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The content and distribution of trace elements and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils of Maritime Antarctica

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Abstract

Antarctica is considered as one of the most pristine areas on Earth. However, increasing intensity of human presence on the sixth continent (scientific operations, functioning of the numerous scientific stations, tourism activities) makes it crucial to investigate the level of environmental pollution within the vulnerable ecosystem of Antarctica. Soils play a significant role in processes of accumulation, mobilization, redistribution of chemical elements within landscapes, and ecosystems. The aim of this work was to analyze the levels of 17 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and eight trace elements in soils of King George and Ardley islands, Western Antarctica. Moreover, our work was aimed to determine the trends and reasons of anthropogenic pollution of Antarctic soils and characterization of accumulation levels of trace elements and PAHs. Results showed the predominance of light PAHs in all studied sites. The content of benzo(a)pyrene does not exceed the threshold concentration (adopted by different national environmental legislation systems). At the same time, the content of benzo(a)pyrene, which is a marker of anthropogenic contamination, is relatively low or equal to 0 in soils of reference landscapes. Cu and Zn were found as most abundant elements in all studied soils. The highest lead concentration content has been described in soil from Bellingshausen station. In general term, obtained Igeo values for trace elements in all samples were under or slightly above the 0 level, indicating low to moderate pollution of the studied soils. This study also contributes new data on trace element accumulation in soils strongly influenced by ornithogenic factor. Principal component analysis allowed to estimate the probable sources of specific trace metals and their relationship with soil variables. Ornithogenic factor has been also revealed as a driver for some trace element accumulation especially in breeding penguin colonies. High contents of organic matter in ornithogenic habitats could increase trace metal mobility, environmental risks for surrounding terrestrial environments should be considered.

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Abbreviations

ASPA:

Antarctic Specially Protected Area

ASMA:

Antarctic Specially Managed Area

CF :

contamination factor

Cdegree:

degree of contamination

ER:

ecological risk factor

Igeo:

Geoaccumulation Index

MAAT:

mean annual air temperature

MAST:

mean annual surface temperature

MAGT:

mean annual ground temperature

mCdegree:

modified degree of contamination

PLI:

Pollution Load Index

PAH:

polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon

RI:

potential ecological risk index

PCA:

principal component analysis

Tr:

toxicity response

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by Russian Scientific Foundation for Basic Research, grant nos. 19-54-18003 “Assessment of regional contribution of soils of Antarctic Islands into global carbon balance including degree of stabilization and humification of organic matter,” 19-05-50107 “The role of organic matter microparticles in degradation of glacier cover of polar regions and formation of soil-like bodies,” 18-04-00900 “Ornithogenic soils of Antarctica: formation, geography and biogeochemistry,” and Russian Antarctic Expedition (Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute, Saint Petersburg, Russia).

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  1. Department of Applied Ecology, Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russia

    Ivan Alekseev & Evgeny Abakumov

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  1. Ivan Alekseev
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Correspondence to Ivan Alekseev.

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Alekseev, I., Abakumov, E. The content and distribution of trace elements and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils of Maritime Antarctica. Environ Monit Assess 192, 670 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-020-08618-2

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