Waterborne metal levels in four freshwater lakes from Harmony Point, Nelson Island, Antarctica

Abstract The aim of this study is to analyze the waterborne metal levels in four lakes (one endorheic and three exorheic) of Harmony Point, Nelson Island, Antarctica. Water samples were analyzed by using a quadrupole type inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer and an inductively coupled plasma...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Published in:Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências
Main Authors: BERNARDO BALDISSEROTTO, VINÍCIUS M. NEVES, VALDERI L. DRESSLER, CRISTIANO N. ROSA, ULISSES F. BREMER, WATERLOO PEREIRA FILHO
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2024
Subjects:
hydrochemical
limnology
periglacial environments
salt spray
Science
Q
Antarc*
Antarctica
Nelson Island
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1590/0001-3765202420231140
https://doaj.org/article/a47cf91735ac4028938b03d9eb97c029
Description
Summary:Abstract The aim of this study is to analyze the waterborne metal levels in four lakes (one endorheic and three exorheic) of Harmony Point, Nelson Island, Antarctica. Water samples were analyzed by using a quadrupole type inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer and an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer. The levels of As, Cu, Mn, Mo, and V were significantly lower and those of Cr, Mg, Na, and Sr were significantly higher in the endorheic lake than in the other lakes. Most water samples presented levels of Ag, Be, Cd, Pb, Se, Tl, and U below the limit of quantification, while for Ba, Co, and Ni around half of the samples were below this limit. The waterborne metal levels were not significantly different between the exorheic lakes. Waterborne metal levels in the freshwater lakes from Harmony Point did not show any clear relationship with their levels in the soil of the region or with bird guano, and overall, their levels indicate an environment without anthropogenic influence. Apparently, the Na levels are influenced by salt spray from the ocean, as they are related to the distance of the lakes from the ocean.

Similar Items