APES unit 8.7 Persistent Organic Pollutants

POPS!

What is Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPS)? How come they can be seen in unlikely places/animals?

POPS are synthetic carbon-based compounds that persist in the environment.

POPS can be transported to various places by wind and water

POPS are LIPOPHILIC and HYDROPHOBIC, what do those mean?

Lipophilic / fat soluble: POPs loveee fat, they accumulate in our and animal fat tissue

Hydrophobic / not water soluble: POPS HATE water, so they cannot enter the blood stream and be excreted as urine (uh oh)

What is PCBs, and a problem with PCBs

(Polychlorinated biphenyls)

PCBs are a group of chemical compounds used to manufacture plastics + insulate electrical devices.

PCBS are carcinogenic, and accumulate in fat cuz they’re lipophilic

What is DDT, and problem with DDT (a POP and an endocrine disruptor)

DDT is an insecticide. It persists in sediment in bodies of water.

DDT contaminated fish can be consumed by birds of prey and biomagnify into them. Biomagnification of DDT causes the eggs they produce to have thin shells

What is perchlorates, and problem with perchlorates (a POP and an endocrine disruptor)

Perchlorates are used for rocket and missile fuel (so found in aerospace or military bases)

They persist in soils and can contaminate groundwater

They affect the thyroid gland, reducing it’s production of hormones

What's the Stockholm convention?

International treaty signed by that eliminates or restricts the production and use of persistent organic pollutants (POPs).

Problem with pharmaceutical compounds/medications

Pharmaceuticals pass through the human body as wastewater towards treatment plants before discharged into water.

They persist in waters, and can mimic estrogen. Recall the chesapeake bay thing