Into the deep: Exploring the molecular mechanisms of hyperactive behaviour induced by three rare earth elements in early life-stages of the deep-sea scavenging amphipod Tmetonyx cicada (Lysianassidae).

With increasing socio-economic importance of the rare earth elements and yttrium (REY), Norway has laid out plans for REY mining, from land-based to deep-sea mining, thereby enhancing REY mobility in the marine ecosystem. Little is known about associated environmental consequences, especially in the deep ocean. We explored the toxicity and modes of action of a light (Nd), medium (Gd) and heavy (Yb) REY-Cl at four concentrations (3, 30, 300, and 3000 μg L) in the Arcto-boreal deep-sea amphipod Tmetonyx cicada.