Universidade Fernando Pessoa
SEASINK 2008
Porto, 26-28th June
Oceans, representing about 70% of the earth surface, are considered as deposits for a large number of anthropogenic residues. Receiving input from human activities through land drainage, atmospheric deposition, rivers, and direct dumping, oceans act as sinks for several classes of compounds. Among these, several substances may be mobilized at any time, and may also be incorporated into the biota, hundreds of kilometres away from the original source. This scenario is progressively more likely to occur, and may endanger not only marine ecosystems but also human health, since oceans are also valuable sources of nutrients for human consumption. In any case, the ocean sinking capacity is an important service to mankind. A good example of this is the “ocean biological pump” and its usefulness in preventing a faster than observed accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. One of the most important scientific challenges is in preventing that carrying capacity of marine ecosystems to human induced stresses is exceeded.
Contactos:
Universidade Fernando Pessoa
A/C Paula Dias
Praça 9 de Abril, 349
4249-004 Porto | Portugal
Phone: 
+351 22 507 13 00
- Fax: + 351 22 550 82 69
E-mail: seasink2008@ufp.pt
Url: www.ufp.pt
