Implications and Consequences of Anthropogenic Pollution in Polar Environments

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Over 30 years ago, international research first highlighted the adverse effects of organic pollutants on Arctic ecosystems. Today, indigenous peoples in the North are recognized as being affected by persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and metals through their traditional marine diets. The presence of emerging pollutants in remote Polar regions is crucial for prioritizing this often-overlooked contamination in regulatory frameworks at various levels. Following the first International Polar Years (IPY 2007-2009), 11 significant initiatives and projects are summarized in this book, showcasing contemporary interdisciplinary research on POPs in Polar environments. Each chapter details the consequences, priorities, and perspectives of international research on both legacy and emerging xenobiotics, along with their implications for regulations and societal developments in the Arctic, as well as conservation efforts in Antarctica. Aimed at readers interested in environmental pollutants in Polar regions, particularly the Arctic, the book underscores the ongoing impacts of pollution and climate change. It emphasizes the necessity of sound scientific research to inform actions at global, regional, and local levels, contributing to a vital interdisciplinary environmental scientific effort.