The Bioaccumulation of Toxins in the Canadian Arctic

Abstract: This is an 8 page paper discussing the bioaccumulation of toxins in the Canadian Arctic. Presence of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) which include pesticides, industrial compounds, and combustion by-products are one of the major environmental and health concerns within the Canadian Arctic regions today. Measurement of POP bioconcentration or bioaccumulation levels within the Arctic have determined that the toxic contaminants primarily do not originate within the Arctic and therefore are transported there through air or water currents or migratory animals. The contaminants are considered persistent because they are able to exist for a great length of time and can tolerate many conditions. POPs are also lipophilic in which they are concentrated in the fats of animals. Because of this, bioaccumulation levels are higher in those animals which are higher on the food chain such as humans and polar bears as the contaminants get passed on through the digestion of the fat of animals with POPs in their system and makes them an extreme health hazard. Bibliography lists 9 sources.

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Catagory:

Subcatagory: Canadian Studies

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