Article
Environmental Studies
Charlotte Gehrke
Summary: This article evaluates the claim that polar bear conservation represents a successful case of Arctic science diplomacy. By analyzing policy, governmental, and scientific documents, as well as conducting interviews, the paper identifies two periods of polar bear science diplomacy and evaluates each based on success criteria. The article argues that while the first period was successful, the current dominance of the climate change threat has shifted authority away from the Arctic towards international climate change research and politics.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Carmen Espinosa-Gongora, Mie Johanne Hansen, Mads Frost Bertelsen, Anders Miki Bojesen
Summary: Most species in the Pasteurellaceae family colonize one specific host species, making them valuable candidates for studying biodiversity and bacterial-host co-evolution. The deep symbiotic bond between polar bears and Ursidibacter maritimus suggests that captive animals can also be used for ecological and evolutionary studies, thereby protecting wild populations.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tianying Lan, Kalle Leppala, Crystal Tomlin, Sandra L. Talbot, George K. Sage, Sean D. Farley, Richard T. Shideler, Lutz Bachmann, Oystein Wiig, Victor A. Albert, Jarkko Salojarvi, Thomas Mailund, Daniela Drautz-Moses, Stephan C. Schuster, Luis Herrera-Estrella, Charlotte Lindqvist
Summary: Research finds that the effective population size of an ancient polar bear lineage experienced a dramatic decline, followed by a modest increase just before its extinction. The ancient polar bear had slightly higher genetic diversity, suggesting severe genetic erosion in modern polar bears during a prolonged bottleneck. The study also suggests the occurrence of a possible ancient introgression event from brown bears dating back over 150,000 years.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Karyn D. Rode, Eric V. Regehr, Jeffrey F. Bromaghin, Ryan R. Wilson, Michelle St. Martin, Justin A. Crawford, Lori T. Quakenbush
Summary: Polar bears in the Chukchi Sea are not currently limited by sea ice availability, but the body condition, recruitment, and feeding probability of polar bears are significantly influenced by the condition of ice seals and seal prey. In the long term, neither polar bears nor their prey are likely robust to limitless loss of their sea ice habitat.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kristin L. Laidre, Megan A. Supple, Erik W. Born, Eric Regehr, Oystein Wiig, Fernando Ugarte, Jon Aars, Rune Dietz, Christian Sonne, Peter Hegelund, Carl Isaksen, Geir B. Akse, Benjamin Cohen, Harry L. Stern, Twila Moon, Christopher Vollmers, Russ Corbett-Detig, David Paetkau, Beth Shapiro
Summary: Polar bears are at risk due to climate warming and declining sea ice. However, a genetically distinct and functionally isolated group of polar bears has been found in Southeast Greenland, which has similar ice conditions to the projected future High Arctic. These bears have a year-round hunting platform in the form of freshwater glacial melange, suggesting that marine-terminating glaciers may serve as unrecognized climate refugia. Protecting Southeast Greenland polar bears is crucial for preserving their genetic diversity and evolutionary potential.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Todd C. Atwood, Karyn D. Rode, David C. Douglas, Kristin Simac, Anthony M. Pagano, Jeffrey F. Bromaghin
Summary: In the Arctic, changes in sea ice due to warming temperatures have impacted the habitat and prey access for polar bears. A study on polar bears in Alaska's southern Beaufort Sea from 1983 to 2015 found that different demographic groups have varied responses to environmental changes, with some being more resilient than others. The researchers observed declines in body condition and litter mass of cubs of the year, indicating potential impacts on polar bear population dynamics.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Sarah M. Chinn, Glen E. Liston, Ryan R. Wilson
Summary: Long-term changes in environmental conditions resulting from climate change may have negative impacts on reproductive success and population dynamics of polar bears. The availability of suitable denning habitat on Wrangel Island is crucial for the long-term persistence of the Chukchi Sea subpopulation. Despite rising temperatures and sea ice loss, the current climate in the area is still cold enough that availability of denning habitat is not an immediate limiting factor for the subpopulation.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Anthony M. Pagano, George M. Durner, Todd C. Atwood, David C. Douglas
Summary: As a response to declining Arctic sea ice, polar bears are adjusting their home ranges, with those staying on the sea ice in summer experiencing larger utilization distributions, incorporating more open water and less sea ice, while those moving to land have smaller utilization distributions. This shift highlights the impact of sea ice declines on polar bear space use, emphasizing the increasing importance of land as an alternative summer habitat.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Andrew F. Barnas, Erica A. Geldart, Oliver P. Love, Patrick M. Jagielski, Christopher M. Harris, H. Grant Gilchrist, Holly L. Hennin, Evan S. Richardson, Cody J. Dey, Christina A. D. Semeniuk
Summary: Nest predation is a significant threat to nesting birds, and they assess the risk and make behavioral decisions when encountering predators. The study found that the visual gaze and travel angle of polar bears have a significant impact on the flushing behavior of birds, while the presence of herring gulls makes birds more cautious. An increase in the flushing initiation distance results in a higher risk of nest predation. However, behavioral responses alone may not effectively reduce polar bear predation at the population level.
