Introducing an integrated climate change perspective in POPs modelling, monitoring and regulation

Environ Pollut. 2009 Jul;157(7):1971-80. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2009.02.016. Epub 2009 Mar 9.

Abstract

This paper presents a review on the implications of climate change on the monitoring, modelling and regulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Current research gaps are also identified and discussed. Long-term data sets are essential to identify relationships between climate fluctuations and changes in chemical species distribution. Reconstructing the influence of climatic changes on POPs environmental behaviour is very challenging in some local studies, and some insights can be obtained by the few available dated sediment cores or by studying POPs response to inter-annual climate fluctuations. Knowledge gaps and future projections can be studied by developing and applying various modelling tools, identifying compounds susceptibility to climate change, local and global effects, orienting international policies. Long-term monitoring strategies and modelling exercises taking into account climate change should be considered when devising new regulatory plans in chemicals management.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Environmental Monitoring / methods
  • Environmental Monitoring / standards
  • Environmental Pollutants / analysis*
  • Environmental Restoration and Remediation
  • Greenhouse Effect*
  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Organic Chemicals / analysis*
  • Waste Management / standards

Substances

  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Organic Chemicals