Global Transport of Anthropogenic Contaminants and the Consequences for the Arctic Marine Ecosystem

Three major groups of anthropogenic contaminants are atmospherically transported thousands of kilometres from mid- and low-latitude sources to the Arctic troposphere: acidifying gases (SOx), heavy metals, and persistent organic pollutants (POP). Sulphur aerosols may cause acid rain and promote climate change in the Arctic. Heavy metals and organic pollutants are adsorbed by plankton at the base of the food web and biomagnified to significant levels at higher trophic levels. Top Arctic predators such as seals, cetacea, and polar bears have surprisingly high levels of contamination. Northern Inuit communities rely on marine mammals for a large portion of their diet and are therefore vulnerable to contaminant exposure. This paper examines transport mechanisms, source of influx of the major pollutants, susceptibility of the Arctic food web to contamination, and the impact on the health of Northern indigenous communities.