Development of anthropogenic eutrophication in lakes of the Schirmacher Oasis, Antarctica

摘要

Antarctic lakes are usually extremely unproductive, a feature generally attributable to short growing season, low temperatures and nutrient limitation (Lay-bourn-Parry 2003). In the Antarctic, as elsewhere, natural eutrophication from sources such as nutrients from penguin rookeries or seal wallows (Hawes 1983, Pizarro et al. 1996, Laybourn-Parry 2003) has boosted lake productivity. The potential for anthropogenic eutrophication also exists, and indeed, direct human impacts have not been uncommon in pristine Antarctic lakes as a result of construction and operation of scientific stations in the lake catchments, such as those documented in Larsemann Hills (Ellis-Evans et al. 1997, Burgess & Kaup 1997, Kaup & Burgess 2002, 2003), Thala Hills (MacNa-mara 1970, Kaup 1998) and in Schirmacher Oasis (Haendel & Kaup 1995). The most common impacts have been increased nutrients and suspended matter inflow from stations and roads, changed drainage patterns by road construction, and some cases of oil pollution.