Article
Ecology
Vijay P. Patil, George M. Durner, David C. Douglas, Todd C. Atwood
Summary: Polar bears of the Southern Beaufort Sea have started creating maternal dens on land as sea ice declines. This has led to increased human-bear interactions and the need for mitigation strategies to reduce den disturbance.
JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Annie Kellner, Todd C. Atwood, David C. Douglas, Stewart W. Breck, George Wittemyer
Summary: Some animal species, such as polar bears, are responding to climate change by altering their behavior, such as mating and migration timing. The triggers for this behavioral change are not well understood, but storm events and the decline of ice habitat are believed to play a role.
Article
Ecology
Ryan R. Wilson, Michelle St Martin, Eric V. Regehr, Karyn D. Rode
Summary: The study found support for using estimated step selection patterns from adult females as a proxy for other classes of polar bears during spring, but using data from adult females as a proxy for the movements of adult males is likely inappropriate. Researchers are advised to consider whether it is valid to extend inference derived from adult female movements to other classes based on the questions being asked and the spatial and temporal scope of the data.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Nicholas W. Pilfold, Evan S. Richardson, John Ellis, Emily Jenkins, W. Brad Scandrett, Adrian Hernandez-Ortiz, Kayla Buhler, David McGeachy, Batol Al-Adhami, Kelly Konecsni, Vladislav A. Lobanov, Megan A. Owen, Bruce Rideout, Nicholas J. Lunn
Summary: The study reveals that as the Arctic warms due to climate change, zoonotic pathogen exposure in Western Hudson Bay polar bears has increased, especially in terms of Toxoplasma gondii and Francisella tularensis infection rates. Additionally, correlations with wetter and hotter summers suggest the impact of climate change on pathogen exposure in these polar bears.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Markus Dyck, Eric Regehr, Jasmine Ware
Summary: Knowledge of long-term demographic trends is crucial for managing large carnivore populations, and this study on the polar bear population in Gulf of Boothia revealed a stable and productive subpopulation. Ongoing monitoring is necessary due to the potential impact of climate change and loss of sea ice.
MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Oystein Wiig, Stephen N. Atkinson, Erik W. Born, Seth Stapleton, Todd Arnold, Markus Dyck, Kristin L. Laidre, Nicholas J. Lunn, Eric Regehr
Summary: The study estimated the abundance of polar bears in the Kane Basin subpopulation to be 190 bears, with a possible negative bias due to not surveying all areas. Aerial surveys may be a feasible method for obtaining abundance estimates for small subpopulations of polar bears.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fan Yang, Can Jin, Sen Wang, Yujie Wang, Lu Wei, Longhui Zheng, Haiping Gu, Su Shiung Lam, Mu. Naushad, Cheng Li, Christian Sonne
Summary: Due to the increasing pollution of antibiotics in water, the development of green and efficient adsorbents is urgently needed. In this study, magnetic bamboo-based activated carbon (MDBAC) was prepared through delignification and carbonization using ZnCl2 as an activator. MDBAC demonstrated a large specific surface area (1388.83 m2 g-1) and showed excellent adsorption performance for sulfadiazine (SD), with an adsorption capacity of 645.08 mg g-1. The MDBAC biosorbent exhibited physicochemical stability, magnetic recovery, and recyclability properties, making it a promising candidate for removing antibiotic contaminants from wastewater.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fei Dang, Chengcheng Li, Luis M. Nunes, Ronggui Tang, Junsong Wang, Shuofei Dong, Willie J. G. M. Peijnenburg, Wenxiong Wang, Baoshan Xing, Su Shiung Lam, Christian Sonne
Summary: Food security and sustainable agriculture are challenges that have been faced for a long time. The use of nanotechnology in agriculture can increase productivity and food security, but it also has negative environmental impacts, such as pollution of the human food chain.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wei Zhang, Yong Sik Ok, Michael S. Bank, Christian Sonne
Summary: The impacts of macro-, micro-, and nanoplastics on coral reef ecosystems are not well understood, but they are known to pose a major sustainability challenge. This study confirms the presence of microplastics in coral reefs worldwide and discusses their potential risks. It emphasizes the urgent need to address this environmental problem and proposes solutions such as raising public awareness, implementing conservation efforts, and reducing plastic use.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Letter
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Christian Sonne, Michael S. Bank, Bjorn M. Jenssen, Tomasz M. Cieseielski, Jorg Rinklebe, Su Shiung Lam, Martin Hansen, Rossana Bossi, Kim Gustavson, Rune Dietz
Article
Environmental Sciences
Elfina Azwar, Wan Adibah Wan Mahari, Rock Keey Liew, Muhammad Zulhilmi Ramlee, Meenakshi Verma, William Woei Fong Chong, Wanxi Peng, Hui Suan Ng, Mu. Naushad, Christian Sonne, Su Shiung Lam
Summary: Fast growing Kariba weed causes problems and pollution on freshwater and shellfish aquaculture systems. Solvothermal liquefaction is a potential technique to convert the weed into useful products. This study investigates the effects of different solvents and weed mass loadings on reducing the weed and producing crude oil and char. The results show high reduction rates and optimal conditions for crude oil and biochar production.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Christian Sonne, Bjorn M. Jenssen, Joerg Rinklebe, Su Shiung Lam, Martin Hansen, Rossana Bossi, Kim Gustavson, Rune Dietz
Summary: The EPAs of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Germany, and the Netherlands have proposed a ban on the use of toxic industrial chemicals PFAS due to their harmful effects on human health and biodiversity. Denmark, the first EU country to ban PFAS, plans to establish groundwater parks to protect drinking water. They also call on the EU to list more toxic substances on the Stockholm Convention.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Editorial Material
Environmental Sciences
Evgenios Agathokleous, Christian Sonne, Giovanni Benelli, Edward J. Calabrese, Raul Narciso C. Guedes
Summary: Pesticide resistance is increasing and poses a threat to crop production sustainability. Chemical contamination contributes to the development of resistance by stimulating pests at low doses and facilitating the spread of resistance genes. This article highlights the importance of a holistic approach to tackle pesticide resistance and reduce food imbalance and insecurity. Potential solutions include considering the effects of sub-toxic doses of pesticides and promoting alternative agronomical practices.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yue Li, Xiangmeng Chen, Christian Sonne, Su Shiung Lam, Yafeng Yang, Nyuk Ling Ma, Wanxi Peng
Summary: Economic development has resulted in environmental challenges, with air pollution posing significant risks to both humans and ecosystems. Plants can help reduce air pollution through the absorption and stomatal absorption by their leaves. Air pollutants can also enter the soil and root zones through rain and leaf fall, where microorganisms degrade and transform them. However, the efficiency of phytoremediation and bioremediation is slow, and utilizing plant-microbe interactions can greatly enhance their effectiveness. This article reviews current research progress on the combined actions of plants and microorganisms and discusses their interaction, while providing perspectives for future research in phytotechnologies.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTANTS AND BIOAVAILABILITY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Nyuk Ling Ma, Nan Zhang, Wilson Thau Lym Yong, Suzana Misbah, Fatimah Hashim, Chin Fhong Soon, Gim Pao Lim, Wanxi Peng, Christian Sonne
Summary: Nanomaterials show promise in various industries, especially in neurological therapeutic applications. However, concerns about their safety have been raised due to their permeability and widespread use, particularly engineered nanomaterials. Therefore, it is urgent to capitalize on new developments in engineered nanomaterial safety evaluation. In recent years, risk assessment and management techniques for nanomaterials across their whole life-cycle have emerged, including systems biology approaches and high-throughput screening platforms.
