Occurrence and flux of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in settling particulate matter from the water column in Fildes Bay, Antarctica

Abstract

This study investigates the occurrence, sources and fluxes of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in settling particulate matter (SPM) from the water column from two locations in Fildes Bay (King George Island), Antarctica. Fildes Bay is an area influenced by research stations, maritime activities, and tourism. PAHs were quantified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Results show Σ18PAHs ranged from 2 to 18 ng/g dry weight (DW), in which PAHs predominate 2- to 3-ring compounds. The fluxes from SPM in the water column ranged from 0.03 to 0.70 ng/m²/day and increased near Collins Glacier. The temporal variability observed during the sampling period highlights the influence of both natural and anthropogenic factors. These findings contribute to the scarce dataset available for Antarctic marine environments and emphasize the importance of long-term monitoring to assess pollutant dynamics under changing climatic conditions.

Publication
In: Czech Polar Reports, (15), 1, pp. 97-109
Date