Biomarker approach to evaluating the impact of scientific stations on the antarctic environment using Trematomus bernacchii as a bioindicator organism

A biomonitoring study was performed to evaluate the human impact on two small coves adjacent to the Italian Scientific Station at Terra Nova Bay in November 1995. The study used the fish species Trematomus bernacchii as a bioindicator organism for a biomarker analysis based on porphyrin levels, and BPMO (Benzo(a)pyrene MonoOxygenase) and EROD (Ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase) activities. Porphyrin levels and EROD and BPMO activities were found to be generally low. In contrast to previous years, no statistically significant difference was found between the potentially contaminated cove and the control cove after the Italian expedition had been active nearby for a period of one month. This indicates a marked decrease in certain types of contaminants such as organochlorines and trace metals, mainly due to improvements in waste disposal.