1 - Instituto de Biologia da UFRJ

Annual Activity Report 2011 

Expedient 

Editors Yocie Yoneshigue Valentin – IB/UFRJ 

Adriana Galindo Dalto – IB/UFRJ 

Helena Passeri Lavrado – IB/UFRJ 

Production Editora Cubo 

Proofreader Yocie Yoneshigue Valentin – IB/UFRJ 


Daniela Rezende Peçanha Fernandes – IB/UFRJ 

Rafael Bendayan de Moura – UFPE 

Tais Maria de Souza Campos – IB/UFRJ 

Collaboration Geyze Magalhães de Faria – IB/UFRJ 

Carla da Silva Maria Balthar – IB/UFRJ 

Photograph Courtesy Adriana Galindo Dalto (Backgrounds: Presentation, Introduction, Thematic Area 2) 

Andre Monnerat Lanna (Backgrounds: Cover, Summary, Thematic Area 4, 

Facts and Figures, E-mails) 

Jaqueline Brummelhaus (Backgrounds: Science Highlights, Publications) 

Luiz Fernando Würdig Roesch (Backgrounds: Thematic Area 1, Thematic Area 3, 

Education and Outreach Activities) 

Roberta da Cruz Piuco (Background: Expedient) 

The editors express their gratitude to the INCT-APA colleagues that contribute to this edition. 

This document was prepared as an account of work done by INCT-APA users and staff. Whilst the document is believed to 

contain correct information, neither INCT-APA nor any of its employees make any warranty, expresses, implies or assumes 

any legal responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process 

disclosed within. As well, the use of this material does not infringe any privately owned copyrights. 

Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia 

Antártico de Pesquisas Ambientais (INCT-APA) 

INCT-APA Headquarters Instituto de Biologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS) 

Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) 

Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373 - Sala A1-94 - Bloco A 

Ilha do Fundão, Cidade Universitária - CEP: 21941-902 

Rio de Janeiro - RJ, Brazil 

Telephone/ Fax +55 21 2562-6322 / +55 21 2562-6302 

E-mail yocie@biologia.ufrj.br/ inctapa@gmail.com 

Home Page www.biologia.ufrj.br/inct-antartico 

Management Committee 

General Coordinator 

Yocie Yoneshigue Valentin – IB/UFRJ 

Vice-coordinator 

Rosalinda Carmela Montone – IO/USP 

Thematic Area 1 (Antarctic Atmosphere) 

Neusa Maria Paes Leme – INPE 

(Team Leader) 

Emília Corrêa – Mackenzie/INPE (Vice-team Leader) 

Thematic Area 2 (Antarctic Terrestrial Environment) 

Antonio Batista Pereira – UNIPAMPA (Team Leader) 

Maria Virgínia Petry – UNISINOS (Vice-team Leader) 

Thematic Area 3 (Antarctic Marine Environment) 

Helena Passeri Lavrado – IB/UFRJ 

(Team Leader) 

Edson Rodrigues – UNITAU 

(Vice-team Leader) 

Thematic Area 4 (Environmental Management) 

Cristina Engel de Alvarez – UFES (Team Leader) 

Alexandre de Avila Leripio – UNIVALI (Vice-team Leader) 

Education and Outreach Activities – Team Leader 

Déia Maria Ferreira – IB/UFRJ 

International Scientific Assessor 

Lúcia de Siqueira Campos – IB/UFRJ 

Project Manager Assessor 


Executive Office 

Carla Maria da Silva Balthar – IB/UFRJ 

Finance Technical Support 

Maria Helena Amaral da Silva – IBCCF/UFRJ 

Marta de Oliveira Farias – IBCCF/UFRJ 

Production

National Institute of Science and Technology 

Antarctic Environmental Research

Cataloguing Card 

I59a 

Annual Activity Report 2011 / Annual Activity Report of National Institute 

for Science and Technology Antarctic Environmental Research / Instituto Nacional 

de Ciência e Tecnologia Antártico de Pesquisas Ambientais (INCT – APA). – 2011. – 

São Carlos: Editora Cubo, 2012. 

210 p. 

ISSN 2177-918X 

1. Environmental research. 2. Antarctica. I. Title. 

CDD 363.7

Summary 

4 Presentation 

10 Introduction 

15 Science Highlights 

194 Education and Outreach Activities 

200 Facts and Figures 

202 Publications 

206 E-mails

PRESENTATION 

National Institute of Science and Technology – 

Antarctic Environmental Research 

Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia – Antártico de Pesquisas Ambientais (INCT-APA) 

The importance of Antarctic Research 

Antarctica is the most preserved region of the planet and 

one of the most vulnerable to global environmental changes. 

Alterations in the Antarctic environment, natural or caused 

by human activities, have the potential to provoke biological, 

environmental and socio-economic impacts, which can 

affect the terrestrial system as a whole. For this reason, the 

scientific research in Polar Regions is of great environmental 

and economic importance, since it contributes to the 

comprehension of climatic and environmental changes 

observed in these regions, offering support to policy makers. 

The protection of the Antarctic environment is one of 

highest priorities of all the nations that operate on the 

continent. For this reason the region should continue 

to be the most preserved of the planet, harmonizing the 

presence of man and the attendance of mankind’s needs 

related to the mitigation of environmental impact of an 

ecosystem which is highly fragile. In 1991, the concerns 

over the consequences of human activity in the Antarctic 

environment became a reality through the Protocol on 

Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. This 

protocol established directives and procedures, which 

should be adopted in the undertaking of activities in 

Antarctica. The monitoring of the environmental impact of 

Brazilian activities in Antarctica is a commitment assumed 

by the Brazilian Government through the ratification of the 

Madrid Protocol (1994). 

The position of Brazil as consultative member of the 

Antarctica Treaty demands an active scientific role at 

the Brazilian Antarctic Program, which is undertaken by 

means of: 

• Consolidation of Brazilian research groups in Antarctic 

science; 

• The undertaking of Applied and Basic research on 

Antarctica for understanding the structure and the 

function of Antarctic ecosystems. Hence, this knowledge 

contributes to management and preservation of this 

ecosystem; 

• Formation of human resources for higher education and 

for scientific and technological development; 

• Incentive for an interdisciplinary approach to scientific 

questions involving Antarctic systems, at the most 

diverse levels; 

• Generation of knowledge through Antarctic ecosystems 

and transfer of this knowledge to Society; 

• Consolidate the results obtained by the INCT-APA 

scientific research and, communicate it to policy 

makers to contribute to define policies guided towards 

conservation and management of Antarctic region. 

Some of the Benefits to Society: 

• Improvement of the climate analysis and forecasts for the 

whole Brazilian Territory (improvement of the national 

climatic models and the weather forecasting system); 

• Application of knowledge of physical processes in the 

upper atmosphere and in the ionosphere, interactions 

with solar radiation (prevention of telecommunication 

incidents); 

• Investigation concerning radiation variations as a 

result of global atmosphere changes and their impacts 

(monitoring of the ozone layer, UV-B radiation, 

consequences to human population, e.g. cancer and 

glaucoma); 

• The development of investigative studies concerning the 

possible impacts of global changes in Antarctica (global 

warming, natural disasters, ice-melt, and preventative 

and corrective initiatives of impacts of these kinds of 

occurrences); 

• Production of knowledge and critical mass to support 

decisions and policy recommendations concerning 

biological diversity (sustainable use of live resources); 

• Integration of geophysical, geological and biological 

investigations related to the Austral Ocean (support for 

4 | Annual Activity Report 2011

interdisciplinary research and full knowledge of the 

Antarctic region); 

• Implementation of a social programme for educational 

and outreach activities (creation of public awareness on 

Antarctic Research and the importance of this continent 

for the planet). 

What is the INCT – Antarctic 

Environmental Research? 

The National Institute of Science and Technology - Antarctic 

Environmental Research (abbreviated as INCT in Brazilian 

Portuguese used in this document as INCT-APA hitherto) 

was created by the Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology 

and Innovation (Ministério de Ciência, Tecnologia e 

Inovação -MCTI) in search of excellence in scientific 

activities at an international level in strategic areas defined 

by the Action Plan 2007-2010 of the Science Programme, 

Technology and Innovation for Antarctica, by means of 

programmes and instruments made operational by CNPq 

and by FAPERJ (Research support Foundations at different 

levels). The referred initiative has the view to implement a 

network of atmospheric, terrestrial and marine monitoring 

in the Antarctic region. 

Who are we? 

INCT-APA consists of more than 70 researchers who, 

in an integrated manner, evaluate the local and global 

environmental impacts in the atmospheric, terrestrial 

and marine areas of Maritime Antarctica systems and, 

in addition, are involved in the related educational and 

scientific outreach of their activities. The research developed 

by INCT-APA will contribute to influence initiatives 

concerning biological diversity and environmental 

protection of Antarctica, principally in the scope of the 

Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, and 

the Ministry of the Environment. Furthermore, it assists 

in educational processes with the purpose of divulging 

Antarctic research to the public in general. 

See more at: 

http://www.biologia.ufrj.br/inct-antartico/ 

Contact: 

inctapa@gmail.com | yocie@biologia.ufrj.br 

Presentation | 

5


Mission 

To valorise the region of Antarctica as an opportunity for 

development of transdisciplinary scientific investigations, 

promoting environmental management and conservation 

of Antarctic region. 

Aims 

• To develop scientific investigations and long-time survey 

in marine, terrestrial and atmospheric environments in 

the Antarctic region; 

• To structure and operate a local environmental 

management system in King George Island and adjacent 

areas; and 

• To promote education and outreach activities for 

diffusion of the Brazilian Antarctic researchs. 

INCT- Antarctic Environmental Research 

(INCT- Antártico de Pesquisas Ambientais) 

INCT-APA is based at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro 

(Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro -UFRJ), under the 

coordination of Professor Yocie Yoneshigue Valentin, Botany 

Department – Institute of Biology/UFRJ. The research team 

includes PhD researchers, technical assistants, undergraduate 

and graduate students, belonging to 17 universities and other 

research institutes from eight Brazilian states: Rio de Janeiro, 

São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, Rio Grande do Norte, 

Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul. 

INCT-APA MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE 

GENERAL COORDINATION 

Prof. Dr. Yocie Yoneshigue Valentin (IB/UFRJ) 

General Coordenator of INCT – APA 

Prof. Dr. Rosalinda Carmela Montone (IO/USP) 

Vice-coordenator of INCT – APA 

THEMATIC AREA TEAM LEADERS 

Prof. Dr. Neusa Paes Leme (INPE) 

Thematic Area 1 - Team Leader 

Prof. Dr. Antonio Batista Pereira (UNIPAMPA) 


Prof. Dr. Helena Passeri Lavrado (IB/UFRJ) 


Prof. Dr. Cristina Engel de Alvarez (UFES) 


ASSESSORS 

Prof. Dr. Lúcia de Siqueira Campos (IB/UFRJ) 

International Relations for Antarctic Research 

Prof. Msc. Déia Maria Ferreira (IB/UFRJ) 

Outreach and Education 

Dr. Adriana Galindo Dalto (IB/UFRJ) 

Project Manager 

THEMATIC AREA 1 THEMATIC AREA 2 THEMATIC AREA 3 THEMATIC AREA 4 

UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DO RIO GRANDE DO NORTE 


7

Thematic Research Areas 

The Research of INCT-APA is organized into four thematic areas described below: 

Adriana G. Dalto 


Thematic Area 1 

Antarctic Atmosphere and 

Environmental Impacts in 

South America 

Operated through the knowledge and monitoring of 

Antarctic atmosphere and its environmental impacts 

on South America 


Impact of Global 

Changes on the Antarctic 

Terrestrial Environment 

Operated through the study and monitoring of the 

impact of global, natural and anthropogenic origins in 

the Antarctic terrestrial environment. 

Objectives of the Area: 

1. To monitor and evaluate: 

• The regions of movement of Antarctic Cold Fronts as 

far as South America, especially Brazil; 

• The greenhouse effect perceived in Antarctica; 

• The chemical changes of the atmosphere and their 

influence on the climate, involving: the interaction 

Sun - Earth, the temperature of the mesosphere and 

the hole in the ozone layer; 

2. To offer supporting information to numerical models 

of climate and weather forecasting. 


1. To investigate the effect of glacier retraction and its 

implications on biogeochemical cycles; 

2. To measure the alterations in vegetation cover and in 

diversity of plant communities; 

3. To evaluate the fluctuation and distribution of seabird 

populations. 

Roberta Piuco 

Andre M. Lanna 






Impact of Human 

Activities on the Antarctic 

Marine Environment 

Operate in the study and monitoring of the impact 

of global, natural and anthropogenic origins in the 

Antarctic marine environment. 


1. To study the marine ecosystem processes, and their 

effects of natural and anthropogenic impacts on the 

environments, using long time series surveys; 

2. Subsidizing the processes and environmental 

management tools, such as the Management Plan of 

Admiralty Bay; 

3. Identify the presence of exotic marine species and 

define possible endemic species. 


Environmental Management 

Acts in the development of measures with the purpose of 

optimizing the functioning of buildings of the Brazilian 

Antarctic Station and its shelters. 


1. To evaluate and monitor the impact of the presence 

of research buildings and their shelters on the landscape 

of the Antarctic region; 

2. To study the use of technologies and structures that 

can minimize the impact caused by human presence in 

the Antarctic region, as well as optimize the conditions 

of comfort and security for the users. 

