Persistent Pb Pollution in Central East Antarctic Snow: A Retrospective Assessment of Sources and Control Policy Implications

Chang, Robert Chen-Hao; Han, Changhee; Han, Yeongcheol; Hur, Soon Do; Lee, Sang‐Hee; Motoyama, Hideaki; Hou, Shugui; Hong, Sungmin

doi:10.1021/acs.est.6b03209

Cited by 15 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 55 publications

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“…The EBC concentrations were similar to the EBC concentrations measured at coastal stations such as Halley and Neumayer (Wolff and Cahier, 1998;Weller et al, 2013). In contrast, EBC concentrations at Ferraz, Maitri, and Larsemann Hills were higher than those at Syowa (Pereira et al, 2006;Chaubey et al, 2010). Ferraz is located in the northern area of the Antarctic Peninsula as presented in Fig.…”

Section: Variations In Ebc At Syowa Station Antarcticamentioning

confidence: 88%

Seasonal features and origins of carbonaceous aerosols at Syowa Station, coastal Antarctica

et al. 2019

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Abstract. We have measured black carbon (BC) concentrations at Syowa Station, Antarctica, since February 2005. The measured BC concentrations in 2005–2016 were corrected to equivalent BC (EBC) concentrations using Weingartner's method. Seasonal features of EBC concentrations, long-range transport from mid-latitudes to the Antarctic coast, and their origins were characterized. Results show that daily median EBC concentrations were below the detection limit (0.2 ng m−3) to 63.8 ng m−3 at Syowa Station (median, 1.8 ng m−3; mean, 2.7 ng m−3 during the measurement period of February 2005–December 2016). Although seasonal features and year-to-year variations in EBC concentrations were observed, no long-term trend of EBC concentrations was clear during our measurement period. Seasonal features of EBC concentrations showed a spring maximum during September–October at Syowa Station. To elucidate EBC transport processes, origins, and the potential source area (PSA), we compared EBC data to backward trajectory analysis and chemical transport model simulation. From comparison with backward trajectory, high EBC concentrations were found in air masses from the marine boundary layer. This finding implies that transport via the marine boundary layer was the most important transport pathway to EBC concentrations at Antarctic coasts. Some EBC was supplied to the Antarctic region by transport via the upper free troposphere. Chemical transport model simulation demonstrated that the most important origins and PSA of EBC at Syowa Station were biomass burning in South America and southern Africa. Fossil fuel combustion in South America and southern Africa also have important contributions. The absorption Ångström exponent (AAE) showed clear seasonal features with 0.5–1.0 during April–October and maximum (1.0–1.5) in December–February. The AAE features might be associated with organic aerosols and mixing states of EBC.

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Section: Variations In Ebc At Syowa Station Antarcticamentioning

confidence: 88%

Seasonal features and origins of carbonaceous aerosols at Syowa Station, coastal Antarctica

et al. 2019

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“…Finally, a shift in the geochemical data of the top two rows of the grid suggests that the top of Unit H1 might have been affected by modern contamination. For instance, car emissions from the nearby highway may have resulted in contamination with S, Zn, and Cu (Huisman et al, 1997;Chang et al, 2016). Other potential sources of contamination that should be considered are animal urine and feces, which can contain Cl, K 2 O, Zn, P 2 O 5 , and Cu (Prinsloo, 2007;Chase et al, 2012).…”

Section: Site Taphonomymentioning

confidence: 99%

Making the Invisible Stratigraphy Visible: A Grid-Based, Multi-Proxy Geoarchaeological Study of Umhlatuzana Rockshelter, South Africa

