Climate Change Influence on Migration of Contaminants in the Arctic Marine Environment

Pouch, Anna; Zaborska, Agata

doi:10.1007/978-3-319-14283-8_7

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 77 publications

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“…Anthropogenic contaminants can be transported from lower latitudes into Arctic regions through sea and atmospheric currents, rivers, and migratory animals (Pouch & Zaborska, 2015; Pouch et al, 2017). Global warming is affecting atmospheric and oceanic circulation processes, leading to sea ice reduction, increased seawater temperatures, and a higher influx of Atlantic water masses, thus altering contaminant fate, transport, and distribution in Arctic ecosystems (Aksenov et al, 2020; Kallenborn et al, 2012; Ma et al, 2016; Na et al, 2021).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Priority Organic Pollutants and Endocrine‐Disrupting Compounds in Arctic Marine Sediments (Svalbard Islands, Norway)

Spataro

Rauseo

Pescatore

et al. 2022

Enviro Toxic and Chemistry

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The present study investigated the occurrence and distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and phenolic endocrine-disrupting compounds (PEDCs), including bisphenol A (BPA), 4-nonylphenol (4-NP), and its monoethoxylate (NP1EO) and diethoxylate precursors in marine sediments in an Arctic fjord (Svalbard, Norway). The contribution of different local sources of contamination was also evaluated, together with a risk assessment for the marine environment. Samples were collected during two consecutive summer seasons (2018 and 2019), and target contaminants were analyzed with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography-MS/MS. The results showed no statistical differences between total PAH concentrations measured in 2018 (mean value 53.7 ± 54.3 ng/g) and 2019 (mean value 58.1 ± 63.6 ng/g). Low-ring (three or four rings) PAHs were the most abundant congeners, and single PAH ratios indicated a predominance of petrogenic sources (i.e., coal and liquid fossil fuel combustion). Nonylphenols and BPA showed a significant decrease in 2019 compared to 2018; 4-NP and NP1EO prevailed in both years, particularly in sediments close to the Ny-Ålesund research village. Overall, the results indicate that local anthropic activities are the major source of contamination in the Kongsfjorden ecosystem, but also melting waters from glaciers in the summer season can play an important role as a secondary source of pollutants previously trapped in ice. Comparison between our data and empirical and mechanistic indices derived from sediment quality guidelines suggests that the occurrence of PAHs and PEDCs in sediments does not currently pose a risk for this Arctic ecosystem, but further investigation is needed on the spread of hazardous contaminants and their effects on these fragile environments.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Priority Organic Pollutants and Endocrine‐Disrupting Compounds in Arctic Marine Sediments (Svalbard Islands, Norway)

Spataro

Rauseo

Pescatore

et al. 2022

Enviro Toxic and Chemistry

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Concentrations and origin of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments of western Spitsbergen fjords (Kongsfjorden, Hornsund, and Adventfjorden)

Pouch

Zaborska

Pazdro

2017

Environ Monit Assess

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Contaminant profiles in sediment cores represent valuable natural archives of environmental contamination, by which contaminant sources and historical changes in contaminant input and cycling may be recognized. In the present study, we discuss the sedimentary profiles and historical trends of organic contaminants - polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) - in three fjords of the Svalbard archipelago differing in environmental conditions and anthropogenic impact. The obtained results revealed no significant differences between the fjords Hornsund and Kongsfjorden, in the average levels of the analyzed contaminants. Levels ranging from 0.05 to 1.47 ng/g d.w. for ∑7 PCBs and from 37.3 to 1973 ng/g d.w. for ∑12 PAHs were measured. The observed spatial and temporal differences in contaminant levels are rather related to local variations in the fjords associated with the location of sampling stations. Higher concentrations of the ∑7 PCBs exceeding 1.00 ng/g d.w. were measured in sediment cores collected in the inner parts of both fjords, which remain under the influence of melting glacier outflows. Important concentrations of these contaminants were noticed in layers deposited recently, suggesting intensive supply of these substances from secondary sources. The observed levels are generally low and well below known established no effect levels. Only the concentration of fluoranthene exceeded the threshold effect level at several sampling stations. Moreover, fluoranthene concentrations in almost all Adventfjorden sediment layer samples were above probable effect levels, which can indicate a risk of adverse effects in exposed benthic organisms. The fluoranthene/pyrene and phenthrene/anthracene ratios, which are used for identification of hydrocarbon sources, suggest a dominance of PAHs of pyrolytic genesis in Kongsfjorden and Hornsund. In Adventfjorden, hydrocarbons of petrogenic origin were predominant. However, other sources like coal dust from stores on land are also possible at this location.

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Accumulation of atmospheric radionuclides and heavy metals in cryoconite holes on an Arctic glacier

et al. 2016

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Climate Change Influence on Migration of Contaminants in the Arctic Marine Environment

Cited by 3 publications

References 77 publications

Priority Organic Pollutants and Endocrine‐Disrupting Compounds in Arctic Marine Sediments (Svalbard Islands, Norway)

Priority Organic Pollutants and Endocrine‐Disrupting Compounds in Arctic Marine Sediments (Svalbard Islands, Norway)

Concentrations and origin of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments of western Spitsbergen fjords (Kongsfjorden, Hornsund, and Adventfjorden)

Accumulation of atmospheric radionuclides and heavy metals in cryoconite holes on an Arctic glacier

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