The PHARMARINE work plan is divided into four work packages (WPs), each is led by a renowned scientist. The work packages WP1–WP3 are directly related to the scientific core of the project and include all field works, numerical modelling and laboratory experiments.

The first work package (WP1) – leader Dr Ida Beathe Øverjordet (SINTEF Ocean SA)

WP3 studies horizontal transport of selected pharmaceuticals with water masses from more contaminated mid-latitude areas of the Baltic Sea and the North Sea with the Norwegian Coastal Current and the North Atlantic Current and its continuations to the European Arctic. Emphasis is put on the role in this transport of dominant zooplankton species as potential carriers of these compounds. Based on measurements of drug concentrations in the water and zooplankton samples from the coastal zone (the exit from the Baltic Seas and along the Scandinavian Peninsula) and from open waters off the coast (in the North Atlantic Current) up north to the Arctic, potential transport pathways of pharmaceuticals will be assessed. WP1 will thus provide qualitative and quantitative field data on pharmaceutical levels in zooplankton and water in different areas along the latitudinal profile from the mid latitudes to the European Arctic (Spitsbergen). The results obtained within this WP on concentrations of pharmaceuticals in the environment studied will support further work in WP2.

Work Package 2 (WP2) – leader Prof. Roland Kallenborn (UNIS)

WP2 investigates pharmaceutical concentrations in dominant macrobenthic faunal species inhabiting areas of different hydrological, climatological and ecological characteristics in the Arctic at two locations: (1) Hornsund – a fjord remaining under influence of the cold Sørkapp Current carrying Arctic waters from the eastern part of the Svalbard archipelago and (2) Isfjorden – a fjord which a mouth part is under pronounced influence of Atlantic waters from the West Spitsbergen Current, a northbound extension of the North Atlantic Current carrying relatively warm water masses from lower latitudes, including also the Baltic Sea area. WP2 will thus provide empirical data on pharmaceutical contamination status in two areas in the Arctic, one more pristine Hornsund and one more affected by the Atlantic waters. In addition, pharmaceutical concentrations will be measured in benthic organisms at one extra special-case location, in a small fjord Adventfjorden flowing into Isfjorden, where the small human settlement of Longyearbyen is located since over hundred and ten years. Due to the presence of the small community in Longyearbyen and the local airport, internal part of this area (Adventfjorden) is affected additionally by effluents from local sources. A pioneering aspect of PHARMARINE lies also in the exploration of potential trophic transport of pharmaceuticals in benthic food web of the Arctic ecosystem by combining data on drug residue concentrations and stable nitrogen isotopes (15N/15N) in organisms representing different trophic levels. In addition, WP2 will define boundary parameters for laboratory experiments in WP3.

Work package 3 (WP3) – leader Dr Katarzyna Smolarz (UG)

WP3 determines the biological impacts and environmental risks associated with exposure of marine benthic fauna to pharmaceuticals under relevant Arctic conditions, using modern and sensitive early-warning biomarkers. Biological impacts will be studied at different levels of biological organisation from genes, proteins, cells and tissues to individuals and biological functions such as health and physiological activities. By analysing a range of possible responses of different sensitivity levels to acute exposure, fast and effective markers (specific fingerprints of impact) will be defined for biomonitoring of benthic marine environment at risk of pharmaceutical contamination. Combining field data with experimental studies under laboratory-controlled conditions will permit assessing susceptibility of the Arctic fauna to pharmaceutical pollutants which can be further used to support a reliable foundation for science-based regulations and recommendations for mitigation. This innovative approach of WP3 will address the broadest scope of the research planned and thus involves most human resources, efforts and costs.

Work package 4 (WP4) – leader Dr Adam Sokołowski (UG)

WP4 provides data and project management as a service to the PHARMARINE consortium. WP4 cooperates with other WPs to monitor progress of the project implementation, timely delivery of project deliverables and outcomes and to set up mechanisms for dispute resolution. It also establishes the project website as well as initiate and manage activities to disseminate project outcomes and to inform the general public (e.g., issue of leaflets and brochures; presentations at international conferences, seminars, festivals and other public events; contacting with media, etc.).