New method tracks contaminants in Arctic marine mammals

Researchers have developed a new method to track the diets and contaminant levels in Arctic marine mammals. This approach uses carbon isotopes of fatty acids, offering better insights into how species like killer whales and polar bears are affected by climate change. The study, led by Adam Pedersen from McGill University, highlights that traditional methods are less effective for migratory species. The new technique reveals how dietary shifts, particularly towards more contaminated prey, may increase pollutant levels in these animals. The research analyzed blubber samples from whales harvested by Indigenous hunters in Greenland. The findings could inform policies to manage contaminant exposure in Arctic ecosystems, although further validation is needed to confirm the method's broader applicability.