Human Has Impact on Antarctic Eco-systemScientists have warned that increasing scientific expeditions and other human activities have made a negative impact on the eco-system of the Antarctic Pole.Chen Jie, associate research fellow with Nanjing Institute of Pedology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Hans-Peter Blume, researcher of Germany's Kiel University, published their views in the latest issue of Chinese Journal of Polar Research, a magazine sponsored by the China Polar Research Institute. They listed soil and vegetation pollution, introduction of non-native species, and bacteria brought by humans as major problems. Since the 1950s, nearly 20 countries and regions have sent scientific expeditions to the Antarctic Pole and established more than 40 research stations there. Tourists have also flocked to the region in recent years. The scientists said soil around some of the stations has already been polluted by hydrocarbon due to oil use as fuel. Burning garbage as well as oil has also affected the quality of air, the scientists said, adding that human activities are responsible for 20 percent of lead in the air. According to the scientists, wildlife in the region is declining sharply. It has been confirmed that humans have brought to the region a number of non-native organisms including thermophilic bacteria. |
| People's Daily Online --- http://www.peopledaily.com.cn/english/ |