Brian Barton
The Arctic Ocean is a remote region with little industry, yet it faces a serious threat from pollution, which affects both the people and wildlife that inhabit the area. The ocean acts as a 'sink' or reservoir for industrial and agricultural chemicals from across the world, which are transported there by air and ocean currents. These contaminants include heavy metals, such as mercury and lead, and persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which evaporate into the air but are slow to degrade. In addition, plastic pollution, in the form of plastic debris and microplastics, has infiltrated the Arctic's aquatic systems, cryosphere and atmosphere, with detrimental effects on local ecosystems.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main sources of contaminants | Industrial and agricultural chemicals from Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world |
| Means of transport | Air, ocean currents, rivers, melting ice |
| Main contaminants | Heavy metals (mercury, lead), persistent organic pollutants (POPs) (DDT, PCBs, dioxins) |
| Sources of aquatic pollution | Wastewater, waste from settlements, emissions from tourism, commercial fisheries, mining, oil and gas extraction |
| Plastic pollution | Plastic debris, microplastics |
| Chemical pollution | Black carbon, methane emissions |
| Mitigation efforts | Research, working groups, policy advice, pilot projects, bans (e.g. on certain sunscreens, heavy fuel oil) |
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What You'll Learn
Chemical pollution
The Arctic Ocean acts as a reservoir for industrial and agricultural chemicals from Europe, Asia, and even further afield, transported there by air and ocean currents. These chemicals are trapped in the ground, air, water, and ice, degrading slowly and, when the ice melts in summer, they are washed into the sea and rivers.
The main contaminants are heavy metals, such as mercury and lead, and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) like DDT, PCBs, and dioxins. POPs are volatile, especially at warmer temperatures, and can be transported over long distances, remaining in the environment and accumulating in ecosystems. They can also bind to microscopic particles in the air, both naturally occurring and anthropogenic. As the Arctic heats up, the transformation of elemental mercury to methylmercury is also a concern, as methylmercury is deposited on snow, sea ice, and the ocean, and is highly toxic and bioactive.
The Arctic is a sparsely populated region with little industry, but pollution is a serious threat to the people and wildlife that do live there. The contaminants accumulate in the marine food chains, with effects on the hormone and immune systems, reduced reproduction, and increased offspring mortality in several species. Humans are exposed to these chemicals through contaminated food and polluted air, and everyday products like flame retardants or detergents can contain POPs.
Sources of aquatic pollution in the Arctic include wastewater, emissions from tourism and shipping, commercial fisheries, and chemical and waste emissions from mining, minerals, oil, and gas extraction. The reduction of the polar ice caps and the increase in shipping activity are expected to severely impact pollution levels in the region. Additionally, the growing military presence in the Arctic raises concerns about increased pollution, especially with the use of nuclear-powered icebreakers contributing to radioactive contamination.
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Plastic pollution
The Arctic Ocean is a remote region with sparse human populations and little industry. However, it faces a significant threat from pollution, including plastic pollution. Plastic pollution in the Arctic Ocean is a growing concern, with plastics infiltrating terrestrial and aquatic systems, the cryosphere, and the atmosphere. This pollution comes from both local and distant sources, transported by ocean currents, atmospheric winds, and rivers.
Local sources of plastic pollution in the Arctic include fisheries, landfills, wastewater, and offshore industrial activity. Abandoned fishing nets, for example, can entangle marine life such as fish and mammals, and even terrestrial mammals like reindeer when washed ashore. Floating plastic can also act as a raft for invasive species, disrupting local ecosystems. As plastic degrades, it is ingested by animals of all sizes, from seabirds to invertebrates.
Distant sources of plastic pollution are also significant, as ocean currents, atmospheric transport, and rivers carry plastic from lower latitudes to the Arctic. This long-range transportation of plastic means that even areas with no apparent human activity, such as the deep seafloor, are affected by plastic pollution.
The impacts of plastic pollution in the Arctic are widespread and detrimental. It accumulates in certain areas, affecting local ecosystems and the livelihoods of Arctic communities. To address this issue, the Arctic Council and its working groups are leading efforts to improve understanding, monitor, and mitigate plastic pollution. They provide tools and best practices to Arctic communities to better manage plastic pollution and protect the environment and human health.
