Anthropogenic contaminants in freshwater from the northern Antarctic Peninsula region

• Published in: Ambio
• Main Authors: Domínguez-Morueco, Noelia, Moreno-Merino, Luis, Molins-Delgado, Daniel, Díaz-Cruz, M. Silvia, Aznar-Alemany, Òscar, Eljarrat, Ethel, Farré, Marinella, López-Martínez, Jerónimo, López de Alda, Miren, Silva, Adrián, Durán Valsero, Juan José, Valcárcel, Yolanda
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Springer Netherlands 2020
• Subjects: Research Article; Antarctic; Antarctic Peninsula; Antarc*; Antarctica
• Online Access: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7882648/; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33098531; https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-020-01404-x

This study aimed to evaluate the presence of ultraviolet filters (UV-Fs), benzotriazoles, pyrethroids and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in freshwater and wastewater from the northern Antarctic Peninsula region. All water samples analyzed contained UV-Fs residues and high concentrations were detected in anthropogenic impacted sites (< LOD up to 1300 ng/L). Likewise, benzotriazoles were detected in all water samples (< LOQ–920 ng/L). Regarding suspended particulate matter, almost all UV-Fs and all benzotriazoles were measured at concentrations ranging from < LOQ to 33 µg/g dry weight. Pyrethroids were also detected (< LOQ–250 ng/L) and their presence implies the existence of a gateway to the Antarctica Peninsula from other regions. The data confirmed the presence of PFASs (< LOD–7500 ng/L) in this area, in agreement with previous studies. In light of these results, extended monitoring in Antarctica should be carried out to perform a reliable environmental risk assessment leading to propose recommendations to minimize the anthropic impact. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s13280-020-01404-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.