Roberta Piuco 

Adriana Dalto 



9

introduction 

Advances In Brazilian Research In Admiralty Bay 

Dr. Yocie Yoneshigue Valentin (IB/UFRJ) – General Coordinator of the National Institute of 

Science and Technology – Antarctic Environmental Research INCT-APA 

yocie@biologia.ufrj.br; yocievalentin@gmail.com 

The National Institute of Science and Technology – 

Antarctic Environmental Research – undertakes its 

research studies having as driving guideline the Antarctic 

Environmental Biocomplexity, based on long term studies 

of processes in the atmospheric, marine and terrestrial 

environments and its relationships with human activities, 

especially in Admiralty Bay (King George Island, South 

Shetlands Islands, Maritime Antarctica, 62°S) and adjacent 

areas. In this context, the research studies undertaken 

by Brazil over the last 30 years, including those activities 

developed by INCT- APA in Brazilian Antarctic Operations 

XXVII, XXVIII, XXIX and XXX, showed that significant 

environmental changes are being observed in the Antarctic 

region and some of them are evidenced in the several studies 

shown in the present report. 

Climate records of the last 30 years have shown great 

climatic variation in the region where Admiralty Bay is 

located. Temperature measurements have shown evidence 

of a tendency of heating up (average annual increase of 

+0.23 °C). However, from 2007 on, the monitoring of the 

air temperature showed a decline, marked by very severe 

winters. In 2010 the coldest summer of the region in the 

last decades was recorded. The measurements of the Ozone 

layer also show a big annual variability over the region of 

the Keller Peninsula (King George Island, Antarctica) and 

the continuous measurements of UV-A and UV-B radiation 

in Admiralty Bay have indicated an increase of radiation 

during the occurrence of ozone hole phenomenon. Still 

related to atmosphere, studies concerning the behaviour 

of the ionosphere between 2004 and 2010 confirmed that 

the layer is controlled by solar radiation, whose effect is 

well defined during the months of the austral summer, 

while in the period April and October is strongly affected 

by meteorological processes. 

In the terrestrial environment, the studies regarding the 

diversity of vegetation and birds communities, have shown 

that these are directly exposed to the effects of reduction of 

the ozone layer and the consequent increase of UV radiation, 

as well as a series of processes originating from anthropic 

activities which can occur in the Antarctic region. The 

mapping out of terrestrial community has shown that these 

are good indicators of the environmental geomorphological 

and hydrological conditions in the Antarctic Peninsula. 

Up to the present time, 60 species of Bryopsida (mosses), 

distributed in 15 Families, apart from the latter, 126 species 

of lichens were identified, and three species of small size of 

vascular plants (with seeds): Deschampsia antarctica and 

Colobanthus quitensis (both native species), and Poa annua 

(exotic invader). 

Regarding the seabird communities, the Brazilian 

studies undertaken in King George Island and on Elephant 

Island, had the purpose of understanding the relationship 

of population variations and the distribution of seabird 

species as a result of climatic variations, including the 

possible impacts directly related to human presence in the 

region. Through the methods of counting and population 

mapping of the main breeding species on King George Island 

(Admiralty Bay and Turret Point), the responses of these 

species in the light of the temperature variations, pressure, 

winds, climate change indices (Southern Oscillation and 

Antarctic Oscillation) and intensity of fishing were evaluated. 

From these studies the reduction of some species of birds 

was verified. In Stinker Point, the penguin Pygoscelis papua 

had its population reduced by almost 20% between 1987 and 

2012, and the population of Pygoscelis antarctica declined 

approximately 60% in the last 20 years, both at Stinker Point 

as well as in Admiralty Bay. The declines are being attributed 

to the reduction of the availability of food, especially Krill 

(Euphausia superba), due to the variations of the extent 


and thickness of the ice layers in winter, of the intense 

fishing that occurs in the region of the South Shetland 

Islands, and the recovery of the population of cetaceans 

and pinnipedes. Other seabirds, for example, Sterna vittata 

(Antarctic tern) and Macronectes giganteus (Giant petrel), 

also had their populations reduced in Admiralty Bay, but 

possibly they have increased on other islands of the South 

Shetlands Islands,like Stinker Point, in Elephant Island and 

on Penguin Island. 

In the marine environment, several studies are being 

developed by Brazilian researchers in the region of 

the Antarctica Peninsula, especially in Admiralty Bay 

and adjacent oceanic areas. In these are included the 

studies carried out during scientific studies: NETWORK 

1 – Global Environmental Changes and NETWORK 

2 – Environmental Management in Admiralty Bay, King 

George Island, Antarctica (2002-2006); Projects linked 

to the International Polar Year (2007-2009); PRO-OASIS, 

INCT-APA, INCT – Cryosphere and other 19 projects which 

make up the process 23/2009 of the National Council for 

Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq). 

Regarding Admiralty Bay, these studies verified that 

there exists an intense mixture in the water column of the 

bay, caused by tides and by the winds. This reduces the 

stability of the water column, inducing large variations of 

phytoplankton primary productivity in the coastal zone. 

The monitoring of the phytoplanktonic community at preestablished 

points of Admiralty Bay, at the beginning and at 

the end of summer, has verified that nano and picoplankton 

algae predominate the phytoplankton of this bay, originating 

from the Bransfield Strait and that together contribute with 

approximately 70 % of the total chlorophyll observed. 

The benthic marine ecosystem of Admiralty Bay has 

been studied by Brazilian researchers for some 30 years, 

and this has resulted in research results that recorded 1.300 

species of benthic organisms at depths of between 0 and 500 

metres, in consolidated and non-consolidated substrates. 

These studies have shown that Admiralty Bay contains 20% 

of the 4.100 species of benthic organisms described for 

the Antarctic region. This has led the Scientific Committee 

Antarctic Research (SCAR), to consider Admiralty Bay as 

one of the locations of greater scientific and ecological 

interest in Antarctica. 

Other studies of physiological, biochemical and 

molecular nature have contributed to the understanding 

of metabolic and morphofunctional adaptations imposed 

by the selective pressure of low temperatures and of food 

seasonality factors. In addition to the latter, there are 

studies on traces of metals and persistent organic pollutants 

(POPs) in marine organisms, in the sediment and in the 

water, which corroborate with information concerning 

the environmental monitoring of Admiralty Bay. The 

studies developed about the biomarkers with natural and 

anthropic impacts have contributed to the diagnostic of 

the environmental alterations and to the identification of 

metabolic and histopathological responses of Antarctic 

organisms of the Admiralty Bay ASMA (Antarctic Specially 

Managed Area). These are integrated together with the 

biotic and abiotic data generated by several lines of ongoing 

research in the area, with the objective of subsidising the 

environmental monitoring of this ASMA. 

In parallel to the activities of physical, chemical and 

biological research, the INCT-APA also has activities in 

technological areas. For example, the technological studies 

related to the air quality in confined areas, which can be 

especially affected by construction materials with some 

level of toxicity and by the activity which takes places in its 

interior; the performance of building in relation to thermal, 

acoustic and luminosity comfort, which directly interferes 

in the consumption of local energy. 

In order for the research activities of Antarctic to 

effectively occur, energy is necessary for the transport and 

settling down of the researchers, for the functioning of the 

Brazilian Station research laboratories in general and for 

the movement of machinery, vessels, etc. As a consequence, 

the transport and storage of fossil fuels in the proximity 

of the scientific Stations in Antarctica is necessary. Every 

year, hundreds of thousands of litres of fuel, especially 

diesel oil, go through these transport and storage and 

usage stages when all the stipulated safety measures are 

taken to avoid the occurrence of accidents. However, it is 

impossible to eliminate 100% of the risk of leakages and 

incidents are frequent with varying magnitude. On the 

ground, especially in the area of proximity to fuel storage 

tanks, contamination of the soil by diesel oil occurs. In the 

past there was no knowledge or sufficient technology for 

immediate intervention and avoidance of the spreading 

Introduction | 

11

of soil contamination. At present, successful techniques of 

bioremediation have appeared, and these based on the ability 

of microorganisms to use the oil as a source of carbon and 

energy, transforming complex and toxic substances into CO 2 

and water, in the presence of sufficient concentration. This 

is one of research lines presently developed by INCT-APA, 

with the purpose of developing bioremediation methods 

that can be used in the contaminated soils of Brazilian 

Antarctic Station – Comandante Ferraz (EACF, Portuguese 

acronym) for the reduction of hydrocarbon concentrations 

originating from diesel oil and, more importantly, to 

establish a technology that can be available for all the 

Antarctica, being applicable immediately following an 

incident, thus avoiding contamination. 

Within the technological activities of INCT-APA, 

attention is called to the development of the Environmental 

Management System (EMS) for the Brazilian Antarctic 

Station – Comandante Ferraz (SGA/EACF, Portuguese 

acronym, henceforth EMS). The EMS has the purpose 

of strengthening and formalising the compliance of 

the principles related to the protection of the Antarctic 

environment, established in the Madrid Protocol, in such 

a way as to limit the negative impacts of atmospheric, 

terrestrial and marine environments. This system functions 

by identifying the environmental aspects and defining the 

significant environmental impacts as a consequence of 

these activities, apart from establishing procedures, creating 

plans for the compliance of objectives from the definition 

of feasible indicators. 

INCT-APA intends to contribute to the scientific 

knowledge concerning the biological and environmental 

aspects of the Antarctic atmospheric, terrestrial and 

marine environments, especially in Admiralty Bay and its 

adjacent areas, generating a network of transdisciplinary 

information. However, new studies should be incorporated 

with the purpose of broadening the ecological approach and 

analysis of the possible effects of climate change, as well as 

the natural and human impacts. 


science highlights 

16 Thematic Area 1 

Antarctic Atmosphere and Environmental 

Impacts in South America 


ANTARCTIC ATMOSPHERE AND ENVIRONMENTAL 

IMPACTS IN SOUTH AMERICA 


Impact of Human Activities on the 

Antarctic Marine Environment 


Environmental Management

THEMATIC AREA 1 

ANTARCTIC ATMOSPHERE AND 

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS IN SOUTH 

AMERICA 

20 Correia, E., Raulin, J. P., Kaufmann, P., and Gavilan, H. R. Atmospheric Changes Observed in 

Antarctica Related to the Sun-Eath Interactions. 

26 Bageston, J. V., Batista, P. P., Gobbi, D., Paes Leme, N. M. and Wrasse, C. M. Mesospheric Gravity 

Waves Observed at Ferraz Station (62OS) During 2010-2011. 

30 Peres, L. V., Crespo, N. M., Silva, O. K., Hupfer, N., Anabor, V., Pinheiro, D. K., Shuch, N. J. and Paes 

Leme, N. M. Synopic Weather System Associate With Influence of the Antarctic Ozone Hole Over 

South of Brazil at October, 13Th 2010. 

34 Pinheiro, D. K., Peres, L. V.; Crespo, N. M; Schuch, N. J. and Paes Leme N. M. Influence of Antarctic 

Ozone Hole Over South of Brazil in 2010 and 2011. 

39 Oliveira, A. P., Soares, J., Codato, G., Targino, A. C. L. and Ruman, C. J. Energy at the Surface in the 

King George Island - Preliminary Results of ETA Project. 


Team Leader 

Dr. Neusa Maria Paes Leme – CRN/INPE 

Vice-Team Leader 

Dr. Emília Correia – INPE/CRAAM 

Introduction 

The monitoring of the Antarctic atmosphere and ocean 

and their influence on South America is being built on 

a consolidated basis as continuous studies have been 

undertaken by Brazilian researchers in the Antarctic region 

for decades. The idea is to give continuity to these studies, 

which require long-term series, for a better understanding 

of global changes, and to use the data in numerical models 

of climate and weather forecasting so more trustworthy 

forecasts can be done. The mentioned projects, because 

they were not being considered as monitoring activities 

over the years, have always been under the threat of 

interruption. More than two decades of continuous studies 

on the ozone hole and on the influence of Antarctic cold 

fronts on our climate, besides other highly relevant studies, 

must, therefore, have their continuity guaranteed. It is 

essential that such activities are associated with a long term 

monitoring program. 

Antarctica plays an essential role in the thermal 

equilibrium of the planet. In relation to South America 

this is especially relevant. The climate of the Southern 

hemisphere is essentially controlled by air masses originated 

from the frozen continent. 

It is well known that the energy, which comes from the 

Sun, is not constant and can cause variation on the earth’s 

climate, on global meteorology, and on the environment. 

Recent studies have shown that solar radiation can alter 

the physical-chemical properties of the atmosphere and 

can influence the wind regime and the amount of UV 

radiation, which reaches the earth’s surface, as well as the 

cloud coverage and precipitation. 

The understanding of the interaction between the 

chemistry of the atmosphere and climate change is a new 

and instigating research area. The connection between 

atmosphere and solar radiation, especially UV, which 

triggers the chemical reactions and these, in their turn, 

depend on the temperature, atmospheric circulation 

and climate, are now been studied in an integrated and 

systematic manner. 

New questions are arising with the observed changes 

on the atmospheric temperature profile, especially with 

the increase on the troposphere (near surface, as a result of 

green house gases) and the decrease of the low stratosphere 

(between 15 and 20 Km, because of the destruction of 

ozone hole) and of the mesosphere (between 90 and 100 

km, cause attributed to the increase of green house gases). 

The main questions are: What are the chemical changes 

that are occurring in the different layers of the atmosphere 

with increase of UV radiation and changes in temperature? 

What are the consequences for the dynamic, circulation and 

equilibrium between the atmospheric layers? 

Objectives 

Monitor and Evaluate 

Changes in chemistry and atmospheric dynamics and its 

influence on climate, involving: the interaction Sun – Earth, 

the temperature in the mesosphere, planetary waves, the 

Hole in the Ozone, trace gas associated with the chemistry 

of the ozone layer, greenhouse effect emissions, greenhouse 

gases caused by human activity in the area of the Brazilian 

Antarctic Station Comandante Ferraz (EACF, Portuguese 

acronym, from now on) and the impacts of UV radiation 

in the ecosystem. 

