Emission of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the north-west Antarctic Peninsula region.

Abstract

Antarctica, once regarded as the last pristine desert untouched by human activity, is now facing increasing local impacts due to the rising presence of humans, primarily driven by scientific and touristic activities. This pilot study aimed to assess and compare the atmospheric concentrations of selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) collected using passive air samplers and polyurethane foam disks as sorbent phases at different distances from a permanent (Capitán Arturo Prat) and a semi-permanent (Yelcho) research stations in the north-west region of the Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) during summer 2022 and throughout the year for the permanent station. The findings revealed that Antarctic research stations serve as potential primary sources of PAHs to the local atmosphere. Concentrations of PAHs decreased with increasing distance from suspected point sources, with significantly higher concentrations observed at Capitán Arturo Prat, possibly attributed to the presence of a waste incinerator. Moreover, concentrations in Capitán Arturo Prat during summer 2022 were up to six times higher compared to the rest of the year. Diagnostic ratios indicated that the detected PAHs were mainly derived from pyrogenic sources associated with biomass and wood burning, with the presence of retene suggesting potential non-reported wood burning sources.