Mohammad Sadiq Saeed

Ecological risk assessment of the emerging and persistent organic pollutants in the Arctic region

A new class of pollutants called Emerging Contaminants (ECs) or pollutants of emerging concern (PECs) has emerged recently in the environment. These pollutants have not been evaluated by the existing regulatory bodies because of the information and data paucity to determine their potential environmental or public health risk. They are highly persistent and toxic pollutants capable of long-range transportation in the environment and bioaccumulation in the food chain.

Some of these pollutants have shown a substantial presence in the Arctic ecosystem and food chain. The Arctic region was mostly untouched by human activities and, up till now, had a pristine environment. The presence of these pollutants, therefore, is a matter of concern. These pollutants are thus rightly called Chemicals of Emerging Arctic Concern (CEAC).

My research work aims at quantifying the risk associated with these novel pollutants to the Arctic air, water, biota, and humans. It also delves into designing safety barriers to minimize human and animal health risk in the region.