Scientists in Denmark have found evidence that melting sea ice is causing the re-emission of banned pesticides, presenting a further potential consequence of global warming.
Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) have been banned or restricted in most countries because of their tendency to bioaccumulate to toxic concentrations in the food chain.
A process known as the ‘grasshopper effect’ leads to OCPs accumulating in cold Polar Regions via their repeated exchange between the atmosphere, soil and aqueous environments.
Previous research has shown that North East Greenland is burdened with pollution. Now, for the first time, Danish researchers have taken systematic measurements that show a correlation between atmospheric OCP concentrations at Station Nord in North East Greenland and temperature and levels of ice cover, over three years.
Carsten Skjøth , one of the scientists who worked on the research at Aarhus University, said: “The approach of a more dynamic estimation of emissions is today in general only used for a few species, mainly emissions in relation to nature. However, anthropogenic emissions can also be affected by climate change, directly or indirectly.”
New coating is self-defence for seeds
Scientists in Switzerland have developed a protective coating for seeds that poisons pests with cyanide when they bite into it. The coating is a system of two layers and only becomes toxic when the layers are mixed, eliminating the problem of environmental contamination that is associated w ... more
Using bacteria to make electrodes
Scientists in France have produced hematite using a bacterial pathway for use as an electrode material in Li-ion technologies. Currently, most commercial electrode materials for Li-ion technologies are prepared using the ceramic method, which requires long heating periods at high temperatur ... more
Marine plant replacement for platinum in solar cells
An international research team has shown that that the power conversion efficiency of sea tangle extract is comparable to platinum in solar cell electrodes. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) are quickly becoming a widespread and affordable alternative to photovoltaic solar cells. The electr ... more
Royal Society of Chemistry – About us
With more than 51,000 members and an international publishing and knowledge business we are the UK’s professional body for chemical scientists, supporting and representing our members and bringing together chemical scientists from all over the world. more
Hear from RSC member Vicki Stone talk about her role as a Nanotoxicologist. more
When Food met Pharma: Delivery Strategies for Nutraceuticals
With growing prevalence of lifestyle-associated diseases, including obesity, Type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease, there is an urgent need and demand to try to prevent the onset of these diseases within our growing population. Nutraceuticals, along with appropriate diet and exercise, ... more
Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
The RSC is a leading international publisher of highly regarded journals and books in the chemical sciences. The RSC is also the professional body for chemists with a global membership of over 46,000. more
An international research team headed by the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology in Bremen, Aarhus University and the Science for Life Lab in Uppsala has developed tiny particles that measure the oxygen concentration in their surroundings. In this way, they can track fluid flow and ... more
Breakthrough in separating plastic waste
In contrast to common perceptions, plastic is in no way near one material. Rather, it is a combination of many materials (polymers) with different chemical compounds and additives such as pigments or fibres, depending on its use. It is very difficult to tell the difference between different ... more
New method for producing synthetic DNA
The DNA sequences produced are also called oligonucleotides. These are widely used for disease identification, for the manufacture of oligonucleotide-based drugs, and for several other medical and biotechnological applications. The high demand for oligonucleotides therefore requires an eff ... more
