Abstract:
The concentration, movement and transformation of metal pollutants in Antarctic soils was investigated with two main objectives; i) to assess the fate of pollutants already present in the soil and ii) to establish experimental plots from which the rate of metal movements can be determined. The work was carried out at two different sites: Marble Point and Scott Base. Marble Point was a
... construction camp in 1957-1958 but later abandoned. Many point sources of pollution remain scattered on or near the ground surface. Eleven apparently undisturbed metal point sources of pollution were selected for sampling including objects containing lead, copper, zinc and tin. Where possible soil was sampled laterally and vertically at 1-5cm intervals, to depths of up to 20cm. Reference samples were taken for each site within close proximity, but away from the influence of the point source. A composite reference sample was taken from the perimeter of the abandoned camp and four water samples were also collected. A total of 113 soil samples adjacent to point sources were collected in the Marble Point area. The establishment of experiment plots dosed with low levels of metal ion salt solution was carried out on the northern side of Scott Base. Twelve plots were marked out and at the centre of each plot, a small hole was dug, and the soil from approximately 20 cm below the surface was removed. The sample was contaminated with a low level of a solution of either copper or zinc chloride and was replaced into the hole for resampling in the 2007/08 season. Nine samples of copper foil and zinc wool were also buried and recollected at a later date. Marble Point soil samples were analysed to determine general soil characteristics and levels of pollutant metals. Soil and metal foil samples from the Scott Base site are stored in the Transitional Facility at the School of Geography, Geology and Environmental Science, University of Auckland. 
