ARSENIC AND HEAVY METALS IN SOILS FROM COMANDANTE FERRAZ ANTARCTIC STATION (KING GEORGE ISLAND) AFTER FIRE

e levels of arsenic and heavy metals were determined in soils collected in the surroundings of “Comandante Ferraz” Brazilian Antarctic Station, a er a re occurred in February 2012, to assess the environmental impacts in the area. Considering the elements evaluated, the ranges of concentrations in mg kg-1 were as follows: arsenic, 2 to 8; cadmium, 1 to 7; chrome, 4 to 113; copper, 38 to 131; nickel, 3 to 11; lead, 3 to 328; and zinc, 41 to 263. e results were compared with those of previous assessments performed in soil and marine sediments collected near the Brazilian Station. Except for As, the data indicated (i) an increase in heavy metal contents; (ii) the need for remediation and (iii) more detailed studies on the contamination of the area a er the accident and its e ects on the biota.