Waste Combustion\nReleases Anthropogenic Nanomaterials\nin Indigenous Arctic Communities

Arctic autochthonous communities and the environment\nface unprecedented\nchallenges due to climate change and anthropogenic activities. One\nless-explored aspect of these challenges is the release and distribution\nof anthropogenic nanomaterials in autochthonous communities. This\nstudy pioneers a comprehensive investigation into the nature and dispersion\nof anthropogenic nanomaterials within Arctic Autochthonous communities,\noriginating from their traditional waste-burning practices. Employing\nadvanced nanoanalytical tools, we unraveled the nature and prevalence\nof nanomaterials, including metal oxides (TiO<sub>2</sub>, PbO), alloys\n(SnPb, SbPb, SnAg, SnCu, SnZn), chromated copper arsenate-related\nnanomaterials (CuCrO<sub>2</sub>, CuCr<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>),\nand nanoplastics (polystyrene and polypropylene) in snow and sediment\nnear waste burning sites. This groundbreaking study illuminates the\nunintended consequences of waste burning in remote Arctic areas, stressing\nthe urgent need for interdisciplinary research, community engagement,\nand sustainable waste management. These measures are crucial to safeguard\nthe fragile Arctic ecosystem and the health of autochthonous communities.