Trace elements in soils of oases of Enderby Land (on an example of Vecherny oasis)

Abstract

The content of trace elements in the soils of the Vecherny Oasis (Enderby Land, East Antarctica), where the construction of the Belarusian Antarctic Station started in December 2015, is considered. The results of the research are based on data collected during four Belarusian Antarctic expeditions in the period from 2011 to 2017, and analytical testing of soil samples taken from impacted and non-impacted sites. A total of 22 soil samples were analyzed for the content of trace elements; to compare the levels of accumulation and possible migration pathways, 7 samples of bottom sediments were also analyzed. Determination of trace elements was carried out using the AAS method (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni, Zn, Fe, Mn) and emission spectral analysis (about 40 elements). The average values and range of concentrations of trace elements in soils and bottom sediments of the oasis are presented. The possible dependence of the trace elements content on the location positions in the landscape and on the sources of impact is discussed. It is shown, that the variability of metals content in soil profile for background site is low. In comparison with other oases of Antarctica no hotspots have been revealed and no significant areas of soil contamination have been identified yet, which is largely due to the fragmentation of the soil cover and lack of significant sources of pollution.