Elevated cadmium accumulation in marine organisms from Terra Nova Bay (Antarctica) during 1989-1991

As a contribution towards identification of the principal environmental factors involved in cadmium accumulation in Antarctic marine organisms and the establishment of a baseline near the Italian Antarctic Station Baia Terra Nova, surface sediments, plankton and benthic organisms were studied in coastal waters of Terra Nova Bay (Ross Sea). The cadmium content of sediments was similar to that regarded as background in most marine coastal areas, whereas in surface water, phyto-and zooplankton it was similar to values measured in areas of enhanced upwelling.

Algal and animal taxa dominating benthic associations had higher cadmium content than related species from other seas. Very high concentrations of the metal were found in sponges (10-80 mg/g dw) and in the digestive glands of molluscs (up to 345 mg/g in Nebucciinum eatoni). The rapid regeneration of cadmium and its natural occurrence and bioavailability in highly productive coastal waters seems to be responsible for cadmium accumulation in the tissue of marine organisms near the Baia Terra Nova station.