LONG
Derek Muir is an environmental chemist whose work has led to the discovery and understanding of the global movement and bioaccumulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and trace metals in high latitude and high altitude ecosystems. He was among the first to discover that concentrations of POPs in piscivorous fishes and marine mammals are high enough to pose potential health risks for human consumers. In particular, his work on the biogeochemistry of pesticides and PCBs was important evidence that contributed to the recent international circumpolar treaty to reduce the use of persistent airborne chemicals.

SHORT
Derek Muir's work has led to the discovery and understanding of the global movement and bioaccumulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and trace metals in high latitude and high altitude ecosystems. His research provided important evidence that contributed to the recent international circumpolar treaty to reduce the use of persistent airborne chemicals.