Trace and Toxic Elements Accumulation in Food Chain Representatives at Livingston Island (Antarctica)

Abstract

First data for concentrations and distribution of trace and toxic elements in tissues and organs of brown skua(Catharacta lonnbergi), Gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua), crabeater seal (Lobodon carcinophagus), notothenioid fish(Notothenia coriiceps) and in krill (Euphausia superba), collected on Livingston Island (South Shetlands), Antarcticaare presented. Lead, cadmium, copper, zinc, manganese and cobalt were studied in liver, kidney, bone, spleen, muscle,heart and feathers. Generally, higher concentrations of toxic elements were found in liver and kidneys than in otherinvestigated tissues. The same elements in krill and notothenioid fish were also determined. The obtained data could serve as a starting point for broader investigation of the possible changes in the ecosystem of Antarctic Peninsula underclimate and environmental changes.