Activities Developed 

The activities of Thematic Area 1 are divided into five 

themes: 

1. Sun-Earth Relationship 

2. Dynamics of Upper Atmosphere (Mesosphere) 

3. Climatology of Ozone and UV Radiation 

4. Meteorology 

5. Greenhouse gases and aerosols 

Science Highlights - Thematic Area 1 | 

17

One of the most important properties of the atmosphere 

is its ability to withstand wave motion. Gravity waves are 

well known to play an important role in the atmosphere, 

e.g. its influence on the thermal state and the atmospheric 

circulation. The observation of gravity waves has been 

conducted on a large scale in regions of low and mid 

latitudes. However, at high latitudes, such as in Antarctica, 

these observations are sparse and little is known of the 

characteristics of these waves. Studies are being conducted 

on them at EACF (62° S and 58° W), through campaigns 

with observations of airglow imagers at different latitudes 

(Bageston et al., 2009). The study of planetary waves and 

gravity waves allow us to identify and better understand the 

dynamics of the neutral upper atmosphere (mesosphere) 

and its interaction with the other layers of the atmosphere. 

The observation of this dynamic from Antarctica to Ecuador 

will identify the various transport processes and dynamic 

connection and how this affects the atmosphere. 

The variability observed in the ozone layer and in the 

ground intensity of the UV-A and UV-B radiation, in the 

last years, was accompanied by changes in the ionized 

layer of our atmosphere, the ionosphere. A detailed study 

of ionosphere behavior has been undertaken at EACF in 

the last decade. The long term ionosphere behavior shows 

clearly it is controlled by the solar radiation, presenting a 

slow variation in close association with the intensity of the 

solar radiation associated with the decreasing activity of 

the 23 rd solar cycle and the increasing of the 24 th (Correia, 

2011; Correia et al., 2011). Furthermore, during the local 

wintertime (April to October in the southern hemisphere 

and October to March in the northern hemisphere), the 

ionosphere behavior was strongly affected by meteorological 

processes from below in all years. The dynamic processes of 

the lower-laying atmospheric levels are associated with the 

generation of waves, particularly the gravity waves (period 

of minutes/hours) and planetary waves (period of days), 

among others. This study showed that during the wintertime 

the planetary waves can strongly affect the lower ionosphere 

(Correia, 2011; Correia et al., 2011), evidencing the coupling 

between the different atmospheric layers. In addition to the 

effect of the planetary waves in the lower ionosphere, these 

studies also suggested an interannual variation, which also 

has been observed in physical atmospheric parameters, and 

it is attributed to the interaction between the atmospheric 

waves and winds, as well as to the inter-hemispheric 

coupling. 

Measurements of ozone concentration obtained by 

Brazilian researchers since 1990 to date have shown a 

large annual variability over the region of Keller Peninsula 

(King George Island, Antarctica), ranging from 70% in 

2006 to 55% in 2010. The latter is compared with the 

normal concentration, before 1980, when for the first time 

it was observed that this layer was decreasing over the 

South Pole Recovery time. The changed the layer was still 

showing reductions in December due to high temperatures, 

although the atmosphere was already presenting a scenario 

to normalize the destruction. The ozone hole occurs only 

in very cold atmosphere (characteristic of the South Pole) 

and every year when summer arrives in Antarctica the hole 

recovers in December, but not to the same level of 1980 that 

is the benchmark of what we consider Normal. 

One consequence of this decreased concentration of 

ozone layer is increased UV radiation. This increase in 

radiation is confirmed by extreme events over Antarctica 

and South America, including southern Brazil where in 

2010 it was possible to observe a 25% reduction in the 

concentration of ozone. The southern region of Brazil 

is subject to reductions of ozone during the months of 

October and November, which may be called side effects 

of the Antarctic ozone hole. This shows that there is still a 

large amount of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) in the Antarctic 

atmosphere, and its annual variability is a consequence of 

temperature in the stratosphere (the region between 15-50 

km altitudes) in the Antarctic winter. The monitoring of 

the ozone layer has also indicated that the decrease of the 

same causes change in temperature of the stratosphere and 

affects the chemical makeup of some greenhouse gases such 

as CO2 and ozone surface forming a line to Rio Grande do 

Sul Southern Brazil excessively increasing the incidence of 

UV-B radiation and contributes to the increased number 

of cases of glaucoma, skin cancer and deterioration of 

the DNA in this region of the country as well as damage 

to chlorophyll molecules of algae and plants. In large 

urban areas the increase of the UV radiation changes the 

atmospheric photochemical composition, potentiating the 

effect of pollutant gases at ground level. 

The monitoring of ultraviolet radiation and ozone in the 

Antarctic Peninsula, Punta Arenas (Chile), Rio Gallegos, 

Argentina and in southern Brazil has the purpose of 

demonstrating the influence of the ozone hole in South 

America. Continuous measurements of UV-A and UV-B 

recorded in these regions have shown increased radiation 


during the occurrence of the ozone hole. In 2009 the land 

area around EACF registered an increase in UV radiation of 

over 150% compared to the normal concentration, without 

the presence of the ozone hole (Paes Leme et al., 2010). 

An extremely persistent ozone hole overpass was 

observed from ground-based instruments at Rio Gallegos, 

Argentina, in November 2009. This was the first time that 

an extreme event of this duration was observed from the 

ground at a subpolar station with a LIDAR instrument. 

Record-low ozone (O3) column densities (with a minimum 

of 212 DU) persisted over three weeks at the Rio Gallegos 

NDACC station in November 2009. The statistical analysis 

of 30 years of satellite data from the Multi Sensor Reanalysis 

(MSR) database for Rio Gallegos revealed that such a 

long-lasting, low-ozone episode is a rare occurrence. This 

statistical analysis reveals that 3% of events only correspond 

to 4 or more consecutive days with total ozone column below 

two standard deviations of the daily climatological mean 

(Wolfram et al., 2012). 

The effect of UV, as well as potentially harmful to 

marine life, may also increase the toxic effects of some 

contaminants such as petroleum hydrocarbons, commonly 

present in the vicinity of research stations. A recent study 

has demonstrated that mortality of marine crustacean 

Antarctic Amphipod Gondogeneia, subjected to the effects 

of anthracene, significantly increased in the presence of 

UV (Gomes et al., 2009), reinforcing the importance of 

understanding the biological responses of species to the 

synergistic action the various natural and anthropogenic 

environmental factors. 

Over the past 65 years, average annual temperatures 

of the air in Admiralty Bay show an average warming of 

+0.23 °C. However, one must consider that this region’s 

climatological measurement was standardized only in 

the last 30 years and the data from this period does not 

indicate a warming climate. Over the past 14 years, average 

annual temperatures recorded in the air at EACF showed 

a downward trend (≈ –0.6 °C / decade, Setzer et al., 2009). 

According to the researcher teams weather recordings, the 

winters of 2007 and 2009 were very severe, freezing the 

two lakes that feed EACF and the amount of ice covering 

Admiralty Bay peaked with frozen sea to the vicinity of 

the Polish Station, near the entrance to the Bay. January 

and February 2010 registered the coldest summer months 

recorded in EACF in the last 37 years (mean air temperature 

+1.0 °C in January and +0.2 °C in February). 

References 

Bageston, J.V.; Wrasse, C.M.; Gobbi, D.; Tahakashi, H. & Souza, P. (2009). Observation of mesospheric gravity waves at 

Comandante Ferraz Antarctica Station (62°S). Annales Geophysicae, 27: 2593-2598. 

Correia, E. (2011). Study of Antarctic-South America connectivity from ionospheric radiosoundings. Oecologia Australis, 

15: 11-17. 

Correia, E.; Kaufmann, P.; Raulin, J.P.; Bertoni, F.C. & Gavilán, H.R. (2011). Analysis of daytime ionosphere behavior between 

2004 and 2008 in Antarctica. Journal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics, 73: 2272-2278. 

Gomes, V.; Passos, M.J.A.C.R.; Leme, N.M.P.; Santos, T.C.A.; Campos, D.Y.; Hasue, F.M. & Phan, V.N. (2009). Photo-induced 

toxicity of anthracene in the Antarctic shallow water amphipod, Gondogeneia antarctica. Polar Biology, 32: 1009-1021. 

Paes Leme, N.M.; Pinheiro, D.K. & Alvalá, P.C. (2010). BrazilReport. WMO Bolletin. Available from: . 

Setzer, A.; Villela, F.N.J. & Deniche, A.G.P. (2009). Antarctic Metereology. Annual Activity Report of National Institute of Science 

and Technology Antarctic Environmental Research. p. 20-21. 

Wolfram, E. A.;Salvador, J.; Orte, F.; D 'Elia, R.;Godin-beekmann, S.; Kuttippurath, J.; Pazmino, A.; Goutail, F.; Casiccia, 

C.; Zamorano, F.;Paes Leme, N. & Quel, E. J. (2012). The unusual persistence of an ozone hole over a southern 

mid-latitude station during the Antarctic spring 2009: a multi-instrument study. Annales Geophysicae, 30: 1435-1449. 


19

1 

ATMOSPHERIC CHANGES OBSERVED IN ANTARCTICA 

RELATED TO THE SUN-EARTH INTERACTIONS 

Emília Correia 1,2,* , Jean Pierre Raulin 2 , Pierre Kaufmann 2 , Hernan R. Gavilan 1 

1 

Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais, São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil 

2 

Escola de Engenharia,Centro de Rádio Astronomia e Astrofísica Mackenzie, Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie, 

Rua da Consolação, 930, Ed. Modesto Carvalhosa, 7º andar, CEP 01302-907, São Paulo, SP, Brazil 

*e-mail: ecorreia@craam.mackenzie.br 

Abstract: Here we present the ionosphere behavior obtained from measurements done with the ionosonde operating at Comandante 

Ferraz Brazilian Antarctic Station (EACF) in 2011. We also discuss its long-term behavior obtained from 2004 to 2011 using very 

low frequency radio signals and GPS measurements. During quiet periods the ionosphere is controlled by the solar Lyman alpha 

radiation, presenting variations closely associated with the 11-year sunspot number. But it is strongly affected by the excess of 

X-ray emission produced during the solar flares. The long-term studies of ionosphere behavior have also shown it presents strong 

variations during local wintertime, which were found to be closely related to the waves of neutral atmospheric origin. The studies 

of ionosphere behavior have been improving our understanding of its response to natural phenomena, and about its coupling 

with the other atmospheric layers. The energy exchange among atmospheric layers might be an important factor in the climate 

conditions/changes, which affect the terrestrial and marine environment, especially in the polar region. 

Keywords: atmosphere, sun-earth interaction, atmospheric radio sounding 

Introduction 

The ionosphere is formed/maintained by the solar 

Lyman-alpha (121.5 nm) ionizing radiation during quiet 

conditions (Nicolet & Aikin, 1960). This solar radiation 

presents variability in close association with the 11-year 

solar cycle, which affects the ionization processes of the 

low ionosphere (Lastovicka, 2006). This effect has been 

obtained from long-term measurements of very low radio 

frequency (VLF) signals propagating over long distances 

inside the Earth-ionosphere waveguide during the 22 nd and 

23 rd solar cycles (Thomson & Clilverd, 2000; Correia et al., 

2011, respectively). Since the maximum of the 24 th solar 

cycle will be during 2013-2014, the influence of the solar 

radiation in our atmosphere will increase in the next two 

years due to changes in its chemistry and physics produced 

by ionization process enhancements. 

The ionosphere is also strongly affected by upward 

propagating gravity and planetary waves originated in the 

neutral atmosphere particularly during the local wintertime 

(Lastovicka, 2006). The effects of planetary waves were 

detected in the VLF measurements done from 2004-2011 

at Comandante Ferraz Brazilian Antarctic Station (EACF) 

(Correia et al., 2011, 2013). The atmospheric waves have an 

important role in the energy and momentum transport from 

the lower to upper atmosphere layers, affecting the thermal 

structure and general circulation in the middle and upper 

atmosphere (Takahashi et al., 1999; Bageston et al., 2011). 

The year-to-year variation in ozone holes are also affected 

by differences in atmospheric temperature and circulation 

(e.g. Newman et al., 2008). 

Here we present the solar activity in 2011 and its 

influence in the ionosphere obtained from ionosonde 

measurements done at EACF. Recent scientific results 

related to ionospheric behavior from 2007 to 2011 obtained 

with VLF measurements done at EACF and at Itapetinga 

Radio Observatory (ROI, Atibaia/Brazil), and from 2004 to 

2011 obtained with GPS system operating at EACF are also 

presented and discussed. 


Materials and Methods 

The ionosphere behavior is obtained using different radio 

sounding techniques: 

VLF measurements are done in the 1-50kHz frequency 

range with 20ms time resolution using Atmospheric Weather 

Electromagnetic systems for Observation, Modeling and 

Education receivers - AWESOME (Scherrer et al., 2008) 

operating at EACF (62.11° S and 58.41° W, since 2007) and 

at ROI (23.21° S and 46.51° W, since 2006). VLF technique is 

used to study the lower part of the ionosphere, the D-region 

that is between 60 and 85 km of height. 

The Vertical Total Electron Content (VTEC) of 

ionosphere is obtained using dual-frequency GPS receivers. 

The phase shifts produced by the dispersive nature of the 

plasma are directly proportional to VTEC, which is the 

integral line of the electron concentration along the path 

between the satellite and receiver. The ionosphere has been 

monitored at EACF since 2004 using a Javad GPS receiver 

with a best time resolution of 1s. VTEC is estimated using 

the first step of the Implementation of La Plata Ionospheric 

Model (LPIM) applicative developed in the National La Plata 

University (Argentine) (Brunini et al., 2008). 

