<b>Dataset for: </b><b>Anthropogenic impacts on the microbial ecology of Antarctica</b>

Based on the spatial impact boundary of approximately 4.8 km, an estimated 60 Antarctic Specially Protected Areas (ASPAs) are projected to be affected by non-native microbes. This empirically derived threshold provides a basis for managing human activities to protect Antarctic ecosystems, particularly in the delineation and management of ASPAs. Alarmingly, as global warming accelerates glacial retreat and expands ice-free terrain, the non-native microbial taxa is projected to dispersal to 279.1 km² newly exposed ice-free land, posing an escalating threat to Antarctica’s fragile ecosystems.

These insights are essential for translating fragmented evidence into actionable policies to safeguard Antarctica’s pristine environment under mounting anthropogenic pressure and ensure its sustainable future.</p>