seawater. In addition, data on organismal uptake, accumulation, organ distribution and effects are scarce and at best fragmentary. Particularly, the effects of ACC-REY at organismal and community levels are, so far, not sufficiently studied. To assess the potential risks caused by anthropogenic REY release there is an urgent need to i) harmonise data reporting to promote comparability across studies and environmental matrices, ii) conduct research on transport, fate and behaviour of ACC-REY vs geogenic REY iii) deepen the knowledge on bioavailability, accumulation and effects of ACC-REY and REY mixtures at organismal and community level, which is essential for risk assessment of anthropogenic REY in marine ecosystems. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: REY can be released from various geogenic and anthropogenic sources. Lateral and vertical transfer of REY in the marine environment is locally variable. Ecological features of organisms can affect REY uptake and effects. Behaviour, biovailability and eco-toxicological effects of ACC-REY are understudied. Harmonisation of data treatment is necessary to assess environmental risk.