While plastic pollution in the Arctic is a pressing issue, there are ongoing efforts to address it. The Government of Iceland and the Nordic Council of Ministers hosted an international symposium on plastics in the Arctic and Sub-Arctic regions in March 2021, highlighting the latest research and prioritizing the issue. Additionally, countries like Norway have achieved impressive plastic bottle recycling rates through return and refund schemes. These collective efforts are crucial in combating plastic pollution in the Arctic and mitigating its ecological and community impacts.
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Sources of aquatic pollution
The Arctic Ocean is a sparsely populated region with little industry. However, pollution is a significant threat to the people and wildlife that call it home. The primary sources of aquatic pollution in the Arctic include:
Wastewater and waste from settlements
Wastewater and waste from settlements are significant contributors to aquatic pollution in the Arctic. This includes sewage and other waste that is released into the ocean, which can contain harmful chemicals and pollutants.
Riverine nutrient inputs caused by thawing permafrost and erosion
The melting of permafrost due to climate change releases nutrients and pollutants that have been locked in the frozen ground for centuries. This, combined with increased erosion, leads to higher levels of nutrients and pollutants in rivers and other water sources that eventually flow into the Arctic Ocean.
Emissions from increasing tourism and shipping
The Arctic is experiencing a rise in tourism and shipping activities, which contributes to aquatic pollution. This includes emissions from ships, such as sulphur-based fuels, and waste generated by tourists and ships.
Long-range atmospheric and oceanic pollution
The Arctic Ocean is affected by long-range pollution transported over vast distances via rivers, oceans, and the atmosphere. This includes industrial and agricultural chemicals, such as pesticides, heavy metals, and persistent organic pollutants (POPs), that originate in Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world.
Commercial fisheries and whaling
Commercial fishing and whaling activities in the Arctic Ocean contribute to pollution through the use of harmful chemicals, such as in fishing gear, and the release of waste. Additionally, the increase in fishing activity can disrupt marine ecosystems and food webs.
Chemical and waste emissions from resource exploitation
The extraction of natural resources, such as mining, minerals, oil, and gas, releases chemicals and waste into the environment, including the Arctic Ocean. This includes the Yamal Megaproject, a natural gas project by Gazprom, which has been linked to the exploitation of the largest gas reserves on Earth.
It is important to note that the Arctic Ocean remains relatively clean compared to other marine regions. However, the unique challenges posed by climate change, such as the reduction of polar ice caps, are expected to exacerbate the impact of pollution on the region.
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Persistent organic pollutants (POPs)
The Arctic is a sparsely populated region with little industry. However, pollution is a significant threat to the people and wildlife that call it home. The Arctic Ocean acts as a reservoir for industrial and agricultural chemicals, which are transported there through air and ocean currents. These toxic chemicals, known as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), are slow to degrade and can have harmful effects on both human health and the environment.
POPs are environmentally persistent, meaning they take a long time to degrade and can be transported over long distances. They often become “trapped” in the Arctic due to the cold temperatures and ice-bound environment. Many of these chemicals were once widely used globally in commercial products, such as pesticides and insecticides. Examples include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), commonly found in plastic products, and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), which is still used in some countries to protect against insect-borne diseases.
The effects of POPs on human health are well documented. Exposure to these toxic chemicals can lead to various types of cancers, birth defects, immune and reproductive system dysfunction, and nervous system damage. Human exposure primarily occurs through contaminated food or the transmission to future generations through the placenta and breast milk. The traditional subsistence foods of Arctic Indigenous peoples, which often include marine mammals high up in the food chain, are particularly at risk of containing high levels of POPs.
The impact of POPs on wildlife is also significant. Studies have shown that POPs can cause malformations in reproductive organs, decrease reproductive success, and lead to abnormal mating behaviour. This is due to the ability of certain chemicals to interfere with sex hormones, acting as hormone disrupters. As POPs accumulate in the fatty tissues of animals, Arctic wildlife is particularly vulnerable as they store more fat to adapt to the colder climate. Seals, caribou, whales, wolves, polar bears, and even plants can all be affected by POPs.
