Trial lecture and PhD defense for Malin Andersson Stavridis

Doctoral Candidate Malin Andersson Stavridis at The Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Department of Biology will hold a trial lecture and defend her doctoral thesis for the degree of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD). The degree degree is administered by the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and will be held at UNIS 18 March 2026.

Thesis title:

«Pollution in the Middle of Nowhere: Toxic Metals and PFAS in the Svalbard Reindeer”

Thesis summary:

The Arctic functions as an endpoint for a wide range of environmental contaminants released at lower latitudes and transported northwards through atmospheric and oceanic processes. Climate change may further contribute to the remobilisation of historical pollutants stored in glaciers and permafrost, potentially increasing exposure for both wildlife and humans. While contaminant levels and effects in Arctic marine ecosystems are well documented, far less is known about terrestrial systems.

In my doctoral research, I used the Svalbard reindeer as a model organism to investigate the occurrence and effects of environmental contaminants in the terrestrial environment on Svalbard. We measured concentrations of mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in various tissue types, and analysed gene expression linked to key physiological processes in order to identify potential harmful effects.

The results revealed a contamination profile that is both unexpected and concerning. Svalbard reindeer are primarily exposed to pollutants originating from industrialised regions, despite inhabiting one of the most remote areas in the world. Levels of Cd and Pb were lower than those recorded in the late 20th century, but several PFAS compounds were among the highest reported in reindeer anywhere in the Arctic. Moreover, PFAS levels have increased substantially over the past decade. The profile indicates long-range transported sources, yet it remains unclear whether the main contributions stem from historical emissions now being released from the cryosphere, or from more recent inputs.

Although contaminant concentrations in the reindeer do not exceed established toxicity thresholds, we found that concurrent exposure to multiple pollutants was associated with altered gene expression, particularly related to lipid metabolism. This suggests that mixture effects may occur even at low contaminant levels and underscores the need for further research.

Concentrations also varied seasonally and were higher in autumn than in summer. This may be relevant for hunters considering the timing of harvest. However, overall, the health risk to humans from consuming Svalbard reindeer is assessed as low from a contaminant perspective.