The ionosphere at EACF has also been monitored 

since 2009 using a Canadian Digital Ionosonde (CADI, 

MacDougall, 1997) that consists of one transmitter at 

frequencies between 1 and 20 MHz, and four receivers to 

detect the reflected signals. The echoes of the reflected signal 

by the F and E regions of the ionosphere provide a profile of 

reflection frequency versus virtual height (ionogram), which 

gives information of the electron density (directly related 

to the reflection frequency) profile as a function of actual 

height (Piggott & Rawer, 1972). The CADI is programmed 

to obtain ionograms each 5min and drift measurements 

each 2.5 min. The scaling of ionograms is obtained using 

the software developed at Universidade do Vale do Paraíba 

(UNIVAP) called the UNIVAP Digital Ionosonde Data 

Analysis (UDIDA) (Fagundes et al., 2005). 

Results 

Solar activity in 2011 

We are in the ascending phase of the 24 th solar cycle, which 

started at the beginning of 2010 and which will reach its 

maximum during 2013-2014 as shown by the solar cycle 

sunspot progression presented in the Figure 1a (http:// 

www.swpc.noaa.gov/SolarCycle/, access: 22 May 2102). 

To evaluate the solar influence in the ionosphere on 2011 

we compared the foF2 parameter, which gives information 

about the electron density at ~200 km of height, with the 

daily sunspot number (Rz, http://sidc.oma.be/sunspotdata/, 

access: 21 May 2012) (Figure 1b). The foF2 here is 

a 

b 

Figure 1. Sunspot Number Progression with the observations for 23 rd and progression for 24 th solar cycle (a). Daily foF2 estimated from ionograms obtained 

at ~16:00UT (local noon time) using CADI at EACF (bottom) compared with the daily sunspot number on 2011 (upper) (b). 


21

the F2 layer critical frequency parameter estimated from 

ionograms at ~16:00 UT (local noon time) obtained from 

CADI measurements done at EACF. The foF2 parameter 

shows that the ionosphere electron density changed in close 

association with the solar activity variation, presenting two 

peaks (April and November) that are present in the Rz data 

and a similar increase tendency during the year. 

The effect of the increasing solar activity in the low 

ionosphere was also evaluated from the phase variations 

of VLF signals, particularly from correlation between the 

phase variations and the intensity of the X-ray flares. The 

intensity of the X-ray flares able to produce significant VLF 

phase variations increased from ≥ 3.0 × 10 –7 W/m 2 during 

the solar minimum (2007-2009), to ~3.8 × 10 –7 W/m 2 and 

to 4.2 × 10 –7 W/m 2 , respectively in 2010 and 2011. 

a 

b 

c 

d 

e 

Figure 2. Comparison of the daily daytime VLF amplitude observed at paths NPM-EACF (b), NAA-EACF (c), NPM-ROI (d) and NAA-ROI (e) with the 27-day 

smoothed solar Lyman-alpha radiation (a) from 2007 to 2011. The vertical boxes identify the wintertime period in the southern (b and c panels) and northern 

hemisphere (d and e panels), when the influence of the planetary waves originated in the neutral atmosphere (adapted from Correia et al., 2013) is clear. 


Ionosphere long-term behavior – 

VLF measurements 

The study of the solar forcing in the ionosphere using 

the daytime VLF amplitude was done for the 2007-2011 

period considering the VLF signals transmitted from NPM 

(Hawaii) and NAA (North Dakota) and received at EACF 

and ROI (Correia et al., 2013). The results, as expected, 

show the solar Lyman-alpha radiation (http://lasp.colorado. 

edu/lisird/lya/) control on the lower ionosphere, which 

was characterized by the VLF amplitude decline from 

2007 to 2009, when the 23 rd solar cycle reached its lowest 

activity level, followed by an increasing tendency with 

the starting of activity of the 24 th solar cycle (Figure 2). 

This result is in agreement with Correia et al. (2011), who 

obtained a good correlation during the decay phase of the 

23 rd solar cycle (2004-2008). The daytime VLF amplitude 

also showed high day-to-day variations, which present a 

clear seasonal behavior occurring predominantly during 

local wintertime in all years. The VLF amplitude variations 

indicated a significant component in a 16-day period, typical 

of planetary waves of stratosphere/tropospheric origin. 

Ionosphere long-term behavior – 

GPS measurements 

The ionosphere behavior was evaluated from the study of 

monthly VTEC variations observed at EACF from 2004 to 

2011 (Figure 3a). The analysis shows that VTEC presents 

a seasonal variation produced by the solar illumination, 

which slowly changes in close association with 11-year solar 

cycle as shown by the variation of the Ultraviolet radiation 

(30.4 nm, http://lasp.colorado.edu/lisird/lya/). This good 

correlation between VTEC and solar UV variation at local 

summer (January) and winter (July) seasons are clearly 

seen in Figure 3b. 

Discussion and Conclusion 

The Sun is the main energy source on Earth, being 

responsible for its environmental conditions and for life. 

On the other hand, the atmosphere is also an important 

element that filters part of the solar radiation that is harmful 

to terrestrial and marine life, especially in X-rays and 

ultraviolet spectral range. Solar radiation is not constant and 

presents variations in different time scales, mainly associated 

a 

b 

Figure 3. Daily maximum VTEC measured at EACF (lower curve) compared with 27-day smoothed solar UV radiation (upper curve) from 2004 to 2011 (a). 

Correlations between the daily maximum VTEC and the UV flux in January (summer) and in July (winter) (b). Figures adapted from Correia et al. (2012). 


23

with the Gleissberg cycle (~90 years), Hale cycle (~22 years) 

and Schwabe cycle (~11 years), as well as with 27-days time 

scale associated with the solar rotation. 

The more pronounced solar variations occur in an 

11-year cycle, which is the main driver of the Earth´s 

atmospheric conditions, as evidenced from long-term 

ionospheric studies and reinforced by the VLF amplitude 

increase observed during 2011 in close association with 

the enhancement of the 24 th solar cycle activity. Variations 

in shorter time scales (minutes to hours) occur in close 

association with the solar flares, whose excess of X-ray 

emission strongly affects the lower ionosphere. As the Sun 

becomes more active, the solar radiation increases and 

alters the atmosphere’s chemistry and physics influencing 

the environmental conditions, and thus the terrestrial and 

marine life. 

The studies have also shown that the upper atmosphere 

is also affected by atmospheric waves of troposphere/ 

stratosphere origin. These waves in their upward propagation 

strongly affect the ionosphere, especially during the 

local wintertime, evidencing a coupling between all 

atmospheric layers. Thus, the simultaneous monitoring of 

the atmospheric layers is important for understanding how 

the solar energy input is transported to lower atmosphere 

layers, and to define the role of solar radiation in the climate 

changes. 

In the next two years this monitoring will be very 

important because the 24 th solar cycle will reach its 

maximum activity, and the solar energy input in our 

atmosphere will be at its highest level. 

Acknowledgements 

This work was partially sponsored by the Brazilian Antarctic 

Program/Ministry of the Environment (PROANTAR/ 

MMA, Portuguese acronym), National Council for Scientific 

and Technological Development (CNPq processes no.: 

52.0186/06-0 and 556872/2009-6), the Interministerial 

Commission for Resources of the Sea (SECIRM, Portuguese 

acronym), the National Institute for Space Research (INPE, 

Portuguese acronym) and INCT-APA (Instituto Nacional 

de Ciência e Tecnologia Antártico de Pesquisas Ambientais, 

CNPq process n° 574018/2008-5 and FAPERJ process 

n° E-16/170.023/2008). EC and the authors would like to 

thank the technicians Armando Hadano and José Roberto 

Chagas from INPE, for their support in Antarctica. 

References 

Bageston, J.V.; Wrasse, C.M.; Hibbins, R.E.; Batista, P.P.; Gobbi, D.; Tahakashi, H.; Fritts, D.C.; Andrioli, V.F.; Fechine, J. 

& Denardini, C.M. (2011). Case study of a mesospheric wall event over Ferraz Station, Antarctica (62° S). Annales 

Geophysicae, 29(s/n): 209-19. 

Brunini, C.; Meza, A.; Gende, M. & Azpilicueta, F. (2008). South American regional ionospheric maps computed by GESA: 

A pilot service in the framework of SIRGAS. Advances in Space Research, 42 (4): 737-44. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j. 

asr.2007.08.041 

Correia, E.; Kaufmann, P.; Raulin, J-P.; Bertoni, F.C. & Gavilán, H.R. (2011). Analysis of daytime ionosphere behavior between 

2004 and 2008 in Antarctica. Journal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics, 73: 2272-8. 

Correia, E.; Paz, A.J. & Gende, M.A. (2012). Characterization of GPS-TEC in Antarctica from 2004 to 2011. Annals of 

Geophysics. Submitted. 

Correia, E.; Raulin, J-P.; Kaufmann, P.; Bertoni, F. & Quevedo, M.T. (2013). Inter-hemispheric analysis of daytime low ionosphere 

behavior from 2007 to 2011. Journal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics, 92: 51-8. 

Fagundes, P.R.; Pillat, V.G.; Bolzan, M. J.A.; Sahai, Y.; Becker- Guedes, F.; Abalde, J.R.; Aranha S.L. & Bittencourt , J.A. (2005). 

Observations of F-layer electron density profiles modulated by pw type oscillations in the equatorial ionospheric anomaly 

region. Journal of Geophysical Research, 110 (A12302): 1-8. 


Lastovicka, J. (2006). Forcing of the ionosphere by waves from below. Journal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics, 

68: 479-97. 

MacDougall, J.W. (1997). Canadian Advanced Digital Ionosonde Users Manual. University of Western Ontario, Scientific 

Instrumentation. Ltd. 90p. 

Newman, P.A.; Herman, R.; Bevilacqua, R.; Stolarski, R. & Keating, T. (2008). Ozone and UV Observations. In: Ravishankara, 

A.R., Kurylo, M.J. & Ennis, C.A. (Eds.). Trends in Emissions of Ozone-Depleting Substances, Ozone Layer Recovery, and 

Implications for Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure. Report by the US Climate Change Science Program and Subcommittee on 

Global Change Research. Department of Commerce, NOAA’s Layer Recovery, and Implications for Ultraviolet Radiation 

Exposure National Climatic Data Center, Asheville, NC. p. 79-110. 

Nicolet, M. & Aikin, A.C. (1960). The Formation of the D-Region of the Ionosphere. Journal of Geophysical Research, 65 (5): 

1469-83. 

Piggott, W.R. & Rawer, K. (1972). U.R.S.I. Handbook of Ionogram Interpretation and Reduction,World Data Center A for Solar- 

Terrestrial Physics. NOAA, Boulder, CO. 90p. 

Scherrer, D.; Cohen, M.; Hoeksema, T.; Inan, U.; Mitchell, R. & Scherrer, P. (2008). Advances in Space Research, 42: 1777-85. 

Takahashi, H.; Batista, P.P.; Buriti, R.A.; Gobbi, D.; Tsuda, N.T. & Fukao, S. (1999). Response of the airglow OH emission, 

temperature and mesopause wind to the atmospheric wave propagation over Singaraki, Japan. Earth Planets and Space, 

51(7-8): 863-75. 

Thomson, N.R. & Clilverd, M.A. (2000). Solar cycle changes in daytime VLF subionospheric attenuation. Journal of Atmospheric 

and Solar-Terrestrial Physics, 62: 601-8. 


25

2 

MESOSPHERIC GRAVITY WAVES OBSERVED AT 

FERRAZ STATION (62° S) DURING 2010-2011 

José Valentin Bageston 1,* , Paulo Prado Batista 1 , Delano Gobbi 1 , 

Neusa M. Paes Leme 2 , Cristiano Max Wrasse 3 

1 

Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais, São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil 

2 

Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais, Centro Regional do Nordeste, Natal, RN, Brazil 

3 

Vale Soluções em Energia, Av. dos Astronautas, 1758, CEP 12227-010, São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil 

*e-mail: bageston@gmail.com 

Abstract: The upper atmosphere above the Sub-Antarctic Islands and Drake Passage is abundant in gravity waves from the 

troposphere up to the mesosphere. Satellite data and ground based instruments have demonstrated this high gravity wave 

activity in these regions. Since 2010 an all sky airglow imager has observed gravity waves through the OH NIR airglow emission 

(~87 km height) over Comandante Ferraz Antarctic Station (62° S) on King George Island. A new-generation meteor radar 

was installed on that site in 2010 and has been operated simultaneously with an OH airglow imager. The data set of airglow 

images from 2010 and 2011 is under analyses, and the results from 2010 showed similar characteristics for the waves reported 

in a campaign carried out in 2007. This work will present the observational results for the gravity waves observed in 2010 and 

2011 above King George Island. These results are composed by the observational statistics for 2010 and 2011, and the observed 

wave parameters and the preferable propagation directions for the events observed during 2010. 

Keywords: airglow, atmospheric gravity waves, wave characteristics 

Introduction 

The dynamics of the polar mesosphere and lower 

thermosphere (MLT) are dominated by waves with periods 

ranging from a few minutes to months (Hibbins et al., 2007). 

Gravity waves are now recognized to play an important role 

in the general circulation of the middle atmosphere. Forcing 

by gravity waves causes reversals of the zonal mean jets and 

drives a mean meridional transport circulation that leads 

to a latitudinal temperature gradient opposite to that which 

would be expected in the absence of wave forcing (Fritts 

& Alexander, 2003). Espy et al. (2004) reported seasonal 

variations in the gravity wave momentum flux over Halley 

Station, Antarctica (75.6° S and 26.6° W). They used data 

from a sodium airglow imager and an Imaging Doppler 

Interferometer (IDI) radar for wind measurements. The 

authors showed a significant day-to-day variability in the 

momentum flux, with a strong westward momentum flux 

that turned eastward around the equinox. Nielsen et al. 

(2006) used an all-sky imager at Halley Station to show the 

first bore event observed at high latitudes. Bageston et al. 

