The research team led by Dr. Roger Tipton and Dr. Rainer Lohmann is about to embark on a new expedition to the Arctic as part of an NSF project. From September 5 to September 25, 2025, our team will travel from Longyearbyen, Norway, across the North Pole, to Nome, Alaska. This journey, aboard the icebreaker research vessel Le Commandant Charcot, is a crucial step in understanding the spread of “forever chemicals” in this vulnerable environment.
The Silent Threat of PFAS
The Arctic is a sensitive ecosystem that is increasingly threatened by global pollution. Our mission is to investigate the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are synthetic chemicals used in various industries for their resistance to heat, water, and oil. These contaminants, including newer compounds like GenX, have been detected in remote areas like the Arctic and are associated with a range of health risks, from liver damage to immune system disruption.
A Researcher’s Voyage to the North Pole
Our lead researcher, Dr. Ulyana H. Pena, will be on board the Le Commandant Charcot to collect critical water samples. The sampling plan involves gathering up to three samples from a maximum of 50 sites along the transpolar route. Using a specialized CTD rosette sampler, Dr. Pena will collect water from various depths to measure the vertical distribution of PFAS. The team also plans to collect opportunistic samples of ice, meltwater, and plankton. These samples will be analyzed for 41 targeted PFAS chemicals to establish a valuable new baseline for contamination in the region.
Proactive Science for Environmental Health
The data collected will be used to improve existing circulation models and predictive models of PFAS spread, helping us to understand the transport pathways of these chemicals to the Arctic. This research is a critical step in informing conservation efforts and developing targeted strategies to protect this fragile ecosystem for future generations.
Live STEM Events with Hough High School
In an effort to encourage STEM education, we have formed a partnership with William Amos Hough High School in Charlotte, North Carolina. As part of our upcoming field research cruise, we plan to host live stream events that will offer students real-time insights into Arctic research. This will provide a unique opportunity to bridge classroom learning with scientific exploration and help introduce students to the interdisciplinary culture of research. We believe that using PFAS contamination as a compelling case study will engage students and demonstrate the practical applications of STEM research.
