<
https://theconversation.com/forever-chemicals-contaminate-more-dolphins-and-whales-than-we-thought-new-research-269928>
"Nowhere in the ocean is now left untouched by a type of “forever chemicals”
called “per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances”, known simply as PFAS.
Our new research shows PFAS contaminate a far wider range of whales and
dolphins than previously thought, including deep-diving species that live well
beyond areas of human activity.
But most surprising of all, where an animal lives does not predict its
exposure. Instead, sex and age are stronger predictors of how much of these
pollutants a whale or dolphin accumulates in its body.
This means chemical pollution is more persistent and entrenched in ocean food
webs than we realised, affecting everything from endangered coastal Māui
dolphins to deep-diving beaked and sperm whales.
PFAS were originally designed to make everyday products more convenient, but
they have ultimately become a widespread environmental and public health
concern.
Our work provides stark evidence that no part of the ocean is now beyond the
reach of human pollution."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
