Distribution of heavy metals in surface sediments from an Antarctic marine ecosystem (original) (raw)
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Polar Research, 2021
Concentrations of heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd and Cr) in surface soils and sediments collected in 2008 from 37 sampling sites in the Fildes Peninsula and Ardley Island were detected by atomic absorption spectrometry. The total contents of Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd and Cr ranged, respectively, from 61.36 to 562.2 mg/kg, 0.52 to 1.95 mg/kg, 54.61 to 577.9 mg/kg, 0.04 to 3.76 mg/kg and 6.83 to 25.9 mg/kg in soils and from 58.55 to 498.3 mg/kg, 0.60 to 2.51 mg/kg, 56.22 to 345.9 mg/kg, 0.07 to 5.77 mg/kg and 7.76 to 39.5 mg/kg in sediments. The geo-accumulation index and the pollution load index were calculated to evaluate the environmental effects of heavy metal pollutants, Cu, Zn and Cd, in the study area. Soils and sediments from Ardley Island were found to be moderately polluted with the studied metals. Pearson's correlation analysis and principal component analysis were applied to assess the distribution pattern and potential source of heavy metals. The results suggest that Cu, Zn and Cd in the study area originated from both the lithogenic sources and penguin guano, while Pb and Cr were probably derived from lithogenic sources.
Czech Polar Reports
This paper evaluated the heavy metal concentration in fine earth and skeleton fraction of the Antarctic soil and sediments in the Admiralty Bay (King George Island); Livingston Island; Whaler´s Bay (Deception Island); James Ross Island and the Trinity peninsula (Antarctica). Total concentrations of eight elements (arsenic, chromium, copper, nickel, lead, strontium, vanadium, and zinc) were determined in sixteen sediments/soils samples and skeleton fraction. For the analyses, eight samples were taken from James Ross Island, four samples from Deception Island, two samples from Trinity peninsula, one sample from Livingston Island, and one sample from King George Island. The contents the elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Most affected by human activity was the sample collected near permanent station General Bernardo O'Higgins Riquelme - Chile on Trinity peninsula. On this site, the highest concentration of copper in fine-earth (201 pp...
Water Air and Soil Pollution, 2018
An evaluation of the concentration of metals in terrestrial and aquatic environments near Artigas Antarctic Scientific Base was assessed. Granulometric characteristics, total organic matter content, concentration of metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) and metalloid (As) in soil, marine and freshwater sediments were determined. The geoaccumulation index (Igeo) was used in order to analyse the contamination magnitude. Samples were collected in summer 2015-2016 covering 31 sampling stations; 15 terrestrial/soil stations (T0-T14) were placed considering the distribution of Artigas Base buildings and the septic tanks' location. Eleven freshwater stations were placed along the three meltwater streams near Artigas Base (S0-S10), and two in Uruguay Lake (L1 and L2). Finally, three marine stations in Maxwell Bay were placed one near the Artigas Base (AB) and two far from it in North Cove (NC1, NC2). Some of the terrestrial stations (T2, T10, T11 and T13) presented the highest concentration of metals and Igeo values, which was associated to anthropic activities. Highest metal levels were related to fuel storage and handling, but also, with sewage release and the presence of old leaded paint residues. These polluted sites were limited to a restricted area of Artigas Base, not affecting surrounding environments. Concentrations of the analysed metals in unpolluted sites had the same order of magnitude recorded in other unpolluted areas of the Fildes Peninsula and other Antarctic regions.
Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2005
This paper investigates the natural and anthropogenic processes controlling sediment chemistry in Admiralty Bay, King George Island, Antarctica, emphasizing the area affected by the Brazilian Antarctic Station Comandante Ferraz (Ferraz). Total and bioavailable concentrations of sixteen elements were determined in 32 sediment and 14 soils samples. Factor analysis allowed us to distinguish three groups of samples: (1) Ferraz sediments, with higher content of total trace metals and organic matter; (2) control sediments, with intermediate characteristics;
Temporal distribution of trace metals in Antarctic coastal waters
Marine Chemistry, 2001
In the framework of the Italian Research Programme in Antarctica, a nearshore station positioned inside the Gerlache Inlet (Terra Nova Bay, Western Ross Sea) was regularly sampled during the Austral Spring 1997/1998, from November to February. In order to ...
