Evidence of human impact in Antarctic region by studying atmospheric aerosols

Evidence of human impact in Antarctic region by studying atmospheric aerosols

Air quality is a global concerning topic because of its great impact on the environment and health. Because of that, the study of atmospheric aerosols looking for harmful pollutants is rising, as well as the interest in the origin of the contaminants. Depending on the nature and size of the aerosols...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Chemosphere (Oxford) Vol. 307; p. 135706
Main Authors: Abás, Elisa, Marina-Montes, César, Laguna, Mariano, Lasheras, Roberto, Rivas, Patricia, Peribáñez, Pablo, del Valle, Javier, Escudero, Miguel, Velásquez, Abrahan, Cáceres, Jorge O., Pérez-Arribas, Luis Vicente, Anzano, Jesús
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-11-2022
Subjects:
Antarctic region
Atmospheric aerosols
FESEM
ICP-MS
LIBS
Particulate matter
ICP-MS
LIBS
Particulate matter
Antarctic region
Atmospheric aerosols
FESEM
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Summary:Air quality is a global concerning topic because of its great impact on the environment and health. Because of that, the study of atmospheric aerosols looking for harmful pollutants is rising, as well as the interest in the origin of the contaminants. Depending on the nature and size of the aerosols, some elements can be detected at a great distance from the emission source, even in Antarctica, where this study is conducted. Several samples of PM filters from 2018 to 2019 (Deception Island) and 2019–2020 (Livingston Island) campaigns have been analyzed by three powerful spectroscopic techniques: FESEM (Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy), LIBS (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy), and ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry). These techniques have allowed us to find some heavy metals in the air of the Antarctic region (Al, Fe, Ti, Ni, Cr, and Mn). Deeper studies on ICP-MS results have confirmed those results and have also provided information on their potential sources. Thus, while Al, Fe, Ti and Mn concentrations can be explained by crustal origin, Ni and Cr presented high values only coherent with important human contribution. The results point out that the Antarctic region is no longer a clean and isolated environment from human pollution. [Display omitted] •Antarctic atmospheric aerosols PM10 were analyzed by FESEM, LIBS and ICP-MS.•All techniques showed great concentrations of crustal elements such as Fe, Al and Ti.•Enrichment factors and correlations studies were performed pointing out an important human contribution of Ni and Cr.
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ISSN:0045-6535
1879-1298
DOI:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135706