Toxic chemicals from discarded electronic devices may be threatening endangered dolphins and porpoises in the South China Sea, according to a recent scientific study. Liquid crystal monomers (LCMs), chemicals widely used in smartphones, televisions and computer screens, were detected in several marine mammals. Scientists warned that these substances could pose risks to humans as well through contaminated seafood and water sources. The findings have raised concerns about the growing environmental harm caused by electronic waste worldwide.
The chemicals were found in different parts of the animals’ bodies, including blubber, the liver, the kidneys, muscles and even brain tissue. After examining tissue samples collected from Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins and finless porpoises between 2007 and 2021, researchers discovered how widely the pollutants had spread. What worried them most was that the chemicals had already crossed the blood-brain barrier and could damage important biological functions in marine animals.
Scientists believe the pollutants likely reached the marine mammals through the ocean food chain. Earlier studies had already identified similar chemicals in fish and other sea creatures commonly eaten by dolphins and porpoises. Some laboratory experiments have also shown that contact with LCMs may disrupt normal cell growth and DNA repair. Scientists also think the chemicals may accumulate in animals higher up the food chain.
Photo: AdobeStock 照片： AdobeStock
As electronic waste continues to increase around the world, the problem may become even more serious in the future. Scientists urge consumers to extend the life of their electronic devices through repairs and to dispose of old electronics properly. They also call for stricter regulations for harmful chemicals used in electronic products as well as further research into how LCM pollution affects wildlife.
根據近期一項科學研究，廢棄電子裝置中的有毒化學物質可能正對南海瀕危的海豚與鼠海豚造成威脅。液晶單體（LCMs）是廣泛用於智慧型手機、電視與電腦螢幕的化學物質，已在數種海洋哺乳動物體內被檢出。科學家警告，這些物質也可能經由受汙染的海鮮與水源而對人類造成風險。這些發現使外界對全球電子廢棄物日益加劇的環境危害感到憂心。
Photo: AdobeStock 照片： AdobeStock
這些化學物質在動物身體的不同部位中被發現，包括脂肪層、肝臟、腎臟、肌肉，甚至是腦組織。研究人員在檢驗 2007 年至 2021 年間採集的中華白海豚與江豚組織樣本後，發現這些汙染物已廣泛擴散。最令他們擔憂的是，這些化學物質已經穿越血腦屏障，可能會損害海洋動物的重要生理功能。
科學家認為，這些汙染物很可能是透過海洋食物鏈進入海洋哺乳動物體內。先前的研究已在魚類及其他海豚與鼠海豚常食用的海洋生物中發現類似化學物質。一些實驗室研究也顯示，接觸液晶單體可能會干擾正常的細胞生長與 DNA 修復。科學家也認為，這些化學物質可能會在食物鏈較高層的動物體內逐漸累積。
隨著全球電子廢棄物持續增加，這個問題未來可能變得更加嚴重。科學家呼籲消費者透過維修來延長電子裝置的使用壽命，並妥善處理廢棄電子產品。他們也呼籲政府對電子產品中使用的有害化學物質實施更嚴格的規範，並進一步研究液晶單體汙染對野生動物造成的影響。
What Did You Learn?
1. What devices mentioned in the passage contain LCMs?
2. How do LCMs most likely enter the bodies of dolphins and porpoises?
參考答案:
1. Smartphones, televisions and computer screens.
2. Through the ocean food chain.
Words in Use
1. toxic a. 有毒的
The factory dumped toxic chemicals into the river near the village. 這家工廠將有毒化學物質丟棄在村莊附近的河流裡。
2. discard vt. 丟棄（本文為過去分詞作形容詞用）
Hospitals must follow strict rules to discard medical waste safely. 醫院必須依照嚴格規範，安全丟棄醫療廢棄物。
3. mammal n. 哺乳動物
The blue whale is the largest mammal living on Earth today.
藍鯨是現今地球上最大的哺乳動物。
4. contaminated a. 受汙染的
Residents were warned not to drink the contaminated water.
居民被警告不要飲用受汙染的水。
5. tissue n.（動植物細胞的）組織
Doctors examined tissue samples collected from several sick marine animals.
醫生檢查了從數種患病海洋動物身上採集的組織樣本。
Practical Phrases
1. raise concerns about. . . 引發對……的擔憂
concern n. 擔心（的事）
The rise in food prices has raised concerns about inflation. 食品價格上漲已引發對通貨膨脹的擔憂。
2. urge. . . to V 敦促∕力勸……（做）……
urge vt. 力勸
Environmental groups urged companies to reduce the use of plastic packaging.
環保團體敦促企業減少使用塑膠包裝。
3. dispose of. . . 處理∕處置……
dispose vi. 處置
Hospitals must dispose of sheets and gowns carefully. 醫院必須小心地處理床單和病袍。
4. call for. . . 呼籲∕要求……
Many citizens called for better public transportation in the city.
許多市民呼籲改善該市的大眾運輸。
聽文章朗讀及講解: https://ivy.pse.is/455bfu
本文出自常春藤解析英語雜誌: www.ivy.com.tw
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