MATERIALS TODAY ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Anai''s Remili, Rune Dietz, Christian Sonne, Filipa I. P. Samarra, Robert J. Letcher, Audun H. Rikardsen, Steven H. Ferguson, Cortney A. Watt, Cory J. D. Matthews, Jeremy J. Kiszka, Aqqalu Rosing-Asvid, Melissa A. Mckinney
Summary: This study examined the concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in killer whales from the North Atlantic and found that the levels of pollutants were correlated with their dietary composition rather than environmental variations. The findings highlight the importance of considering diet in assessing health risks associated with contaminants in killer whales and emphasize the need for enhanced measures to dispose of POP-contaminated waste and prevent further contamination.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Yang Wang, Haoran Ye, Changlei Xia, Yang Shi, Zhongfeng Zhang, Su Shiung Lam, Rock Keey Liew, Christian Sonne, Shengbo Ge
Summary: The issue of white pollution has gained more attention worldwide. This study presents an innovative method of producing high-quality wood-plastic laminates using fast-growing wood and plastic waste. The laminates, prepared through a one-step thermal forming process with microwave-assisted acetic acid pretreated poplar veneer and powdered polyethylene, exhibit excellent mechanical properties and good surface waterproof performance. These glue-free, high-strength, and heat-resistant wood-plastic laminates have potential applications in interior furniture and outdoor building facilities, contributing to the protection of the environment and alleviating the pressure on wood resources.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Christian Sonne, Jean-Pierre Desforges, Kim Gustavson, Rossana Bossi, Eva C. Bonefeld-Jorgensen, Manhai Long, Frank F. Riget, Rune Dietz
Summary: This study examined the exposure to PFASs in the diet of Inuit people in East Greenland and found high levels of PFASs in polar bear and ringed seal meat, leading to elevated blood serum concentrations of PFASs. The study also highlighted regional differences in PFASs exposure, with the Arctic region having the highest levels. This study is important in enhancing our understanding of global exposure to PFASs and the associated risks.
LANCET PLANETARY HEALTH
(2023)
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Chengjun Li, Huan Zhong, Yuwei Xie, Tian Bai, Bing Yan, Christian Sonne
Article
Environmental Sciences
Adam F. Pedersen, Rune Dietz, Christian Sonne, Robert J. Letcher, Anna M. Roos, Malene Simon, Aqqalu Rosing-Asvid, Steven H. Ferguson, Melissa A. McKinney
Summary: There are significant differences in the concentrations of legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs) between polar bears and toothed whales in the Arctic, which can be attributed to regional and temporal variations, differences in biological susceptibility, and ecological factors. Analyzing samples from East Greenland, it was found that feeding patterns have a greater influence on pollutant concentrations, while biological differences primarily affect certain organochlorine compounds.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Chan Wang, Jinhui Su, Taoyuan Liu, Shengbo Ge, Rock Keey Liew, Hui Zhang, Mu Naushad, Su Shiung Lam, Hui Suan Ng, Christian Sonne, Wei Fan
Summary: Over 100 million tons of cotton waste are produced annually, but less than 30% is recycled. This study successfully transformed short cotton fibers into a renewable cellulose fiber self-reinforcing composite paper, which has broad application prospects.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
