Environmental context. Several predators that eat Antarctic krill may be unintentionally ingesting toxic substances. Studying aspects of krill life to understand the effects of potential increases in Antarctic mercury (Hg) availability revealed that seasons, locations and individual size influence krill Hg concentration. Despite increasing human presence (potential Hg sources) in Antarctica, krill Hg content remains stable, and evidence suggests that Hg accumulates in predators by both short (krill-based) and longer food chains. (Image credit: the authors.)

This article belongs to the collection: Mercury in the environment.

Environmental context. The widespread use of the insecticide DDT has left a legacy of pollution that still threatens ecosystems today. This study presents a method to accurately measure the bioavailability of DDT and its breakdown products in contaminated soils. This will improve risk assessments and guide sustainable land management practices, helping to protect both the environment and human health. (Image credit: Anja Enell.)

Environmental context. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are compounds that have previously been widely applied in many consumer and commercial products; their use is banned because of their toxicity but they remain a legacy environmental pollutant. This study provides concentrations of PBDEs in indoor and outdoor dust and soils. Relationships between their occurrence patterns and origins are established, which informs our understanding of threats to human health from soil and air exposure. (Image credit: the authors.)