An Assessment of Metal Pollution in the Surface Sediments of an East Antarctic Lake ...

• Main Authors: Joju, G.S., Warrier, Anish Kumar, Sali, A.S Yamuna, Chaparro, Marcos A.E., Mahesh, B.S., K, Amrutha, K, Balakrishna, Mohan, Rahul
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: Taylor & Francis 2024
• Subjects: Environmental Sciences not elsewhere classified; Chemical Sciences not elsewhere classified; Ecology; FOS Biological sciences; Astronomical and Space Sciences not elsewhere classified; Biological Sciences not elsewhere classified; Inorganic Chemistry; FOS Chemical sciences; Antarc*; Antarctic; Antarctica; East Antarctica
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.25377280.v1; https://tandf.figshare.com/articles/journal_contribution/An_Assessment_of_Metal_Pollution_in_the_Surface_Sediments_of_an_East_Antarctic_Lake/25377280/1

This study discusses the metal concentrations and sedimentological data from Lake L55, a dried, land-locked lake from Schirmacher Oasis, East Antarctica. Toxic metals in sediments are a major threat to the environment. Twenty-five surface sediment samples were analyzed for the presence of fifteen metals. The sedimentological data indicates that the sediments are predominantly sandy with low concentrations of silt and clay. The chemical weathering index for the sediments reflects low degree of weathering. Negligible concentrations of organic content were present in the sediments owing to the cold and dry conditions of the study area. The environmental pollution indices indicate elevated concentrations of Ba, Zn, As and Pb in the sediments. Barium could be supplied by the weathering of the quartzofeldspathic catchment rocks, while Zn, As and Pb could be supplied from the fuel burning for power generation and logistical activities, paint residue, and battery waste. The sediment quality guidelines were ...