Rising Pollution Threatens Antarctica

(MENAFN) Antarctica, once regarded as one of Earth’s most untouched natural habitats, is now facing mounting pressure due to increasing human interference.

Scientists have raised alarms that a surge in tourism and the expansion of scientific operations are contributing to escalating levels of environmental pollution.

According to a recent study published in Nature Sustainability, regions of Antarctica where human presence is more prominent now exhibit concentrations of fine particles containing heavy metals that are ten times greater than they were four decades ago.

This research coincides with a significant increase in tourism over the last 20 years.

Data from the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators reveals that the number of annual visitors has risen dramatically from 20,000 to 120,000.

The study was conducted by a team of scientists from various nations, including Chile and Germany, who spent four years traversing 2,000 kilometers (1,242 miles) across the continent to assess pollution levels.

“We identify distinct spatial patterns shaped by crustal, marine, biogenic and anthropogenic sources. Notably, we detect heavy metal imprints in the snow chemistry of the northern Antarctic Peninsula, where major research stations are concentrated and marine tourism traffic is most intense,” the researchers stated.

The team emphasized the importance of these findings, saying, “Our findings shed light on the extent of the impacts from energy-intensive local activities in Antarctica, underscoring the need for enhanced environmental monitoring and sustainable management strategies in this fragile region.”

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