Antarctic Science
- Antarctic Science / Volume 21 / Issue 04 / August 2009, pp 329-339
- Copyright © Antarctic Science Ltd 2009
- DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0954102009002004 (About DOI), Published online: 03 June 2009
Biological Sciences
Distribution of PAHs in the water column, sediments and biota of Potter Cove, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica
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Abstract
In order to establish the environmental status of areas close to Antarctic stations it is necessary to document levels of contaminants present in these sites. Several petrogenic and pyrogenic sources have been reported for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Antarctica. In this work, levels of 25 PAHs were measured in suspended particulate matter (SPM), surface sediment and marine organisms (fish Notothenia coriiceps, bivalve Laternula elliptica and gastropod Nacella concinna) from Potter Cove. Total PAH levels from SPM were low and similar in all sites studied (30–82 ng g-1 dw), phenanthrene being the dominant compound (68–84%). The exception was an area close to the wharf where significantly higher values of light PAHs such as naphthalene, acenaphthylene, 2,3,5-trimethylnaphthalene and fluorene were detected, indicating the influence of recent fuel spills. PAH concentrations in surface sediments were generally low (37–252 ng g-1 dw) except for two sites (1762 and 1908 ng g-1 dw) which suggested an accumulation process associated with the water circulation pattern. Liver tissue of N coriiceps presented significantly higher PAH levels (257 ng g-1 dw) compared with gonads. The pattern of individual compounds from substrates and organisms suggests a petrogenic and low-temperature combustion origin.
(Received May 13 2008)
(Accepted January 28 2009)
Key wordsaromatic hydrocarbons; Jubany Station; marine pollution; PAHs in biota; sediment contamination
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