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“A recent study investigated the amount and types of PFAS transported between the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans. It found that these ‘forever chemicals’ continuously flow between the two oceans.
Researchers set up sampling systems to absorb PFAS at four depths in three different locations in the Fram Strait, which connects the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean.
After one year, the samples were collected and tested for PFAS. Calculations showed that in the study period, around 123 tons of PFAS entered the Arctic Ocean, and about 110 tons moved into the Atlantic Ocean. The researchers state that these values are the highest of any pollutant reported in the Fram Strait to date, demonstrating the significance of the feedback loop of back-and-forth PFAS circulation in the Arctic Ocean.
PFAS are a family of over 10,000 chemicals known as ‘forever chemicals’ because they will last for generations in the environment. They are used in a wide range of consumer products, such as food packaging, cosmetics, and clothing, as well as in industrial applications. PFAS can enter the ocean from waste effluent from industrial activities, contaminated sites and wastewater treatment plants.” …