Antarctic terrestrial ecosystems
The Maritime and Continental Antarctic terrestrial ecosystems are considered in the context of environmental impacts - habitat destruction, alien introductions, and pollution. Four types of pollution are considered: nutrients, radionuclides, inert materials, and noxious chemicals. Their ability to recover from perturbation is discussed in the light of present scientific knowledge, and the methods used to control impacts are reviewed. It is concluded that techniques of waste disposal are still inadequate, adequate training in environmental and conservation principles for Antarctic personnel in many countries is lacking, and scientific investigations may be a much more serious threat than tourism to the integrity of these ecosystems. Some priorities crucial to future management are suggested.
- Research Organization:
- Natural Environment Research Council, Cambridge, England
- OSTI ID:
- 6528716
- Journal Information:
- Environ. Int.; (United States), Vol. 13:1
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
ANTARCTIC REGIONS
LAND POLLUTION
CHEMICAL WASTES
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS
RADIONUCLIDE MIGRATION
CONTAMINATION
MANAGEMENT
WASTE DISPOSAL
ECOSYSTEMS
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
MASS TRANSFER
MATERIALS
POLAR REGIONS
POLLUTION
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTES
510200* - Environment
Terrestrial- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)
510300 - Environment
Terrestrial- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)