The far-reaching consequences of human activity on the environment are once again underscored as a study reveals traces of 13 common ingredients found in sunscreens and personal care products in the snowpack of five Arctic glaciers in the Svalbard archipelago. The study, conducted by polar scientist Marianna D’Amico and colleagues from Ca’ Foscari University of Venice in Italy, sheds light on the presence of Chemicals of Emerging Arctic Concern (CEACs) and the potential environmental impact in polar regions.
In a paper published by the researchers, they note that, for some of these chemicals, it marks the first time their presence has been reported in the snow in Svalbard. The chemicals include UV filters used in sunscreens, such as benzophenone-3 (BP3), and fragrances found in soaps and shampoos. The findings highlight the increasing challenge of understanding the distribution and behavior of these contaminants in remote regions, where primary sources of pollution remain largely unknown.
The research focused on the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme’s watch list of CEACs, which documents the extent and effects of pollution in the Arctic. Despite an increase in the production and use of these chemicals, knowledge of their distribution and behavior in polar environments lags behind. Many CEACs are not subject to international regulation, further complicating efforts to address the issue at its source.
During the spring of 2021, the researchers collected 25 snow samples from an active research site south of Ny-Ålesund village and five glaciers up to 40 kilometers away. The study revealed higher concentrations of UV filters in snow deposited during winter compared to other seasons, with two UV filters, BP3 and octocrylene, being more abundant at the top of the glaciers. The researchers suspect that the UV-absorbent chemicals were likely transported to the Arctic glaciers by winds, possibly influenced by the well-known Arctic Haze pollution system.
The implications of these findings extend beyond the immediate detection of contaminants. Researchers express concern that when the snow melts, even low-level contaminants could cause concentrations to spike in downstream watercourses and marine environments. The behavior of these chemicals in cold environments differs from warmer regions, necessitating specific polar studies to understand their impacts fully.
As environmental awareness grows, some nations are taking preemptive measures. Palau, a Pacific Island nation, banned the use of BP-3 and other UV filters in sunscreens several years ago due to concerns about their potential impact on coral reefs. The study underscores the need for continued research to grasp the intricate dynamics of pollutant transport and their potential effects on fragile Arctic ecosystems.
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