Major and trace elements in sediments from Terra Nova Bay, Antarctica

The concentrations of trace metals (Be, Bi, Cd, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, Zn), aluminium, iron and total organic carbon (TOC) were determined in sediments collected in Antarctica (Terra Nova Bay—Ross Sea). Samples were analysed by atomic absorption spectrometry with either flame or flameless techniques. Chemical data were evaluated taking into account the textural and compositional character of the sediments. The mean concentration levels of the elements in the <2 mm granulometric fraction were (mg/kg): Be: 2.04±0.25; Bi ≤0.8; Cd: 0.26±0.16; Cr: 20.3±8.3; Mn: 359±108; Ni: 6.31±3.5; Pb: 20.7±2.8; Sn: 2.12±0.71; Zn: 42.3±10.4; Al: 56 100±3900; Fe: 16 400±4800. The mean value of TOC was 0.34±0.20 g%. In the <63 μm fraction higher levels were observed for all the elements, with the exception of Al and Be. Both petrographic and chemical analyses showed differences between the samples collected in Terra Nova Bay and the sample from Wood Bay.