The seafloor near the Australian research station Casey in northern Antarctica has been as badly polluted as the ports of major cities. This conclusion was made by scientists of the Australian Antarctic Program. To work published In the scientific journal PLOS One.
Environmentalists have found high levels of fuel waste along with lead, zinc and copper in Antarctic waters near Casey Station. In addition, many of the samples contained polychlorinated biphenyls, potent carcinogens, which were banned worldwide in 2001. According to experts, the concentration of pollutants on the Antarctic coast is comparable to the concentration in the Sydney and Rio de Janeiro bays.
Scientists noted that the problem of environmental pollution is typical not only for the Casey station, but also for other research centers in the Antarctic region. Traces of fuel leaks and waste were found on the territory of the Scott base in New Zealand. In the past, polar explorers often left trash near their workplaces. The problem will get worse due to the melting of ice due to global warming.
It was only in 1991 that employees of research stations in Antarctica began to take environmental protection seriously. In the same year, the Madrid Protocol was adopted, designating the icy continent as a natural reserve and ordering countries to take care of the environment.
Previous research has shown that polluted areas in Antarctica have less biodiversity than untouched areas.
ancient scientists still Increasing concentration of so-called “eternal chemicals” in Antarctica.