Lead pollution in the Antarctic region

摘要

Antarctica is considered to be one of the last 'clean' areas in the world. Therefore, it is important to protect this area from pollution from increased human activity in the region. The aim of this study was to analyse the Antarctic environment in respect of pollution. Lichen samples such as Usnea antarctica and Usnea aurantiaco-atra were chosen as good indicators of trace element contamination, Samples were collected on King George and Livingston islands in the areas of Polish, Brazilian, Russian, Chilean and Spanish Antarctic stations. The lead concentration was determined by the Proton-induced x-ray emission technique at the Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics, Krakow. The results obtained in an experiment on the transplantation of lichens from clean sites to polluted areas close to the bases confirmed an increased level of lead. Material was sampled after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. The long-term integrating ability of lichens is clearly visible. Elevated concentrations of lead of up to 160 ppm in samples placed close to the road to the power station were found. The results indicate the necessity for continuous environment pollution monitoring of Antarctica. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [References: 11]