Human Activity in Antarctica: Effects on Metallic Trace Elements (MTEs) in Plants and Soils

Abstract

Colobanthus quitensis (Kunt) is one of the two vascular plant species present in Antarctica and develops under severe environmental conditions, being found in both pristine and human-threatened environments. We determined the Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn levels in C. quitensis roots, leaves, and soils of origin using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. In January 2017, we collected samples from four geographical zones on the longitudinal gradient along which C. quitensis is distributed, starting from Punta Arenas (PAR) at the extreme south of mainland Chile and moving southwards to the Antarctic territory from King George Island (KGI) to Hannah Point Peninsula (PHA) and finally Lagotellerie Island (LAT). We used certified reference material to validate the plant tissues and soil samples we collected. The highest concentrations of metals that we measured in the soils and in the C. quitensis roots and leaves were in samples we collected at the KGI station, the zone with the greatest human activity. The lowest concentrations we measured were at the LAT station, an island with little human intervention and scarce fauna. The mean concentrations of metals in the roots and leaves of C. quitensis followed a similar order at all sampling locations: Mn > Zn > Cu > Ni > Pb > Cr > Cd. In contrast, in soil, they followed the following order: Mn > Zn > Cu > Cr > Pb > Ni > Cd. The concentration levels obtained for the different metals in the soil and plants tissue samples in this region of Antarctica indicated that the area was non-polluted. However, the metallic trace element (MTE) concentrations may be at an early stage of contamination, as described in other areas of the Antarctic, being a new threat to this continent.

Influence of marine vertebrates on organic matter, phosphorus and other chemical element levels in Antarctic soils

“…atmospheric currents) and local sources (e.g. research stations and logistic operations) (Santos et al 2005;Amaro et al 2015;Bueno et al 2018;Potapowicz et al 2019;Tapia et al 2021). Previous studies have also confirmed the flow of marine-derived nutrients via marine vertebrates into the terrestrial food web in Antarctica (Bargagli 2005;Bokhorst et al 2007Bokhorst et al , 2019aZwolicki et al 2015;Bokhorst and Convey 2016) with evidence that the input of organic matter and nutrients (e.g.…”