et al. 2021

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Umhlatuzana rockshelter is an archaeological site with an occupational record covering the Middle Stone Age, Later Stone Age, and Iron Age. The presence of both Middle and Later Stone Age assemblages makes Umhlatuzana the ideal location for the study of the MSA–LSA transition (20–40 ka) in southern Africa. This transitional period is characterized by important modifications in stone tool technology, from prepared core technology to a toolkit based on microlith production. These changes are argued to have occurred in response to changes in climate and environment leading up to the Last Glacial Maximum. The deposits bearing the transitional assemblages at Umhlatuzana rockshelter appear homogeneous with no visible stratigraphic boundaries. This study integrates geoarchaeological techniques in order to explore fine-resolution geochemical differentiations of the sediments that are macroscopically invisible, and that will provide insight into (post-)depositional processes over time. Samples were systematically retrieved from the western profile of the site following a grid-based sampling strategy and analyzed for pH, elemental composition (XRF), and Magnetic Susceptibility. Additionally, the results were integrated with preliminary micromorphological observations. Our study reveals a steady, gradual change in the geochemistry of the deposits throughout the Pleistocene, related to a combination of environmental change and occupation intensity. We suggest that the part of the sequence reported to bear Middle to Later Stone Age transitional industries is characterized by wetter environmental conditions compared to the underlying deposits. Additionally, we support results from previous studies that excluded large scale post-depositional movement of the sedimentary sequence. Our study offers a successful multi-proxy approach to systematically sample and study archaeological deposits at the macro and micro scale, integrating a variety of geoarchaeological techniques. The approach provides insight into the depositional and post-depositional history of the site, and allows for questions of stratigraphic integrity, anthropogenic input, preservation, and environmental change to be addressed.

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“…After the ban on leaded gasoline in major countries of the Southern Hemisphere from New Zealand in 1996 to South Africa in 2006, the Pb concentrations in Antarctic snow decreased. Chilean copper smelter production was later identified as a major source of Pb pollution in Antarctica (Chang et al 2016). To trace the source region responsible for anthropogenic Pb reaching Victoria Land, we compared the isotopic data of the Hercules Névé snow samples spanning the period 2012-2015 with those of anthropogenic sources.…”

Section: Sources Of Anthropogenic Pb In Hercules Névé Snowmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Fine particulate Pb pollutants can be transported over long distances through the atmosphere, even reaching Antarctica, which is the most remote area on Earth, and Antarctic surface snow responds to the changing deposition of anthropogenic Pb. Thus, Antarctic snow layers provide records of past changes in Pb deposition, which helps us understand the global nature of atmospheric Pb pollution and recent changes in response to efforts to reduce Pb emissions (Wolff and Suttie 1994, Barbante et al 1997, Planchon et al 2002, Chang et al 2016. A few reliable records have demonstrated that peak Pb pollution in Antarctica occurred in the 1970s and 1980s with a small time difference between the regions; the late 1970s-1980s in the Atlantic sector of Antarctica (Coats Land) Suttie 1994, Planchon et al 2003), the late 1980s in the Pacific sector (Victoria Land) (Barbante et al 1997, Van de Velde et al 2005, and the 1960s-1980s in the Indian sector (Law Dome) (Vallelonga et al 2002, Van de Velde et al 2005 (figure S1 (available online at stacks.iop.org/ERC/4/055006/mmedia)).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Variations in lead isotopes in Antarctic snow from northern Victoria Land during 2012–2015

Han

Kim

Lee

et al. 2022

Environ. Res. Commun.

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To evaluate recent changes in anthropogenic Pb pollution and its sources and origins in Antarctica, Pb and Ba concentrations and Pb isotopic compositions were determined in a continuous series of 40 snow samples from a 2-m deep snow pit, covering 4 full years from 2011/12 summer to 2015/16 summer, at the Hercules Névé plateau in Victoria Land, Antarctica. The results show that more than 90% of the atmospheric Pb deposited in Victoria Land was of noncrustal origin. This result implies the persistence of a significant human impact on the atmospheric cycle of Pb in the most remote places on Earth, despite a substantial reduction in anthropogenic Pb emissions in the Southern Hemisphere during recent years. The Pb isotopic fingerprints indicate that South America, particularly Brazil and Chile, has become a major source of anthropogenic Pb reaching Victoria Land. Our data highlight the need for both national and international measures to further reduce Pb emissions.

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Persistent Pb Pollution in Central East Antarctic Snow: A Retrospective Assessment of Sources and Control Policy Implications

Cited by 15 publications

References 55 publications

Seasonal features and origins of carbonaceous aerosols at Syowa Station, coastal Antarctica

Seasonal features and origins of carbonaceous aerosols at Syowa Station, coastal Antarctica

Making the Invisible Stratigraphy Visible: A Grid-Based, Multi-Proxy Geoarchaeological Study of Umhlatuzana Rockshelter, South Africa

Variations in lead isotopes in Antarctic snow from northern Victoria Land during 2012–2015

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