Scope of contaminants of emerging concern in National Parks
Landewe RA. 2008. Scope of contaminants of emerging concern in National Parks. Natural Resource Report. NPS/NRPC/NRR—2008/032. National Park Service, Natural Resource Program Center. Fort Collins, Colorado
In recent years, a number of studies have reported that a group of compounds broadly categorized as contaminants of emerging concern can be found in many National Parks across the country. The presence of these emerging compounds of concern in urban and remote areas of National Parks raises several questions regarding the extent of contamination, the potential environmental impact, and how they might influence the ability of the National Park Service to fulfill its mission. There is a growing national interest among the scientific community to ascertain the sources, transport, fate, and environmental effects of contaminants of emerging concern, such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and endocrine disruptors. There are numerous studies documenting emerging contaminants below wastewater treatment facilities, a few articles that suggest human, natural, or aerial transport into remote and mountainous regions, and a growing body of research identifying some of the impacts of these compounds on aquatic communities.This review summarizes the state of the current knowledge on emerging contaminants, identifies specific studies that have occurred in or near National Parks, and highlights areas identified by researchers as needing additional investigation.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Landewe, R.
- Date of Issue
- 2008
- Publisher
- National Park Service, Natural Resource Program Center
- Units
- NRSS