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Whales are exposed to organic chemical pollutants that present a “major threat” to their wellbeing, according to a study (pdf) by the UAE’s Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) in collaboration with the American University of Sharjah and Zayed University.
The findings: The study analyzed tissues from seven dead whales found along the coasts of Sharjah, Dubai, Umm Al Quwain. Tissues from five Bryde’s whales, one humpback whale, and one blue whale tested positive for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) found in coal, crude oil, and gasoline, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), and heavy metals. The animals were also affected by the consumption of plastic waste along with their food which resulted in digestive tract blockages that contributed to death.
What are organic pollutants?Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are hazardous chemicals used in various products and industrial processes that can persist in the environment for long periods of time. They pose a significant threat to both human health and the ecosystem as they magnify in concentration while moving through the food chain. POPs are used across supply chains in products like pesticides. Despite some POPs — mirex, dieldrin, and hexachlorobenzene — being banned years ago, these “forever chemicals” continue to be detected at elevated levels today. With global chemical sales expected to soar to EUR 6.6 tn by 2030 and new chemicals constantly entering the market, the threat of POPs is growing.
