Consequences of Contaminant Releases into the Arctic Marine Environment from Siberian Rivers

The prime aim of this project was to assess the vulnerability of Arctic coastal areas to contaminant input from rivers and their estuaries (the Ob and Yenisey river systems). This aim was achieved by improving the methodology for modeling releases from contaminants, collecting field site-specific information for transport submodels, and tying the model results to formal analyses of sensitivity of coastal resources. By connecting the results of the modeling work to the sensitivity analysis, we determined the likely consequences from contaminant discharges from the Ob and Yenisey estuaries to the adjacent coastal region.

Three valued ecosystem components (VECs) were identified for the Ob and Yenisey estuaries: benthic communities, marine mammals, and fish. The evaluation indicated that 1 VEC was significantly relevant, based on criteria of spatial, geographical and perturbation magnitude. Research results will aid in the further development of better protection strategies for Arctic resources.

Financing

Norwegian Research Council Project #147437/720 to Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority, Consequences of Contaminant Releases into the Arctic Marine Environment from Siberian Rivers.

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