Heavy metal contamination in some soils of the McMurdo Sound region, Antarctica

Abstract

Soil samples from eight sites at Marble Point and Pram Point, McMurdo Sound region, contaminated by human activities were examined for heavy metal content, using sequential extraction methods. The redistribution of lead, zinc and copper arising from point sources of these metals was demonstrated. The levels found are not considered to represent serious pollution but do indicate that human activities can change the chemistry of the Antarctic environment in localized areas.