Published in Science of the Total Environment, a study conducted by a team of CNR-ISP researchers (Rome headquarters) has provided the first scientific evidence of the presence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in the marine sediments of Kongsfjorden, Svalbard Islands. The novelty of this five-year study (2018-2022) lies in the identification and quantification of various classes of bioactive emerging contaminants never previously detected (antibiotics, antipyretics, steroid hormones, anti-inflammatories, antiepileptics, stimulants, disinfectants, and insect repellents), evaluating their sources and spatial and temporal distribution in the studied ecosystem. The measured concentrations were used to perform an environmental risk assessment for the fjord's sediments, including the estimation of risk quotients for the selection and propagation of antimicrobial resistance. The overall results confirm that the Arctic is currently facing significant environmental issues related to the presence of new pollutants, for which no regulatory or restrictive measures have yet been adopted globally.
Luisa Patrolecco (CNR-ISP) - DOI:/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171156
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