Atmospheric Deposition of Organofluorine Pollutants in the Arctic: Sources, Processes and Ecosystem Exposure (Fluoro-Arctic)

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been used in a variety of consumer and industrial uses.

However, these anthropogenic organofluorine (OF) pollutants have been found to be persistent in the environment, toxic and bioaccumulative. Hence, they pose a hazard to human and environmental health. In the Arctic, high levels have been found in apex predators, such as polar bears.

However, current knowledge is not sufficient in understanding the long-range transport mechanisms which enable global OF contamination, including in the Arctic.

This study addresses this by using a novel OF mass balance approach to investigate and identify the atmospheric sources, processes, and ecosystem exposure of OF in the Arctic, by analysing Arctic precipitation and surface water samples.

Results from the Fluoro-Arctic project will greatly improve our understanding of OF in the Arctic and clarify whether existing national and international regulations are sufficient for environmental protection.

Hence, this project will provide a basis for future international treaties to effectively limit OF contamination in the Arctic and worldwide. Results will be communicated with key policymakers and international researchers as well as a local Arctic community.

The establishment of an international PFAS Arctic working group will also enable the widespread dissemination of this project’s research findings and broader sharing of knowledge about PFAS in the Arctic.