(2009) presented the first airglow observations at Ferraz 

Station (62.1° S and 58.4° W) based on a full winter data 

set. They showed the wave parameters distribution and 

preferable propagation directions for the waves identified 

during the austral winter of 2007. Climatology of gravity 

waves above Halley Station was reported by Nielsen et al. 

(2009), using airglow data of two consecutive austral winters 

(2000 and 2001) and including local hourly winds and 

intrinsic wave parameters. This paper present results for two 

consecutive austral winters above Ferraz Station (62.1° S, 

58.4° W), including example of wave events, statistics of the 

observations and the observed wave characteristics. 



The data used in this work includes all-sky airglow images, 

from which it is possible to identify small and mediumscale 

waves in the upper mesosphere. The observed airglow 

emission is the hydroxyl in the near infrared spectrum (OH 

NIR, 715–930 nm), with emission peak around 87 km high. 

Small-scale gravity waves can be identified in Figure 1 in 

original all-sky images obtained in May 2010 and August 

2011. The images are aligned N-S (top-bottom) and E-W 

(left-right) and boxes were drawn in order to identify an 

arbitrary region of wave activity since we can see wave 

activity over a large area in the images. 

The methodology used to analyze airglow images and 

obtain the wave parameters was revised by Wrasse et al. 

(2007). They describe the main steps of the imaging 

pre-processing and spectral analysis used to obtain the 

wave parameters. The first stage is to align the top of the 

images with the geographic north, followed by the stars 

filtering from images in order to eliminate the spectral 

contamination at the high frequencies (Maekawa, 2000). The 

third step consists in mapping the image into the geographic 

coordinates, i.e, the images are corrected (unwarped) for the 

lens function calibration. The last stage of the imaging preprocessing 

is the application of a second order Butterworth 

filter (Bageston et al., 2011). Previous to the wave analysis 

(spectral analysis), it is necessary to select one gravity wave 

event easily identified in a set of airglow images. Then, it is 

necessary to animate the images in order to recognize and 

select the interested region of the image where the event is 

appearing clearly. The last step in the wave analysis is the 

application of the bidimensional Fast Fourier Transform 

(FFT-2D) in the selected region which contains the wave 

event (Wrasse et al., 2007; Bageston, 2010). 

Results 

The results already obtained are the observation statistics for 

2010 and 2011, and observed wave parameters for the waves 

identified in 2010. The statistical results revealed that among 

81 observed nights in 2010 we could identify wave events 

in 31 nights with a total of 74 wave events, while in 2011 we 

had observations during 123 nights and in 52 of them it was 

possible to identify 149 wave events. The difference in the 

observational statistics between the two years is mainly due 

to the time required for the installation of the meteor radar 

and the time spend for the installation of the airglow camera 

in 2010. Furthermore, the all-sky airglow camera started 

operating automatically only in May of 2010, while in 2011 

the beginning of systematic observations was in March. We 

should emphasize that we had several technical problems 

in the automatic mode of data acquisition, causing a lower 

number of useful nights than would be expected considering 

the length of the austral winter and its long nights. 

The observed characteristics for the waves identified in 

2010 above Ferraz Station are presented in Figure 2. The 

horizontal wavelength, observed period and phase speed 

are in panels (a), (b) and (c), respectively. The intrinsic wave 

parameters will be estimated later, together with the results 

Figure 1. Examples of airglow images where it’s possible to identify gravity wave activities. 


27

of 2011 (now under analysis). The horizontal wavelengths 

were distributed from 10 to 60 km, with a maximum 

occurrence between 20 and 40 km. The observed periods 

were distributed from 5 up to 60 minutes, with a maximum 

occurrence between 5 and 15 minutes. The observed phase 

speed has a distribution that extends from 0 to higher than 

70 m/s, and the majority of the waves had velocities between 

10 and 40 m/s. The results presented in Figure 2 are very 

similar to the observations reported previously for Antarctic 

latitudes (Bageston et al., 2009; Nielsen et al., 2009), with 

slight differences in the phase speed distribution and 

basically the same characteristics regarding the horizontal 

wavelength and observed period. 

Figure 3 shows the preferable propagation directions for 

the waves identified in 2010, and it is possible to identify 

Figure 3. Propagation directions for the waves observed at Ferraz Station 

in 2010. It is possible to identify an anisotropy to the northwest. 

a 

anisotropy, with most of the waves propagating to the 

northwest. Also, a significant number of wave events are 

seen propagating to the south and southwest. The results on 

the propagation direction of gravity waves are mainly related 

with the location of the gravity wave sources and also to the 

winds filtering processes below the airglow emission layer. 

b 

c 

Figure 2. Histogram plots for 74 gravity wave events characterized above 

Ferraz Station in 2010. The panels show the distribution of (A) horizontal 

wavelength, (B) observed period and (C) observed phase speed. 


The present work showed the statistics and characteristics of 

the gravity waves observed at Comandante Ferraz Antarctic 

Station (62.1° S and 58.4° W) during the austral winters of 

2010 and 2011. We presented the wave characteristics and 

propagation directions for the waves identified in 2010. 

These results are similar to previous observations in Ferraz 

Station and in other sites around the Antarctic continent. 

The characteristics of the waves identified during 

2011 are currently being analyzed, and the intrinsic wave 

parameters will be obtained for the full data set by using 

local mesospheric winds as obtained by a meteor radar. 

Future investigations will focus on gravity wave sources 

in the lower atmosphere through the reverse ray tracing 

model, which makes use of the observed wave parameters, 

mesospheric winds obtained by meteor radar and models, 

temperatures derived from satellite and reanalysis data, and 

meteorological satellite images. 



The present research is supported by FAPESP under the 

grant n° 2010/06608-2. Also, this work integrates the 

National Institute of Science and Technology Antarctic 

Environmental Research (INCT-APA) that receives 

scientific and financial support from the National 

Council for Research and Development (CNPq process: 

n° 574018/2008-5) and Carlos Chagas Research Support 

Foundation of the State of Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ n° 

E-16/170.023/2008). The authors also acknowledge 

the support of the Brazilian Ministries of Science, 

Technology and Innovation (MCTI), of Environment 

(MMA) and Inter-Ministry Commission for Sea 

Resources (CIRM). 

References 

Bageston, J.V. (2010). Caracterização de ondas de gravidade mesosféricas na Estação Antártica Comandante Ferraz. Tese 

em Geofísica Espacial, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais. Available from: < http://www.inpe.br/biblioteca/>. 

Bageston, J.V.; Wrasse, C.M.; Batista, P.P.; Hibbins R.E.; Fritts, D.C.; Gobbi, D. & Andrioli, V.F. (2011). Observation of a 

mesospheric front in a thermal-doppler duct over King George Island, Antarctica. Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, 

11(s/n): 12137-12147. 

Bageston, J.V.; Wrasse, C.M.; Gobbi, D.; Tahakashi, H. & Souza, P. (2009). Observation of mesospheric gravity waves at 

Comandante Ferraz Antarctica Station (62°S). Annales Geophysicae, 27(s/n): 2593-2598. 

Espy, P.J.; Jones, G.O.L.; Swenson, G.R.; Tang, J. & Taylor, M.J. (2004). Seasonal variations of gravity wave momentum flux 

in the Antarctic mesosphere and lower thermosphere. Geophysical Research Letters, 109(D23109): 1-9 

Fritts, D.C. & Alexander, M.J.( 2003). Gravity wave dynamics and effects in the middle atmosphere. Reviews of Geophysics, 

41(1): 3-1-3-64. 

Hibbins, R.E.; Espy, P.J.; Jarvis, M.J.; Riggin, D.M. & Fritts, D.C. (2007). A climatology of tides and gravity wave variance in the 

MLT above Rothera, Antarctica obtained by MF radar. Journal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics, 69: 578-588. 

Maekawa, R. (2000). Observations of gravity waves in the mesopause region by multicolor airglow imaging. Master Thesis, 

Kyoto University. 

Nielsen, K.; Taylor, M.J.; Stockwell, R.G. & Jarvis, M.J. (2006). An unusual mesospheric bore event observed at high latitudes 

over Antarctica. Geophysical Research Letters, 33(L07803): 1-4. 

Nielsen, K.; Taylor, M.; Hibbins, R. & Jarvis, M. (2009). Climatology of short-period mesospheric gravity waves over Halley, 

Antarctica (76°S, 27°W). Journal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics, 71(s/n): 991-1000. 

Wrasse, C.M.; Takahashi, H.; Medeiros, A.F.; Lima, L.M.; Taylor, M.J.; Gobbi, D. & Fechine, J. (2007). Determinaçãoo dos 

parâmetros de ondas de gravidade através da análise espectral de imagens de aeroluminescência. RBGf - Brazilian 

Journal of Geophysics, 25(3): 257-266. 


29

3 

SYNOPTIC WEATHER SYSTEM ASSOCIATED WITH 

INFLUENCE OF THE ANTARCTIC OZONE HOLE OVER 

THE SOUTH OF BRAZIL ON OCTOBER, 13 th , 2010 

Lucas Vaz Peres 1,* , Natália Machado Crespo 3 , Otávio Krauspenhar da Silva 3 , Naiara Hupfer 3 , 

Vagner Anabor 1 , Damaris Kirsch Pinheiro 3 , Nelson Jorge Shuch 2 , Neusa Maria Paes Leme 4 

1 

Universidade Federal de Santa Maria – UFSM, Av. Roraima, 1000, Camobi, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil 

2 

Centro Regional Sul de Pesquisas Espaciais – CRS/CCR/INPE-MCTI 

3 

Laboratório de Ciências Espaciais de Santa Maria – LACESM, Centro de Tecnologia – CT, 

Universidade Federal de Santa Maria – UFSM, Av. Roraima, 1000, Camobi, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil 

4 

Centro Regional do Nordeste – CRN/CCR/INPE-MCTI, Natal, RN, Brazil 

*e-mail: lucasvazperes@gmail.com 

Abstract: During spring, poor ozone air masses can come out of the Antarctic Ozone Hole and reach mid and low latitude areas 

like the South of Brazil forming a known phenomenon called “Secondary Effects of the Antarctic Ozone Hole”. One of these 

phenomena was observed on October, 13 th , 2010, by OMI Spectrometer over Southern Space Observatory (29.42° S and 53.87° W), 

in São Martinho da Serra, Brazil. Stratospheric potential vorticity maps on isentropic surfaces and air mass backward trajectory 

using HYSPLIT model by NOAA confirmed the polar origin of the poor ozone air mass. A description of the synoptic weather 

system during the event was made by wind field daily average at 250 hPa level and Omega at 500 hPa, thickness between 1000 

and 500 hPa levels and GOES 10 enhance satellite image. It was observed that the event of low ozone occurred at the same time 

as a high pressure pos frontal system was passing over the south of Brazil and the subtropical jet stream left the weather stable 

and without clouds. These actions favored the intrusion of the stratospheric air in the troposphere and helped the stratospheric air 

mass transport from the polar region to the South of Brazil. 

Keywords: ozone, Antarctic ozone hole, potential vorticity, synoptic analysis 

Introduction 

The Antarctic continent shows a very low content of ozone 

layer during the spring of every year, the Antarctic Ozone 

Hole (Farman et al., 1985; Solomon, 1999). However, its 

effects were not limited to the Polar Region, since poor 

ozone air mass could come out of the polar vortex and reach 

mid and low latitude (Prather & Jaffe, 1990), temporarily 

reducing the ozone layer. This phenomenon was first 

observed over South of Brazil by Kirchhoff et al. (1996). The 

relationship between ozone concentration and the passage of 

a synoptic weather system is not well known and it is being 

considered a new line of research for ozone (Ohring et al., 

2010), which motivated this work. 

Methodology 

Events of influence of the Antarctic ozone hole over the 

south of Brazil were detected by analysis of ozone total 

column, obtained by an OMI Spectrometer installed in 

a satellite, over the Southern Space Observatory – OES/ 

CRS/CCR/INPE-MCTI (29.42° S and 53.87° W), in São 

Martinho da Serra, Brazil. Days with ozone total column 

daily average inferior to the monthly climatological mean 

less 1.5 its standard deviation (µ – 1,5σ) were analyzed. For 

these days, the variation of the absolute potential vorticity 

on isentropic surfaces maps at 620 K level of potential 

temperature were calculated with daily parameters from 

NCEP/NCARreanalysis using GRADS. Air mass backward 


trajectory was obtained using HYSPLIT model by NOAA 

for confirmation of the polar origin of the stratospheric air. 

The synoptic weather system associate with wind occurrence 

was verified by analysis of the wind field daily average at 

250 hPa level and Omega at 500 hPa, sea level pressure 

and thickness between 1000 and 500 hPa levels also using 

NCEP/NCAR reanalysis data with GRADS, besides GOES 

10 enhanced satellite images. 

Results 

In this work, the example of the event that occurred on 

October, 13 th , 2010 was used, when the ozone total column 

was 276.1 DU, a reduction of 5.6% over the October 

climatological mean which was 292,7 ± 10.2 DU. The 

air mass with poor ozone reached the South of Brazil on 

October, 12 th , as can be observed at Figure 1, when there 

occurred an increase at the Absolute Potential Vorticity 

at 620 K level of potential temperature from 11 th (a) to 

12 th (b) and higher on the 13 th (c), this last day registering 

the lowest ozone total column in the period, confirming the 

polar air mass origin by backward trajectory (d) and ozone 

image from OMI satellite (e), showing the influence of the 

Antarctic ozone hole over the South of Brazil. 

Because of the poor ozone air mass arrival over the South 

of Brazil on October, 12 th , 2010, the synoptic weather system 

was analyzed for this day, when action of the subtropical jet 

a 

b 

c 

d 

e 

Figure 1. Potential Vorticity and Wind at 620K level for 12 th (a) and 13 th (b) of October, 2010. Air mass backward trajectory (c) and OMI image (d) for 13 th and 

12 th , respectively. 


