Environmental pollution of chlorinated hydrocarbons around Syowa Station

• Main Authors: Hideo Hidaka, Ryo Tatsukawa
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English; Japanese
• Published: National Institute of Polar Research 1983
• Subjects: Geography (General); G1-922; Antarctic; Syowa Station; Mizuho; Mizuho Station; Antarc*
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.15094/00008380; https://doaj.org/article/1ce91243e273461394e46dba775ce3e9

DDT, PCB and HCH levels in air, snow, sea water, fish, benthic invertebrate, etc. collected by the 22nd Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (1980-1982) around Syowa Station were determined and the possibility of leakage of these compounds from the station was discussed. Chlorinated hydrocarbon concentrations and compositions in snow were similar in both the samples at Tottuki Point (about 13km northeast from Syowa Station) and those on the windward (about 0.6km north) of Mizuho Station. The concentrations of these chemicals in sea water samples taken at Tottuki Point and near Syowa Station were in the same level though the compositions of PCB isomers and congeners were somewhat different. Taking water current under ice into consideration, it is assumed that Tottuki Point is still unpolluted from Syowa Station. However, PCB and DDT concentrations of benthic fish, Trematomus bernacchii, collected from near Syowa Station were about thirty times (p<0.001) and twice (p<0.01) higher, respectively, than those at Tottuki Point. So it is concluded that the benthic organisms near Syowa Station are polluted considerably by PCB and slightly by DDT from the station activities, although the PCB and DDT levels in these fish are low compared with those in other oceans. In order to prevent the pollution from station activity, the more strict wastes disposal procedure will be necessary. Systematic sample collection and storage of samples in antarctic environment, in particular, the benthic fish, are recommended in order to check the residue of chlorinated hydrocarbons and also to cope with new environmental pollutants.