Heavy metal contamination in some soils of the McMurdo Sound region, Antarctica
Antarctic Science, 1995
Soil samples from eight sites at Marble Point and Pram Point, McMurdo Sound region, contaminated by human activities were examined for heavy metal content, using sequential extraction methods. The redistribution of lead, zinc and copper arising from point sources of these metals was demonstrated. The levels found are not considered to represent serious pollution but do indicate that human activities can change the chemistry of the Antarctic environment in localized areas.
Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2011
Admiralty Bay (Antarctica) hosts three scientific stations (Ferraz, Arctowski and Macchu Picchu), which require the use of fossil fuel as an energy source. Fossil fuels are also considered the main source of pollution in the area, representing important inputs of major pollutants (organic compounds) and trace metals and metalloids of environmental interest. Accordingly, this work presents the results of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in sediment profiles from Admiralty Bay. The sediment results from Ferraz station were slightly higher than the other sampling sites. The highest contents were observed for Cu and Zn (from 44 to 89 mg kg À1 ). Otherwise, by using enrichment factors and geochronology analysis, the most relevant enrichment was observed for As in the samples collected close to the Ferraz station, indicating that increasing As content may be associated with the activities associated with this site.
Fractionation of Trace Metals and Arsenic in Coastal Sediments From Admiralty Bay, Antarctica
INCT-APA Annual Activity Report, 2012
Sequential extraction, based on the method developed by the European Community Bureau of Reference, was performed to determine the mobile fractions of trace elements in sediments from Admiralty Bay, Antarctica. Except for As that is not certi ed, the quality of the data was found to be satisfactory for analysis as certi ed reference material, BCR-701, with recovery values for Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn, ranging from 90-115%. Zn and Ni were mainly found in the residual fraction, re ecting their natural contribution in the bay. As, Cu and Pb exhibited high potential mobility, above 60%, for most of the samples. Despite Pb contents being found mainly in the extractable fraction, its concentrations (ranging from 4.5 to 8.3 mg kg-1) were well below the reshold E ect Levels. In general, As and Cu mobile contents were higher than the sediment quality values, according to the Canadian Environmental Guidelines, which indicates that adverse biological e ects to aquatic organisms can occur. However, since disturbances in Admiralty Bay are seldom observed, it can be inferred that As and Cu are preferably bound to the organic matter. Otherwise, this study presents the data set regarding sediments collected before the accident that happened in Ferraz Station in February of 2012. at singular event may have caused a relevant increase of available contents of the trace elements in the local aquatic system. us, valuable information is being provided for the future environmental monitoring, control and mitigation of arsenic and metal contamination in sediments from Antarctica.
Heavy Metals Contamination in Century-Old Manmade Technosols of Hope Bay, Antarctic Peninsula
Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, 2011
Technosols are anthropogenic soils that may be strongly impacted by heavy metal deposition, which have not yet been described in Antarctica. In this paper, we present a chemical study of what is supposedly the oldest manmade soil from Antarctic Peninsula, developed in the vicinity of Trinity House and Nordenskjold Hut at Hope Bay. Chemical and morphological soil attributes indicate that a former ornithogenic site (penguin rookery) was further subjected to human disturbance, following local exploration since 1903. We detected very high amounts of heavy metals such as Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn. For the most impacted site, pseudototal concentrations of these elements reach 47, 2,082, 19,381, and 5,225 mg kg −1 , respectively. Enrichment factors were calculated using Zr as reference element, and high values were found for these contaminated sites, qualifying some of them as extremely polluted. Also, both the mobilizable and mobile fraction of Cd and Pb indicate the need of intervention in the affected area. These findings are all consistent with the human impacts and strong contamination. Strong positive correlation between the pseudototal concentrations of Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn indicates a similar source of pollution. These soils may represent the oldest Technosols in Antarctic Continent.