Search

Abstract: The information on total metal concentration in sediments is not sufficient to assess the metal behaviour in the environment, while speciation studies are more effective in estimating environmental impact of contaminated sediments. Concerning metal distribution in Antarctic marine sediments, several studies reported total or extractable (by means of a unique reagent) content, but only few publications dealt with metal speciation. This work presents the total content and speciation pattern of Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in 12cm sediment cores, sampled both in coastal and off-shore sites of the Ross Sea shelf area, within the framework of the Italian National Antarctic Programme (PNRA). The total content results of metals are comparable with the background values and the speciation highlights good environmental quality of the studied areas. Only Cd and Pb, in fact, are present in significative amount in non residual phases (acid-extractable and reducible, respectively). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The environment of Antarctica presents numerous challenges to life and exploration. Contained within its bleak landscape is a virtual storehouse of chemical and biological information that can provide clues about past conditions and events. Mass spectrometry is one of the best tools available for analyzing such a diverse sample set from an extreme environment. In the Special Feature, Emanuele Magi and Shivani Tanwar from the University of Genoa discuss the role of mass spectrometry in analyzing and understanding the many different facets of the Antarctic environment, from environmental contaminants to biomarkers and metabolism of organisms. (Cover Caption: Priestley Glacier, Antarctica, about 100 km long, originating at the edge of the polar plateau of Victoria Land, named for Raymond E. Priestley, geologist). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]