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Future monitoring of litter and microplastics in the Arctic – challenges, opportunities and strategies

Authors :
Provencher, Jennifer F.
Aliani, Stefano
Bergmann, Melanie
Bourdages, Madelaine
Buhl-mortensen, Lene
Galgani, Francois
Gomiero, Alessio
Granberg, Maria
Grøsvik, Bjørn Einar
Hamilton, Bonnie M.
Kögel, Tanja
Larsen, Jan René
Lusher, Amy L.
Mallory, Mark L.
Murphy, Peter
Peeken, Ilka
Primpke, Sebastian
Strand, Jakob
Vorkamp, Katrin
Provencher, Jennifer F.
Aliani, Stefano
Bergmann, Melanie
Bourdages, Madelaine
Buhl-mortensen, Lene
Galgani, Francois
Gomiero, Alessio
Granberg, Maria
Grøsvik, Bjørn Einar
Hamilton, Bonnie M.
Kögel, Tanja
Larsen, Jan René
Lusher, Amy L.
Mallory, Mark L.
Murphy, Peter
Peeken, Ilka
Primpke, Sebastian
Strand, Jakob
Vorkamp, Katrin
Source :
Arctic Science (2368-7460) (Canadian Science Publishing), 2023-03 , Vol. 9 , N. 1 , P. 209-226
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

The Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) has published a plan and guidelines for the monitoring of litter and microplastics (MP) in the Arctic. Here we look beyond suggestions for immediate monitoring and discuss challenges, opportunities and future strategies in the long-term monitoring of litter and MP in the Arctic. Challenges are related to environmental conditions, lack of harmonization and standardization of measurements, and long-term coordinated and harmonized data storage. Furthermore, major knowledge gaps exist with regard to benchmark levels, transport, sources and effects, which should be considered in future monitoring strategies. Their development could build on the existing infrastructure and networks established in other monitoring initiatives in the Arctic, while taking into account specific requirements for litter and MP monitoring. Knowledge existing in northern and Indigenous communities, as well as their research priorities, should be integrated into collaborative approaches. The monitoring plan for litter and MP in the Arctic allows for an ecosystem-based approach, which will improve the understanding of linkages between environmental media of the Arctic, as well as links to the global problem of litter and MP pollution.

Details

Database :
OAIster
Journal :
Arctic Science (2368-7460) (Canadian Science Publishing), 2023-03 , Vol. 9 , N. 1 , P. 209-226
Notes :
application/pdf, English
Publication Type :
Electronic Resource
Accession number :
edsoai.on1337973393
Document Type :
Electronic Resource
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1139.AS-2022-0011