Found 10488 publications. Showing page 379 of 420:
Anthropogenic compounds in the northernmost Atlantic puffin population
Contamination by organic pollutants, even in remote regions, poses a growing threat to wildlife, including seabirds. However, for many seabirds breeding at high latitudes, both the extent and nature of contaminant exposure remain largely unknown. This study aimed to identify the persistent organic pollutants (POPs) present in the Svalbard Atlantic puffin Fratercula arctica at the northern limit of its range. We also compare contaminant concentrations with those found in other species breeding on Svalbard and in puffin colonies further south. The Svalbard puffins were found to be contaminated by organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). No significant sex difference was found. OCPs, PCBs and/or PFASs concentrations in Svalbard puffins were comparable to those of Brünnich's guillemots Uria lomvia, black guillemots Cepphus grylle, and/or little auks Alle alle, but lower than in glaucous gulls Larus hyperboreus. PFAS concentrations were also lower than in black-legged kittiwakes Rissa tridactyla. OCP and PCB concentrations were lower on Svalbard than in puffin colonies further south. This study is the first to document PFAS concentrations in puffins, therefore it remains unknown whether PFAS levels were also lower on Svalbard than further south. These comparisons should be interpreted with caution, as data for different species or colonies were collected in different years, and contaminant levels vary over time. The current contaminant concentrations indicate that Svalbard puffins are still at low risk for biological effects, but continued monitoring is needed to assess potential future changes.
2025
2025
2024
2012
Antarctic sea-ice low resonates in the ecophysiology of humpback whales
The past six years have been marked by some of the most dramatic climatic events observed in the Antarctic region in recent history, commencing with the 2017 sea-ice extreme low. The Humpback Whale Sentinel Programme is a circum-polar biomonitoring program for long term surveillance of the Antarctic sea-ice ecosystem. It has previously signalled the extreme La Niña event of 2010/11, and it was therefore of interest to assess the capacity of existing biomonitoring measures under the program to detect the impacts of 2017 anomalous climatic events. Six ecophysiological markers of population adiposity, diet, and fecundity were targeted, as well as calf and juvenile mortality via stranding records. All indicators, with the exception of bulk stable isotope dietary tracers, indicated a negative trend in 2017, whilst C and N bulk stable isotopes appeared to indicate a lag phase resulting from the anomalous year. The collation of multiple biochemical, chemical, and observational lines of evidence via a single biomonitoring platform provides comprehensive information for evidence-led policy in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean region.
2023
2006
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2014
2012
Annual calculated concentration fields of SO2 and NOx in Oslo 1960-2000. NILU OR
Annual emission fields of SO2 and NOx are calculated for the main groups traffic, heating and industrial sources in the Oslo area for the years 1960-2000. Concentration fields are calculated with a long-term Gaussian dispersion model (KILDER). The results are compared with measured SO2-values from 1957-63.
2005
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2005
Airborne microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are emerging contaminants of global concern due to their persistence, widespread distribution, and potential health impacts. With sizes comparable to PM2.5, they are inhalable and may penetrate deep into the respiratory tract. Their detection and quantification remain challenging because of low environmental concentrations, complex matrices, and particle sizes often below the detection limits of current micro spectroscopic techniques. Pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) offers a powerful mass-based approach, enabling identification and quantification of polymers regardless of particle size. This review critically examines current methodologies for airborne MNP analysis using Py-GC-MS, including sampling strategies, pretreatment protocols, instrumental parameters, and data modeling approaches. A technological readiness level assessment highlights limited methodological harmonization and insufficient validation, particularly for nanoplastics. Progress toward routine atmospheric monitoring requires standardized workflows, agreed polymer-specific markers, interlaboratory validation, and improved reporting practices to establish Py-GC-MS as a cornerstone technique for airborne MNP assessment.
2026
Analytical procedures for measuring precipitation quality used within the EMEP monitoring program. Analytical chemistry series
2009