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Identifying chemicals that are planetary boundary threats
Matthew MacLeod1, Magnus Breitholtz, Ian T Cousins
1Department of Applied Environmental Science (ITM), Stockholm University , 10691 Stockholm, Sweden.
Environmental Science & Technology
|September 3, 2014
Summary
Identifying unknown chemical threats to Earth's planetary boundaries is crucial. This study proposes prioritizing chemicals based on exposure and monitoring vital Earth processes to detect disruptive effects before they become irreversible global problems.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Earth System Science
- Chemical Risk Assessment
Background:
- Planetary boundaries define a safe operating space for humanity, with many currently identified boundaries linked to chemical agents.
- Potential for unknown chemical pollution-related planetary boundaries exists, posing risks to Earth system processes.
- Unknown threats are characterized by unrecognized disruptive effects on vital Earth systems, global-scale discovery, and irreversibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline scenarios where chemicals could pose unknown planetary boundary threats.
- To define chemical profiles based on these scenarios for risk assessment.
- To propose strategies for identifying and prioritizing chemicals that threaten planetary boundaries.
Main Methods:
- Development of scenarios detailing how chemicals could meet criteria for unknown planetary boundary threats.
- Definition of chemical profiles based on the nature of chemical effects and environmental exposure.
- Assessment of the feasibility of prioritizing commercial chemicals against defined profiles.
Main Results:
- Scenarios were outlined for chemicals fulfilling the three conditions of unknown planetary boundary threats.
- Chemical profiles were defined, linking effects and exposure pathways.
- Prioritization of chemicals against some profiles is feasible, but significant scientific challenges remain.
Conclusions:
- Identifying chemicals with unknown disruptive effects on vital Earth system processes is the most significant challenge.
- The most effective current strategy involves prioritizing chemicals based on environmental exposure profiles.
- Monitoring and studying biogeochemical processes are essential for detecting currently unknown disruptive effects.
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