Atmospheric PCB Concentration at Terra Nova Bay, Antarctica

These results were in agreement with those reported in 2003. There is evidence that other organic compounds may represent future emerging pollutants in polar regions. In particular, it must be noted that presence of PCNs, discussed above, and nitro-PAHs determined in pristine environments suggest that future monitoring actions must be taken for these classes of pollutants in polar regions.

Indeed, the origin of Antarctic nitro-PAHs remains uncertain: while the abundance ratio of the nitro-naphtalene isomers supported the hypothesis of local direct emission, the relative high abundance of dinitro- with respect to mononitro-derivatives suggested that an efficient gas-phase nitration may take place on a substrate possibly transported from other continents. In addition to atmospheric transport, local sources of PCB such as Antarctic Research Stations should be considered.

The impact of scientific bases and related activities on the environment are more efficiently recorded by sediment analysis.