While there has been a general decrease in POP levels in the Arctic over the past 20 to 30 years, some POPs, such as PCBs and hexachlorobenzene (HCB), remain higher in certain Arctic regions than in the general population. Climate change is a key factor in the persistence and transport of POPs, and the Arctic is warming twice as fast as the global average, intensifying the effects of these pollutants. As sea ice retreats, more open water surfaces are exposed, facilitating the transport and accumulation of POPs in the Arctic Ocean.
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Mitigating pollution
The Arctic Ocean is a relatively clean marine region, but it is still under threat from pollution. The primary sources of pollution in the Arctic Ocean are economic activities carried out on land, including industrial development, northern rivers, and military activities. The Arctic Ocean acts as a "sink" for industrial and agricultural chemicals, which are transported there by air and ocean currents. These chemicals, including heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs), accumulate in the food chain and have harmful effects on the people and wildlife in the region.
To mitigate pollution in the Arctic Ocean, a combination of international cooperation, policy changes, and local initiatives is necessary. Here are some strategies that can be implemented:
- International Cooperation and Policy Changes: The Arctic Council, founded in 1996, plays a crucial role in fostering cooperation among Arctic states and promoting sustainable development and protection against pollution. Policy-makers should strengthen existing governance frameworks and bilateral agreements between countries to better coordinate cleanup efforts and prevent conflicts in the event of oil spills. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) also has a role in protecting the Arctic marine environment from the negative impacts of shipping activities.
- Addressing Oil and Gas Development: There has been a global interest in exploiting hydrocarbon resources in the Arctic, which poses risks of oil spills and pollution. Policy recommendations and pollution abatement techniques should be implemented to mitigate these risks effectively. A shift to cleaner sulphur-based fuel for shipping in the region could help resolve pollution issues.
- Reducing Plastic Pollution: Plastic pollution, including microplastics, is pervasive in the Arctic, infiltrating terrestrial and aquatic systems. Mitigation of both local and distal plastic pollution is necessary to prevent further ecosystem degradation. Initiatives such as Norway's successful plastic bottle recycling scheme can help reduce plastic waste and encourage sustainable practices.
- Managing Wastewater and Settlements Waste: Wastewater and waste from settlements are significant sources of aquatic pollution in the Arctic. Proper waste management systems and treatment processes are essential to reduce the discharge of pollutants into the ocean. This includes investing in infrastructure and technologies that can effectively treat and manage wastewater and solid waste.
- Sustainable Fishing Practices: Fishing is an important activity in the Arctic, but it can contribute to pollution and ecosystem disturbances. Implementing sustainable fishing practices, such as catch limits and responsible waste disposal, can help mitigate the environmental impact of fishing activities on the Arctic Ocean and its ecosystems.
- Scientific Research and Monitoring: Scientific working groups, such as the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program (AMAP), play a crucial role in collecting monitoring data and providing scientific advice to Arctic governments. Continued research and observation are necessary to understand the complex interactions between pollutants, climate change, and ecosystems in the Arctic. This knowledge can inform effective policy decisions and mitigation strategies.
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Frequently asked questions
The Arctic Ocean is polluted with a variety of contaminants, including plastics, microplastics, soot, methane, pesticides, and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as DDT, PCBs, and heavy metals like mercury and lead.
The Arctic Ocean's pollutants originate from both local and distant sources. Local sources include fisheries, landfills, wastewater, and industrial activity. Distant sources include industrial and agricultural chemicals from densely populated and industrialised parts of the world, such as Europe and Asia, which are transported to the Arctic by ocean currents, rivers, and the atmosphere.
Pollutants in the Arctic Ocean have far-reaching negative impacts on the environment and human health. They accumulate in marine food chains, affecting local ecosystems and the wildlife and people who depend on them. For example, interactions such as entanglements and ingestion of marine debris have been recorded for mammals, seabirds, fish, and invertebrates.
Various efforts are being made to address Arctic Ocean pollution. Scientific working groups like the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program (AMAP) monitor pollution levels and provide scientific advice to Arctic governments. Working groups like the Arctic Contaminants Action Program (ACAP) focus on reducing pollution and ensuring sustainable development. Countries are also taking action; for example, Norway has achieved a 97% plastic bottle recycling rate, and Hawaii has banned sunscreen products containing certain harmful chemicals.