31

a b c 

Figure 2. Wind field daily average at 250 hPa level and Omega at 500 hPa (a), pressure at sea level and thickness between 1000 and 500 hPa (b), and 

enhance GOES 10 image satellite at 12:00 (c) for October, 12 th , 2010. 

stream polar entry could be observed at 250 hPa level and 

positive values of the Omega vertical velocity at 500 hPa 

level, which was observed at Figure 2a. Furthermore, the 

action of an intense high pressure pos frontal system at sea 

level (Figure 2b) over the region was observed, getting the 

South of Brazil with stable weather with no cloudiness as 

can be observed through the satellite image (Figure 2c). 

stream over the region caused intrusion of the stratospheric 

air into the troposphere (Stohl et al., 2003). This pattern had 

an important role at vertical distribution and total content 

of ozone layer (Bukin et al., 2011), enhancing the transport 

of air mass from polar region towards South America and 

the South of Brazil and probably helped poor ozone air 

mass transport. 


The decrease in ozone total column of 5.6% less than the 

October climatological average which occurred on October, 

13 th , 2010 was due to an influence of the Antarctic ozone 

hole over the South of Brazil checked through the increase 

in Absolute Potential Vorticity indicates the polar origin of 

the stratospheric air mass with poor ozone (Semane et al., 

2006) and confirmed by air mass backward trajectory 

(Gupta et al., 2007) and ozone image from OMI satellite 

in a manner analogous to events found by (Pinheiro et al., 

2011). The synoptic weather system acting during the event 

was a high pressure pos frontal system at sea level, indicated 

subsident movement of the air over the South of Brazil, 

which associated with the passage of the subtropical jet 


This work integrates the National Institute of Science and 

Technology Antarctic Environmental Research (INCT-APA) 

that receive scientific and financial supports of the National 

Council for Research and Development (CNPq process: n° 

574018/2008-5) and Research Support Foundation of the 

State of Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ n° E-16/170.023/2008). 

The authors also acknowledge the support of the Brazilian 

Ministries of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI), 

of Environment (MMA) and Inter-Ministry Commission 

for Sea Resources (CIRM). Acknowledgements also to 

PIBIC/UFSM-CNPq/MCTI and CAPES for fellowships, 

NASA/TOMS and NCEP/NCAR for the data, and NOAA 

for HYSPLIT model. 

References 

Bukin, O.A.; Suan, N.; Pavlov, A.N.; Stolyarchuk, S.Y. & Shmirko, K.A. (2011). Effect that Jet Streams Have on the Vertical 

Ozone Distribution and Characteristics of Tropopause Inversion Layer. Atmospheric and Oceanic Physics. 47(5): 610-618. 

Farman, J.C.; Gardiner, B.G. & Shanklin, J.D. (1985). Large losses of total ozone in Antarctica reveal seasonal ClO x 

/NO x 

interaction. Nature, 315: 207-210. 


Gupta, S.; Lal, S.; Venkataramani, S.; Rajesh, T.A. & Acharya, Y.B. (2007). Variability in the vertical distribution of ozone over 

a subtropical site in India during a winter month. Journal Atmospheric Terrestrial Physics, 69: 1502-1512. 

Kirchhoff, V.W.J.H.; Schuch, N.J.; Pinheiro, D.K. & Harris, J.M. (1996). Evidence for an ozone hole perturbation at 30º south. 

Atmospheric Environment, 33(9): 1481-1488. 

Pinheiro, D.K.; Leme, N.P.; Peres, L.V. & Kall,E. (2011). Influence of the antarctic ozone hole over South of Brazil in 2008 and 

2009. National Institute of Science and Technology Antarctic Environmental Research, 1: 33-37. 

Prather, M. & Jaffe, H. (1990). Global impact of the Antarctic ozone hole: chemical propagation. Journal Geophysical 

Research, 95: 3413-3492. 

Ohring, G.; Bojkov, R.D.; Bolle, H.J.; Hudson, R.D. & Volkert, H. (2010). Radiation and Ozone: Catalysts for Advancing 

International Atmospheric Science Programs for over half a century. Space Research Today, 177. 

Semane, N.; Bencherif, H.; Morel, B.; Hauchecorne, A. & Diab, R.D. (2006). An unusual stratospheric ozone decrease in 

Southern Hemisphere subtropics linked to isentropic air-mass transport as observed over Irene (25.5º S, 28.1º E) in mid- 

May 2002. Atmospheric Chemistry Physics, 6: 1927-1936. 

Solomon, S. (1999). Stratospheric ozone depletion: a review of concepts and history. Reviews of Geophysics, 37(3): 275-316. 

Stohl, A.; Wernli, H.; Bourqui, M.; Forster, C.; James, P.; Liniger, M.A.; Seibert, P. & Sprenger, M. (2003). A new perspective 

of stratosphere-troposphere exchange. Bulletin American Meteorological Society, 84: 1565-1573. 


33

4 

INFLUENCE OF THE ANTARCTIC OZONE 

HOLE OVER SOUTH OF BRAZIL IN 2010 AND 2011 

Damaris Kirsch Pinheiro 1,* , Lucas Vaz Peres 1 , Natália Machado Crespo 1 , 

Nelson Jorge Schuch 2 , Neusa Maria Paes Leme 3 

1 

Laboratório de Ciências Espaciais de Santa Maria, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria – UFSM, Av. Roraima, 1000, 

Camobi, CEP 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil 

2 

Centro Regional Sul de Pesquisas Espaciais, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais, Campus Universitário, 

CP 5021, CEP 97105-970, Santa Maria, Brazil 

3 

Centro Regional do Nordeste, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais, Rua Carlos Serrano, 2073, 

Lagoa Nova, CEP 59076-740, Natal, RN, Brazil 

*e-mail: damaris@ufsm.br 

Abstract: The Antarctic Ozone Hole is a cyclical phenomenon, which occurs over the Antarctic region from August to December 

each year. The polar vortex turns it into a restricted characteristic dynamics for this region. However, from time to time, some 

air masses with low ozone concentration could escape and reach regions of lower latitudes. The aim of this study is analyzed the 

influence of the Antarctic Ozone Hole over the South of Brazil in the years 2010 and 2011. To verify these events, ozone total 

column from OMI Spectrometer overpass data for the coordinates of Southern Space Observatory (29.42° S and 53.87° W), in 

São Martinho da Serra, South of Brazil was used. In addition to OMI data, potential vorticity maps using GrADS (Grid Analysis 

and Display System) generated with the NCEP reanalysis data and air mass backward trajectories, using the HYSPLIT model of 

NOAA, were analyzed. Ozone total column for the days with low ozone were compared with monthly climatological average from 

1981 to 2011. Considering only the days with ozone lower than climatological means minus 1.5 standard deviation, increased 

absolute potential vorticity and backward trajectories indicating the origin of polar air masses, 4 events in 2010 and 3 events in 

2011, with an average decreased about 6.3 ± 2.1% when compared with climatological means, were observed in the period analyzed. 

Keywords: mid-latitude, potential vorticity, backward trajectories, Antarctic ozone hole 

Introduction 

Potential Vorticity (PV) has an important hole at air 

mass dynamic movement, having a behavior like a 

material surface where potential temperature is preserved 

(Hoskins et al., 1985), being used in studies correlating PV 

and trace gases like ozone and water vapour over isentropic 

surfaces in low stratosphere (Danielsen, 1968). The domain 

of the Antarctic polar vortex and its filaments was define as 

being the region with high PV gradient, where air masses 

with lower PV than the boundary of the outside region 

were included inside the vortex, conserving differences 

chemical characteristics, and the center of the vortex with 

the minimum PV region or maximum Absolute PV (APV) 

(Marchand et al., 2005). The PV variation over isentropic 

surfaces can be used to transport ozone in stratosphere 

(Jing et al., 2005). An increase at the APV indicated a polar 

origin of the poor ozone air mass (Narayana Rao et al., 2003; 

Semane et al., 2006). The polar origin of an air mass can be 

show also with backward trajectories (Gupta et al., 2007). 

Although the stability of the polar vortex, air masses could 

come out of its filaments and reach mid and low latitudes, 

causing a temporary decrease in ozone concentration. 

Prather & Jaffe (1990) calculated that Antarctic air masses 

could be isolated for 7 to 20 days after their separation of 

the vortex, time sufficient to propagate toward mid and low 

latitudes. This phenomenon was first observed over South 

of Brazil by Kirchhoff et al. (1996). 



Events of Antarctic ozone hole influence over South of Brazil 

in 2010 and 2011 were detected using overpass data of ozone 

total column from Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) 

inside ERS-2 satellite for Southern Space Observatory - 

SSO/CRS/INPE - MCTI (29.4° S and 53.8° W; 488.7 m), in 

South of Brazil. OMI ozone total column was compared with 

monthly climatological averages from 1981 to 2011 obtained 

by Brewer Spectrophotometer, installed at SSO, Total 

Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS), inboard Nimbus-7, 

Meteor-3 and Earth Probe, National Aeronautics and Space 

Agency (NASA) satellites, and OMI from 2006. For the 

days with ozone total column lower than climatological 

average minus 1.5 standard deviation, isentropic analysis 

using Potential Vorticity maps were made with National 

Centers for Environmental Prediction/Atmospheric 

Research (NCEP/NCAR) reanalysis data (http://www.cdc. 

noaa.gov/cdc/reanalysis/reanalysis.shtml). These PV maps 

were generated with GrADS (Grid Analysis and Display 

System). The analysis verifies if there was an increase at 

Absolute Potential Vorticity, indicated the polar origin of the 

ozone poor air mass. The confirmation of the polar origin 

can be obtained by air masses backward trajectories using 

HYSPLIT (HYbrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated 

Trajectory) model, developed by National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Agency (NOAA) and Australia‘s Bureau of 

Meteorology (http://www.arl.noaa.gov/ready/open/traj. 

html). 

Results 

Monthly Climatological averages of ozone total column 

measured by Brewer Spectrophotometer, TOMS and OMI 

for Southern Space Observatory from 1981 to 2011 were 

291.9 ± 12.5 DU for August, 298.3 ± 9.8 DU for September 

and 292.8 ± 10.1 DU for October. The days of 2010 and 2011 

with ozone total column lower than these climatological 

averages minus 1.5 times the standard deviation was 

analyzed according to the methodology described above. 

The examples of October, 22 th 2010 and October, 21 th 2011 

are shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, respectively, where an 

increase of absolute potential vorticity at the level of 620 K 

(a), the backward trajectories of air masses poor of ozone 

(b) and OMI data (c) are represented showing the influence 

of Antarctic Ozone Hole over South of Brazil. Considering 

only the days with decreased ozone measured at Southern 

Space Observatory, increased absolute potential vorticity 

shown at GRADS maps and HYSPLIT backward trajectories 

indicating the origin of polar air masses, it was observed 4 

events in 2010 and 3 events in 2011 presented at Table 1, with 

an average decreased about 6.3 ± 2.1% when compared with 

climatological means. 

Discussion 

Similar events of low ozone air masses intrusions from 

Antarctic ozone hole toward mid latitude like those analyzed 

here were also observed over South America (Kirchhoff et al., 

1996; Perez et al., 2000), Southern Africa (Semane et al., 2006) 

Table 1. Events of the Antarctic ozone hole influence over Southern Space Observatory showing the date, ozone total column, its corresponding monthly 

climatological average and the respectively reduction of ozone. 

Event Date 

O 3 

Total Column (DU) 

O 3 

Monthly Climatological 

Average (DU) 

O 3 

Total Column Reduction 

(%) 

08/08/2010 271,2 291,9 ± 12,5 7,1 

09/08/2010 280,8 298,3 ± 9,8 5,9 

10/13/2010 276,2 292,8 ± 10,1 5,7 

10/22/2010 261,8 292,8 ± 10,1 10,6 

09/05/2011 283,7 298,3 ± 9,8 4,9 

09/29/2011 283,3 298,3 ± 9,8 5,0 

10/21/2011 278,7 292,8 ± 10,1 4,8 

Average 276,5 ± 7,8 6,3 ± 2,1 


35

and New Zealand (Brinksma et al., 1998). Comparing the 

events analyzed with the events observed for Pinheiro et al. 

(2011) over South of Brazil in 2008 and 2009, the events 

for 2010 and 2011 had a less intense decrease of 6.3 ± 2.1% 

compared to 9,7 ± 3,3 % from 2008 and 2009. 

Conclusion 

Days with decrease of ozone total column at Southern Space 

Observatory for 2010 and 2011 were analyzed. A total of 

seven events of influence of the Antarctic Ozone Hole over 

South of Brazil were detected in these period, with 4 events 

a 

b 

c 

Figure 1. Event of the Antarctic Ozone Hole influence over SSO occurred at October, 22 th , 2010. a) Maps showing of the increase of the absolute potential 

vorticity at the level of 620 K from 21 th to 22 th , b) backward trajectory generated with the HYSPLIT model showing the polar origin of the air mass over SSO and 

c) image generated using data from OMI for October, 20 th showing a filament of poor ozone air mass reaching South America. 


a 

b 

c 

Figure 2. Event of the Antarctic Ozone Hole influence over Southern Space Observatory occurred at October, 21 th , 2011. a) Maps showing of the increase 

of the absolute potential vorticity at the level of 620 K from 20 th to 21 th of October, 2011, b) backward trajectory generated with the HYSPLIT model showing 

the polar origin of the air mass over Southern Space Observatory and c) image generated using data from OMI for October, 19 th showing a filament of poor 

ozone air mass reaching South America. 

in 2010 and 3 events in 2011, with average ozone decreased 

about 6.3 ± 2.1% when compared with climatological means. 



