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

Abstract

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.

Environmental contamination and climate change in Antarctic ecosystems: an updated overview

“…The snow elemental composition shows that these elements originate mainly from local rock and soil dust, sea-salt spray, active volcanoes such as Mount Erebus or Deception Island, and natural or anthropogenic sources in South America, South Africa and Australia. [40][41][42][43] As a rule, past and ongoing human activities in Antarctica are associated with highly localized depositions of metals, such as lead (Pb), copper (Cu), arsenic (As), nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn) around scientic stations (e.g., ref. 44).…”