Human footprint on the water quality from the northern Antarctic Peninsula region

This study assessed the human footprint on the chemical pollution of Antarctic waters by characterizing inor-ganic chemicals and selected organic anthropogenic contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in inland fresh-water and coastal seawater and the associated ecotoxicological risk. Nicotine and tolytriazole, present in 74% and 89% of the samples analyzed, respectively, were the most ubiquitous CECs in the investigated area. The most abundant CECs were citalopram, clarithromycin, and nicotine with concentrations reaching 292, 173, and 146 ng/L, respectively. The spatial distribution of CECs was not linked to any water characteristic or inorganic component. The contamination pattern by CECs in inland freshwater varied among locations, whereas it was very similar in coastal seawater. This suggests that concentrations in inland freshwater may be ruled by envi-ronmental processes (reemission from ice, atmospheric deposition, limited photo-and biodegradation processes, etc.) in addition to human activities. Following risk assessment, citalopram, clarithromycin, nicotine, ven-lafaxine, and hydrochlorothiazide should be considered of concern in this area, and hence, included in future monitoring of Antarctic waters and biota. This work provides evidence on the fact that current measures taken to protect the pristine environment of Antarctica from human activities are not effective to avoid CEC spread in its aquatic environment.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the impact of human activities on the chemical pollution of Antarctic waters by assessing the presence of inorganic chemicals and selected organic anthropogenic contaminants. The results showed that nicotine and tolytriazole were the most common contaminants in the area. Citalopram, clarithromycin, and nicotine were the most abundant contaminants, indicating the need for further monitoring and protection measures in Antarctic waters.