Technology Antarctic Environmental Research (INCT- 

APA) that receives scientific and financial support from 

the National Council for Research and Development 

(CNPq process: n° 574018/2008-5) and Carlos Chagas 

Research Support Foundation of the State of Rio de 

Janeiro (FAPERJ n° E-16/170.023/2008). The authors 

also acknowledge the support of the Brazilian Ministries 


37

of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI), of 

Environment (MMA) and Inter-Ministry Commission 

for Sea Resources (CIRM). Acknowledgements also to 

PIBIC/UFSM-CNPq/MCTI and CAPES for fellowships, 

NASA/TOMS and NCEP/NCAR for the data, and NOAA 

for HYSPLIT model. 

References 

Brinksma, E.J.; Meijer, Y.J.; Connor, B.J.; Manney, G.L.; Bergwerff, J.B.; Bodeker, G.E.; Boyd, I.S.; Liley, J.B.; Hogervorst, 

W.; Hovenier, J.W.; Livesey, N.J. & Swart, D.P.J. (1998). Analysis of record-low ozone values during the 1997 winter over 

Lauder, New Zealand. Geophysical Research Letters. 25(15):2785-2788. http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/98GL52218 

Danielsen, E.F. (1968). Stratospheric-tropospheric exchange based on radioactivity, ozone and potential vorticity. Journal of 

Atmospheric Science, 25: 502-18. 

Gupta, S.; Lal, S.; Venkataramani, S.; Rajesh, T.A. & Acharya, Y.B. (2007). Variability in the vertical distribution of ozone over 

a subtropical site in India during a winter month, Journal Atmospheric Terrestrial Physics, 69: 1502-1512. http://dx.doi. 

org/10.1016/j.jastp.2007.05.011 

Hoskins, B.J.; Mcintyre, M.E. & Robertson, A.W. (1985). On the use and significance of isentropic potential vorticity maps, 

Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society, 111: 877-946. 

Jing, P.; Cunnold, D.M.; Yang, E.S. & Wang, H.J. (2005). Influence of isentropic transport on seasonal ozone variations in 

the lower stratosphere and subtropical upper troposphere. Journal of Geophysical Research, 110(D10110). http://dx.doi. 

org/10.1029/2004JD005416 

Kirchhoff, V.W.J.H.; Schuch, N.J.; Pinheiro, D.K. & Harris, J.M. (1996). Evidence for an ozone hole perturbation at 30º south. 

Atmospheric Environment, 33(9):1481-8. 

Marchand, M.; Bekki, S.; Pazmino, A.; Lefèvre, F.; Godin-Beekmann, S. & Hauchecorne, A. (2005). Model simulations of the 

impact of the 2002 Antarctic ozone hole on midlatitudes. Journal Atmospheric Science, 62: 871-884. 

Narayana Rao, T.; Kirkwood, S.; Arvelius, J.; von der Gathen, P. & Kivi, R. (2003). Climatology of UTLS ozone and the ratio 

of ozone and potential vorticity over northern Europe. Journal of Geophysical Research, 108(D22): 4703. http://dx.doi. 

org/10.1029/2003JD003860 

Perez, A.; Crino, E.; de Carcer, I.A. & Jaque, F. (2000). Low-ozone events and three-dimensional transport at midlatitudes 

of South America during springs of 1996 and 1997. Journal of Geophysical Research-Atmospheres. 105(D4): 4553-4561. 

http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/1999JD901040 

Pinheiro, D.K.; Leme, N.P.; Peres, L.V. and Kall, E. (2011). Influence of the Antarctic ozone hole over South of Brazil in 2008 

and 2009. National Institute of Science and Technology Antarctic Environmental Research. 33-37. 

Prather, M. & Jaffe, H. (1990). Global impact of the Antarctic ozone hole: chemical propagation. Journal of Geophysical 

Research, 95: 3413-92. 

Semane, N.; Bencherif, H.; Morel, B.; Hauchecorne, A. & Diab, R.D. (2006). An unusual stratospheric ozone decrease in 

Southern Hemisphere subtropics linked to isentropic air-mass transport as observed over Irene (25.5º S, 28.1º E) in mid- 

May 2002. Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, 6: 1927-36. 


5 

ENERGY BALANCE AT THE SURFACE IN KING GEORGE 

ISLAND - PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF ETA PROJECT 

Amauri P. de Oliveira 1,* , Jacyra Soares 1 , Georgia Codato 1 , 

Admir Créso de Lima Targino 2 , Caio Jorge Ruman 1 

1 

Grupo de Micrometeorologia, Departamento de Ciências Atmoféricas, Universidade de São Paulo – USP, 

Rua do Matão, 1226, CEP 05508-090, São Paulo, SP, Brazil 

2 

Engenharia Ambiental, Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná – UTFPR, Av. dos Pioneiros, 3131, 

CEP 86036-370, Londrina, PR, Brazil 

*email: apdolive@usp.br 

Abstract: In this work the diurnal evolution of the energy balance at the surface is estimated for the King George Island, based on in 

situ observations of net radiation, soil heat flux and vertical profiles of wind speed, air temperature and specific humidity measured 

at the South Tower in the Brazilian Antarctic Station Comandante Ferraz. The turbulent fluxes were estimated by adjusting vertical 

profiles expressions based on the Monin-Obukhov Similarity Theory. The diurnal evolution of the energy balance components at 

the surface indicates, during this period, that the large input of energy causes large imbalance in the surface energy balance. The 

imbalanced term, estimated also for other periods, seems to be related mainly to the heterogeneity of the land use and topography. 

Keywords: energy balance, sensible heat, latent heat and soil heat flux 

Introduction 

Quantifying interaction between surface and atmosphere 

through observation is one of the most challenging tasks 

ever. It evolves estimating exchange of energy, mass and 

momentum, simultaneously, in different places, facing 

heterogeneities inherent to the surface of the Earth at 

different meteorological scales. Among all ecosystems the 

one represented by Antarctica is most challenging given the 

extreme weather conditions prevailing during most of the 

time. These difficulties worsen in the case of the Brazilian 

Antarctic Station Comandante Ferraz because it is located 

on the shoreline region of the King George Island that is 

characterized by highly complex topography. Besides, the 

land cover is continuously changing by the temporal and 

spatial distribution of precipitation. 

The main goal of the ETA (“Estudo da Turbulência na 

Antártica”- Antarctica Turbulence Study) project is to 

estimate the energy fluxes of sensible and latent heat at 

the surface at the Brazilian Antarctic Station Comandante 

Ferraz using slow and fast response sensors (Oliveira et al., 

2012). In this work the diurnal evolution of the energy 

balance components are estimated using in situ observations 

of net radiation and soil heat flux. Hourly values of turbulent 

fluxes were estimated using low response sensors to provide 

vertical profiles of wind speed, air temperature and specific 

humidity (Figure 1). Universal non dimensional vertical 

gradients, provided by the Monin-Obukhov Similarity 

Theory, were adjusted, by linear fitting technique, to the 

observed vertical profiles, yielding turbulent fluxes of 

sensible and latent heat. 


Energy balance at the surface can be expressed as: 

Rn = G – H – LE + I 

Where Rn is the net radiation, G is the soil energy flux, H 

and LE are the turbulent energy fluxes of sensible and latent 

heat and I is the imbalanced term. The imbalanced term 

takes into account the energy fluxes that are not associated 

to local sources, systematic errors caused by observations 


39

a 

b 

Figure 1. South tower of the Brazilian Antarctic Station Comandante Ferraz. (a) Schematic diagram and (b) photograph of the sensor set up in the tower. 

and methodology limitations (Foken, 2008), and phase 

change of ice at the surface and frozen soil. 

In this work all energy fluxes are positive when oriented 

upwards and vice versa. Here, the year day 52 (21 February 

2012) is used as example of the energy balance, because 

the weather conditions are not significantly disturbed on 

this day. 

Results 

The soil temperature and the soil heat flux were obtained 

using, respectively, a soil temperature sensor and a soil heat 

flux plate set up at 5 cm below the surface (Figure 2). 

The sensible and latent heat fluxes were estimated 

using vertical profiles of wind velocity (Figure 3a, b), air 

temperature (Figure 3c) and specific humidity Figure 3d). 

Details of the sensors used here can be found in Oliveira et al. 

(2012) and Codato et al. (2012). 

According to Monin-Obukhov Similarity Theory, the 

mean vertical profiles of horizontal wind speed, potential 

temperature and specific humidity can be expressed in 

terms of non dimensional universal relations (Wyngaard, 

2010). These functions depend on the stability of the surface 

layer and can be used to estimate the characteristic scales 

of velocity (u * 

), temperature (θ * 

) and specific humidity (q * 

). 

The net radiation was estimated using a net radiometer 

(Figure 4) installed at south tower of the EACF. 

According to Monin-Obukhov Similarity Theory, the 

mean vertical profiles of horizontal wind speed, potential 

temperature and specific humidity can be expressed in 

terms of non dimensional universal relations (Wyngaard, 

2010). These functions depend on the stability of the surface 

layer and can be used to estimate the characteristic scales 

of velocity (u * 

), temperature (θ * 

) and specific humidity (q * 

). 

The turbulent fluxes of sensible (H) and latent heat (LE) 

(Figure 5a, b) are evaluated by the following expressions: 

H = – ρ c P 

u * 

θ * 

LE = – ρ L u * 

q * 


a 

c 

b 

Figure 2. Soil heat flux. (a) Measurement local, (b) soil temperature sensor, (c) soil temperature (°C) at –5 cm, (d) soil heat flux plate and (e) soil heat flux 

(W m –2 ) at –5 cm. 

Where ρ is de air density, c P 

is the specific heat at constant 

pressure and L is the latent heat of vaporization. 

Discussion 

The major reason for the energy imbalance (Figure 5c, d) is 

that over heterogeneous landscape the turbulent exchange 

processes of larger scales cannot be captured by eddy 

covariance. Long wave and organized turbulence are not 

properly described because most of the eddy covariance 

algorithms do not consider the covariance when the signal 

is non stationary, so that H+LE is underestimated. Besides, 

due to wind direction high variability the foot print has to 

be taken into consideration properly in order to reduce the 

error in H and LE measurements. 

Another source of error is caused by phase difference 

between soil heat flux and surface temperature. Energy 

balance at the surface responds to the temperature and soil 

heat flux evolution in time at the surface, the later parameter 

is measured using heat plates at some depth so that there is a 

significant phase and amplitude difference between surface 

temperature and soil heat flux. Besides, soil heat plates 

always underestimate the soil heat flux amplitude due to the 

deflection of heat flux lines of the soil by introducing the 

plate with different thermal conductivity (Gao et al., 2010) 

Conclusion 

The diurnal evolution of the energy balance components 

at the surface indicates that in this particular period 


41

a 

b 

c 

d 

e 

f 

g 

Figure 3. Diurnal variation, at 3 different levels, of (a) air temperature ( ° C), (b) specific humidity (g kg –1 ), (c) wind velocity (m s –1 ) and (d) wind direction (degree). 

Photograph of the instruments (e) south tower upper level sensors, (f) middle level and (g) lower level. 

(year day 52) there was a large input of energy, heating 

considerably the surface and the surface layer (Figure 5). 

There is a substantial imbalance that may be related to the 

methodology used to estimate the turbulent fluxes (indirect 

method), lack of representativeness of the soil heat flux and 

advection of heat associated mainly to the heterogeneity of 

the land use and topography of the region of the Brazilian 

Antarctic Station Comandante Ferraz. The next step is to 

compare the indirect method with the eddy correlation 

method. This will be possible when the sonic anemometer 


a 

b 

Figure 4. Net radiometer (a) at South tower and (b) diurnal evolution (W m –2 ). 

a 

b 

c 

d 

Figure 5. Diurnal evolution of (a) sensible and latent heat heat flux, (b) available energy flux, (c) energy balance components and (d) available energy versus 

turbulent fluxes (year days 51 to 55 of 2012). 


43

and infrared gas analyzer were setup in the South Tower as 

originally proposed in the ETA project. 


The authors acknowledge the financial support provided by 

the Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology - 

Antarctic Environmental Research (INCT-APA, Portuguese 

acronym), the National Council for Scientific and 

Technological Development (CNPq, Portuguese acronym), 

process nº574018/2008-5 and the Carlos Chagas Filho 

Research Foundation, (FAPERJ, Portuguese acronym), 

process No, FAPERJ-16/170.023/2008. 

References 

Codato, G.; Soares, J.; Oliveira, A.P.; Targino, A.C.L. & Ruman, C.J. (2012). Observational campaigns of the ETA Project. 

Anais da 4ª Oficina de Trabalho do INCT-APA. 25 a 29 de junho de 2012. Rio de Janeiro, RJ. 

Foken, T. (2008). The energy balance closure problem: An overview. Ecol. Appl., 18(6): 1351-1367. 

Gao, Z.; Horton, R. & Liu, H.P. (2010). Impact of wave phase difference between soil surface heat flux and soil surface 

temperature on soil surface energy balance closure. Journal of Geophysical Research, 115, D16112. http://dx.doi. 

org/10.1029/2009JD013 278 

Oliveira, A.P.; Codato, G. & Ruman, C.J. (2012). Relatório da 2ª campanha de medidas do projeto ETA. IAG/USP, 37p. 

Available from: 

Wyngaard, J.C., (2010). Turbulence in the Atmosphere. Cambridge University Press.Cambridge, 393 p. 



45


IMPACT OF GLOBAL CHANGES 

ON THE ANTARCTIC TERRESTRIAL 

ENVIRONMENT 

49 Schünemann, A. L., Victoria, F. C., Albuquerque, M. P., Roesch, L. F. W. and Pereira, A. B. Mapping 

and Geopositioning Methods in Ice Free Areas – Antarctica. 

53 D’Oliveira, C. B., Putzke, J., Victoria, F. C., Pereira, C. K. and Pereira, A. B. Phytossociology Approach 

of Plants Communities in Stinker Point, Elephant Island, Antarctica in the 2011/2012 Austral Summer. 

