Indian researcher traces Arctic pollutant pathways from Kerala to Svalbard

Manoj Panayamthatta Rayaroth, a researcher from GITAM University in Visakhapatnam, has collected water samples from fjords and glacier meltwater in Svalbard as part of the Indian Arctic Expedition 2026-27. His fieldwork aims to trace the journey of organic pollutants from their source regions in South Asia to the Arctic, examining how these contaminants undergo chemical transformation as they travel through glacial and ice systems.

The research addresses a critical gap in understanding global pollution pathways, particularly how industrial and agricultural contaminants released in tropical and subtropical regions eventually reach polar ecosystems. By analyzing fjord waters and glacial discharge in Svalbard—the northernmost settlement accessible to researchers—Rayaroth's team can identify specific pollutant signatures and track their atmospheric and oceanic routes northward.

The Indian Arctic Expedition represents New Delhi's growing engagement in polar science and environmental monitoring. The project underscores India's recognition that atmospheric circulation patterns and ocean currents carry pollutants far beyond their emission sources, necessitating international research cooperation to understand and mitigate transboundary environmental contamination.

Rayaroth's findings are expected to inform policy discussions around controlling organic pollutant release in South Asia and improving understanding of how regional environmental decisions influence fragile polar ecosystems. The research contributes to broader global efforts to monitor persistent organic pollutants under international environmental agreements.