Toxic Effects of CONTAMINANTS in Polar Marine Environments

摘要

Because they are so remote from other parts of the world, polar marine environments are unique. These regions are commonly perceived as fragile, yet there is very little scientific basis for such an assessment. Despite their remoteness, the polar regions are increasingly subject to anthropogenic chemical contamination. However, very few empirical data are available on toxic effects to polar marine biota. What data do exist primarily focus on invertebrates and are restricted to just a few contaminants. No specific data exist on toxic responses of polar mammals and birds, and very little published research is available on the effects of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) to any polar species. Typically, exposures or body loads in polar birds and mammals are compared with threshold levels developed from temperate species. As detailed in this article, the lack of conclusive data for these unique regions makes environmental decision making problematic.