Legacy and novel contaminants in surface sediments of Admiralty Bay, Antarctica Peninsula.

ABSTRACT

Despite being one of the most remote areas on the planet, the Antarctic continent is subject to anthropogenic influences. The presence of various groups of contaminants, including persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), has been documented in the region over the past decades. However, a significant knowledge gap remains regarding the detection of new pollutants, such as emerging contaminants (ECs), in Antarctic coastal environments. This study analyzed the occurrence and levels of selected POPs, PAHs, ECs in surface sediments from Admiralty Bay, Antarctica Peninsula. Non-target screening was employed to identify potential novel contaminants in the region. Samples (n = 17) were extracted using an accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) system and instrumental analyses were performed using gas chromatography coupled to a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer (GC/MS-MS). Regarding regulated contaminants, concentrations of Σ5PCBs ranged from inlet, suggesting influences of local input sources, especially for PAHs. ECs were detected in some sites of the Ezcurra and Martel inlets, especially nearby the Brazilian and Polish research stations. The UV filters homosalate (0.3 to 251.3 ng g-1) and octocrylene (0.7 to 93.8 ng g-1) were the most abundant EC, followed by TPP (0.1 to 87.4 ng g-1) and galaxolide (0.2 to 55.0 ng g-1). Applying non-target analysis, phthalates, and the fragrance OTNE (octahydro-tetramethyl-naphthalenyl-ethanone) were identified for the first time in Antarctic sediments. The data highlights the contribution of human activities in the region, possibly through wastewater effluents. This study provides data on the current levels of PAHs and POPs in the region, which are steadily decreasing over the years.