Marine Chemistry

 

Marine Pollutants 

The term Marine Pollutants includes chemicals such as heavy metals, flame retardants, oils and plasticisers, introduced to the marine environment through man-made (anthropogenic) activities. Many of these chemicals are classed as persistent, bio-accumulative and/or toxic.

 

Contaminants in Seafood

Chemical contaminants, from natural sources or human activities, are present in water and sediment and so can accumulate in the marine food chain.  We monitor levels of contaminants in fishery products to ensure that Irish seafood remains safe for consumption.

 

Veterinary Residues in Seafood 

Working closely with the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority SFPA, our Residues team monitors farmed fish for certain veterinary drug residues that may be used in treating farmed fish. We are test for unauthorised and prohibited substances and contaminants, to ensure compliance with the EU Residues Directive for live animals and animal products (Directive 96/23/EC). 

 

Nutrients and Ocean Acidification 

Nutrients are essential for the primary productivity of our seas but excessive inputs from human activities can upset the balance within the local environment. 

Increasing drawdown of atmospheric carbon dioxide into the oceans instigates chemical reactions that reduce the pH of seawater – a process referred to as Ocean Acidification (OA). OA is expected to impact on marine organisms, particularly at sensitive early life stages, by reducing the availability of calcium carbonate required for shell building organisms.