Fractionation of Trace Metals and Arsenic in Coastal Sediments From Admiralty Bay, Antarctica (original) (raw)

2012, INCT-APA Annual Activity Report

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.