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Scientific journal publication

Industrial and public infrastructure as local sources of organic contaminants in the Arctic

Evenset, Anita; Wit, Cynthia de; C.G. Muir, Derek; Elena Barbaro, ; Hippel, Frank von; Gabrielsen, Geir W.; Breedveld, Gijs D.; M Kirkelund, Gunvor; Langberg, Håkon Austad; Lyche, Jan Ludvig; Katrin Vorkamp, ; Pedersen, Kristine B.; Reiersen, Lars Otto; J Gunnarsdottir, Maria; Nicoletta Ademollo, ; Erland Jensen, Pernille; Roland Kallenborn, ; Simonetta Corsolini, ; Nash, Susan Bengtson; Hartz, William; Yi-Fan Li, ; Zifeng Zhang,

Publication details

Journal: Environmental Science: Advances, 1–44, 2025

Doi: doi.org/10.1039/D5VA00261C
Archive: nva.sikt.no/registration/019ab5076b3b-d20fb704-189f-4846-9bea-5848ae4df3d3

Summary:
Arctic pollution has been a focal point in environmental research over the past five decades. Recently, the number of pollutants identified as relevant to the Arctic has significantly increased. Consequently, the expert group on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and Chemicals of Emerging Arctic Concern (CEACs) of the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) has prepared a series of assessments of contaminants in the Arctic, including influences of climate change. This review addresses local sources of Arctic organic pollutants associated with infrastructure in the Arctic. Industrial, military, and public infrastructures, including domestic installations, sewage treatment, solid waste management, and airports, were identified as significant local pollution sources. Additionally, operational emissions (e.g., from shipping, transportation, heating, and power production) contribute to the overall local pollution profile. Based on currently available scientific information, elevated POP and CEAC levels are mostly found in close proximity to identified local pollution sources. To date, hazardous effects have only been confirmed for a few selected chemicals, such as polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAC) and certain pharmaceutical residues. However, studies are biased in the sense that they often focus on well-known contaminants, at a risk of overlooking CEAC and their effects. The review identifies several measures to reduce human impacts on local Arctic environments, including (i) using local indicator pollutants in ongoing national monitoring schemes, (ii) harmonizing emission reduction policies and licensing of industrial activities in the region to minimize exposure risks and environmental pollution, (iii) encouraging local municipalities, industries, and related stakeholders to coordinate their activities to minimize pollutant emissions.