title: How Important Is Research on Pollution Levels in Antarctica? Historical Approach, Difficulties and Current Trends.
abstract: Despite the fact that Antarctica is a continent notably free from large negative impact of human activities, literature data can be the basis for concluding that this is not an area free from anthropogenic pollutants. Pollutants, which are identified in various elements of the environment of Antarctica, are mostly connected with long-range atmospheric transport (LRAT) and deposition in this area. The study presents: a historical overview of research pertaining to the presence of pollutants in entire Antarctica; a description of the development of research on pollutants in various environmental samples conducted in this area since 1960; a detailed description of contemporary analytical research (2000-2014); information on concentration levels of a broad range of pollutants present in various elements of the environment. The data collected can provide grounds for concluding that pollutants present in this area can contribute to gradual degradation of Antarctic ecosystem.
authors: Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, 11/12 Narutowicza St., Gdansk, 80-233, Poland.
authors: Małgorzata
authors: M
authors: Szopińska
authors: Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, 11/12 Narutowicza St., Gdansk, 80-233, Poland.
authors: Jacek
authors: J
authors: Namieśnik
authors: Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, 11/12 Narutowicza St., Gdansk, 80-233, Poland. zanpolko@pg.gda.pl.
authors: Żaneta
authors: Ż
authors: Polkowska
mesh_terms: D000864:Antarctic Regions; D017753:Ecosystem; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D012106:Research
chemical_list: D004785:Environmental Pollutants
keywords: Analytical studies; Antarctica; Long-range atmospheric transport; Pollutants