57 Vieira, F. C. B., Pereira, A. B., Schünemann, A. L., Albuquerque, F. V., Albuquerque, M. P., Putzke, 

J. and Oliveira, C. S. Soil Chemical Attributes as Affected by Vegetal Cover and Seabirds in Punta 

Hennequin, Antarctica. 

62 Victoria, F. C., Albuquerque, M. P., D’Oliveira, C. B. and Pereira, A. B. Conservation Status of Moss 

Species in the Northern Maritime Antartic Based in the Index of Ecological Significance. 

67 Albuquerque, M. P., Victoria, F. C., Rebellato, E., Pereira, C. K., D’Oliveira, C. B., Putzke J. and Pereira, 

A. B. Lichen Moss Association Frequently Found in the Maritime Antarctic. 

71 Putzke, J., Putzke, M. T. L., Pereira, A. B. and Albuquerque, M. P., Agaricales (Basidiomycota) Fungi 

in the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica. 

75 Krüger, L., Sander, M. and Petry, M.V. Responses of an Antarctic Southern Giant Petrel Population to 

Climate Change. 

80 Petersen, E. S., Krüger, L. and Petry, M, V. Responses of an Antarctic Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus 

Reproductive Population to Climate. 

84 Piuco, R. C., Brummelhaus, J., Petry, M. V. and Sander, M. Population Fluctuation of Pygoscelis 

papua and Pygoscelis antarctica, Elephant Island, South Shetlands, Antarctica. 

88 Petry, M. V. and Krüger, L. Foraging Distribution of an Antarctic Southern Giant Petrel Population. 



Dr. Antônio Batista Pereira 


Dr. Maria Virgínia Petry 

Introduction 

The module theme “Global Change Impact on the Antarctic 

Environment,” which investigates the impact of global 

change on terrestrial environment, develops a set of research 

areas thaw of Antarctica, to obtain data which help to 

explain the effects of environmental change on biological 

communities. Besides trying to understand the dynamics 

of populations and their relationships. 

The study of vegetation develops surveys to describe 

and map the plant communities in ice-free areas, aiming 

to understand their evolution, the relationships with 

the soil microbial community and birds colony and the 

emission of greenhouse gases that contribute to global 

warming. With the data obtained are expected to contribute 

to the monitoring of ice-free ecosystems, assessing the 

possible environmental impacts by human occupation 

or natural phenomena. Based on this objective, was 

chosen two indicators, “plant biodiversity” and “plant 

cover”. The use of “plant biodiversity” as an indicator of 

environmental impacts, based on the fact that most plants 

that grow in ice-free areas of Antarctica can be classified 

into ornithocropróphylous or ornithocopróphobous. Soon, 

all changes that occur in bird populations will be reflected 

in the biodiversity of plant communities. The “plant cover” 

is important because the global changes are altering the ice 

cover in Antarctica, contributing to changing environments 

and expansion of ice-free areas. With the data obtained will 

be possible to identify, locate and describe each plant every 

community. Through georeferencing of each community 

will be possible to prepare maps of vegetation, which can 

be compared with those developed in the period 1995- 

2012, thus allowing the assessment of the evolution of each 

community, and contribute to building methodologies for 

monitoring plant communities of ice-free areas. The study 

of soil microbial communities and the gases flow that 

contribute to global warming started in 2010/2011 will 

continue collecting data in the same areas associated with 

working on vegetation. 

The main goal of studying the distribution and dynamics 

of seabird populations is understand the complex relations 

between populations and oceanic factors. Seabirds are useful 

as tools for understand and monitor the effects of global 

change whereas they provide a link between marine and 

terrestrial environments. It is, many population measures we 

obtain in land are reflection of conditions that the birds are 

experiencing off sea. Sea climate and productivity can affect 

the foraging efficiency of seabirds and affect their breeding 

decisions. Seabirds are on the top of food webs, then, they 

reflect the status of all the levels above. As they rely on sea 

productivity – Zooplankton, Krill, fishes and squids – any 

abrupt changes on lower levels of the food webs can affect 

demography parameters such as number of breeding pairs, 

survival, breeding success, breeding desertion rates, and so 

on. All factors are connected: the productivity on Antarctic 

waters clearly depends on the balance of sea-ice-sheets 

dynamic which is correlated to sea-surface warming, sea 

level pressure and wind regime shifts. All those changes can 

directly or indirectly influence seabirds. 

As a linkage between sea and land, seabirds drive the 

structure of terrestrial communities, be they microbial, 

plants, lichens or invertebrates, by “fertilizing” soils and 

inputting energy from the ocean on the land. Measure 

all those connections is necessary so the whole picture of 

terrestrial communities responses to global changes can 

be achieved. 

Furthermore, seabirds can forage far from breeding 

grounds, many reaching subantarctic waters at north or 

going south into the Antarctic Circumpolar Currents, 

as demonstrated by the study “Oceanic habitat use of an 

Antarctic Southern Giant Petrel population during breeding 

period”. Through geolocation techniques we were able to 

access the ocean areas used by the species. Giant Petrels 


47

were widespread, reaching latitudes between 55° S and 77° 

S and longitudes between 35° W and 80° W. By knowing 

the foraging areas of the species during summer is possible 

estimate how the population dynamics are responsive to 

ocean changes at such areas, which is one of the aims of the 

Thematic Area 2 about seabirds. 

The efforts to measure such relations start by measuring 

the seabird population dynamics. Many species are 

decreasing at West Antarctica, and the paper “Population 

fluctuation of Pygoscelis papua and Pygoscelis antarctica, 

Elephant Island, South Shetlands, Antarctica” is a good 

example of that. Both Penguin populations showed 

consistent decreases over the last 40 years at one icefree 

area on Elephant Island, possible as a response to 

climate and food availability shifts. By using current and 

past information about seabird populations, the studies 

“Responses of an Antarctic Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus 

reproductive population to climate change” and “Responses 

of an Antarctic Southern Giant Petrel population to climate 

change” verified that the populations of both species 

are responding to variations of temperature and climate 

change indexes such as Antarctic Oscillation Index (AOI) 

and Southern Oscillation Index (SOI), though by different 

means. Gulls presented a quadratic response to the SOI, 

what seems to reflect that cooler or warm conditions can 

take the breeding population down, while Giant Petrel 

Linear responses to temperature, SOI and AOI indicates a 

trend of population growth under warm conditions. 


1 

MAPPING AND GEOPOSITIONING 

METHODS IN ICE-FREE AREAS – ANTARCTICA 

Adriano Luís Schünemann 1,* , Filipe de Carvalho Victoria 1 , Margeli Pereira de Albuquerque 1 , 

Luiz Fernando Würdig Roesch 1 , Antônio Batista Pereira 1 

1 

Universidade Federal do Pampa – UNIPAMPA, Campus São Gabriel, Av. Antônio Trilha, 1847, 

CEP 97300-000, São Gabriel, RS, Brazil 

*e-mail: als@unipampa.edu.br 

Abstract: Mapping is an activity which can register the occurrence of phenomenons related to land cover. There are several methods 

of map registry. In Antarctic areas, the mapping gives importance to registry of the land cover of plants in ice-free areas. The maps 

are tools to understand the dynamics of plants in those areas. The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is an important 

tool to reach this objective, such as the plotting of georeference points in any place in the world including Antarctic locations. This 

study aims to contribute to the research of mapping in ice-free areas making a comparison with map builds for Hennequin Point 

and Keller Peninsula at King George Island, Antarctica. The study was carried out using GNSS L1/L2 and L1 receivers to record 

points in ice-free areas with plant coverage and post processing using specific software. The post processed data were exported to 

CAD software. With the points plotted, they were connected using polylines to draw the vegetation patches. The maps obtained were 

overlapped to identify the growth or retraction between the patches. The resulting maps are presented. The results show differences 

between the patches sampled during different polar years. Probably, these divergences are due to the different methodologies used to 

obtain the points in these areas. To better understand these variations, we need to produce more maps of the same place, obtained 

with the same methodologies or compare them using Satellite Images with high spatial resolution. 

Keywords: vegetation patches, GNSS, coordinates transpose 

Introduction 

Mapping is an application of the cartographic process 

over data collection or information to obtain a graphic 

presentation for several phenomenons in the landscape 

(IBGE, 1999). For this activity tools such Remote Sensing, 

Photogrammetrie, Photo Interpretation, GNSS and 

Geographical Information System (GIS) (Rocha, 2007), 

were used. A range of systems such GPS (Global Positioning 

System) and GLONASS (Global’naya Navigatsionnaya 

Sputnikowaya Sistema) (Leick, 2004) contributed to improve 

mapping in areas with difficult access. The systems permit 

obtaining the coordinates of the user in real time in any 

place in the World. The paper by Rudolph (1963) was one 

of the first studies that contained a schematic map of plant 

community (PC) distribution in the region of Halley Station, 

Victoria Land, Antarctica. Ochyra & Furmańczyk (1982) 

used the application of Remote Sensing by multispectral 

photography for determining the distribution of PC near 

the Arctowski Station, King George Island. The resulting 

map was not georeferenced. Pereira & Putzke (1994) used 

techniques of mapping to describe the floristic composition 

of Stinker Point, Elephant Island, Antarctica. The study was 

based on identification and mapping of the PC. The survey 

of the coastal ice-free area was undertaken by helicopter and 

identified the floristic composition (Pereira & Putzke, 1994). 

The referred mapping was carried out through empiric 

observation and registered in a base map of that place. The 

GPS facilitated the making of points in these areas, since 

there is no need for the surveyor to measure distances, 

directions and altitudes to obtain the coordinates for the 

points of study. This is the principle of Topographic survey 

(McCormac, 2007) which demands several repetitions to 

complete. Pereira et al. (2007) carried out a study using 


49

GPS to reference the points in an aerial photographic survey 

to draw up a map with the distribution of the PC at King 

George Island, Antarctica. 


Our study was conducted comparing two maps of two 

locations at Antarctic (Keller Peninsula – 62° 03’ 00”, 

62° 06’ 00” S and 58° 27’ 00”, 58° 21’ 00” W; Hennequin Point 

– 62° 05’ 00”, 62° 09’ 00” S and 58° 25’ 00”, 58° 16’ 00” W) 

both located at King George Island. At Keller Peninsula 

(KP), the study was conducted during the austral summer 

of 2002/2003 (Pereira et al., 2007) where some points 

were georeferenced using GPS for the aerial photographic 

survey. Based on the photographic survey the map with 

the distribution of the PC was drawn up. The second map, 

obtained through a survey making the contour of the PC, 

during the austral summer of 2009/2010 (Victoria et al, 

private communication), using a GPS L1 receiver able to 

obtain centimeter precisions while the data had to be post 

processed with the Astech Solutions® software. The two maps 

where overlapped and presented in Figure 1. At Hennequin 

Point (HP) the study was conducted during the austral 

summer of 2004/2005 (Victoria et al, unpublished) using 

the same GPS receiver used to obtain the last map KP. For 

the austral summer of 2010/2011 a GPS L1/L2 receiver to 

make the contour of the PC was used. The two maps were 

superposed and presented in the Figure 2. 

Results 

The results of the overlapped maps of Keller Peninsula were 

presented at the Figure 1. The contour of the vegetation 

patches, obtained at austral summer of 2002/2003 year 

were presented without hatch colors. The vegetation 

patches, obtained in austral summer of 2009/2010 year were 

Figure 1. Overlapped maps of Keller Peninsula. 


presented with different hatch colors. Each color represents a 

plant community as indicated in the subtitles of the Figures. 

The superposition of maps obtained can be undertaken 

through two different methods. By the differences between 

patch positions, patch areas and patch shapes revealed. 

On average the patch areas were bigger in the summer of 

2002/2003 than in the summer of 2009/2010, when the 

patch shapes show up totally different. But we can see that 

on average the patches of vegetation in 2010 appear in the 

same place as the patches of vegetation in 2003. 

The map obtained by overlaying of Hennequin Point was 

presented in the Figure 2. The contour of the PC patches, 

obtained in austral summer 2004/2005 year was presented 

with red lines. The PC patches, obtained in austral summer 

2010/2011 year are presented in a green hatch color. 

Figure 2, presents a superposition of maps made with the 

same methodology, but using different GPS receivers. The 

two maps were designed with points obtained using the 

Stop and Go method which is able to obtain centimeter 

precision. We can see differences between the two maps. 

In the quadrant located at the longitude 428.000, 429.000E 

and latitudes 3.113.500, 3112.500N, there are 3 patches of 

PC 2005 which are not superposed with the PC 2011. In the 

same quadrant, they are almost 6 PC of 2011 which are not 

superposed with the PC 2005. 

Discussion 

The overlap of PC can indicate that both represent the 

same communities. The absence of patches in a map and 

a presence in another can indicate that the vegetation 

2003 was retracted from 2003 to 2010. This paradigm 

can be explained with the difference of obtaining the two 

maps. The construction of the contour of patches over a 

photographic image can generalize a big area like a plant 

community which can have other patches from another 

PC in it. To obtain the 2010 vegetation, it was necessary to 

make a survey walking around all the patches. Each patch 

had several points, which connected to form the shape. To 

do this walk is very important that the surveyor has the care 

to measure points at their limits between the vegetations and 

other themes. The limits are not sharply contoured and it 

is possible for there to be some limit confusion. There is a 

tendency to translate the paradigm to encircle the patches. 

To solve this problem, it is necessary that the surveyor has 

training to identify superficially which species is presented at 

each location of the study. The identification of the transition 

between presence or absence of plants. 

Figure 2. Overlapped maps of Hennequin Point. 


51

Figure 2 can suggest that the 6 patches have grown over 

the last 6 years or the patches were covered with snow in 

2004/2005 austral summer, implying that they were not 

found by the surveyor. We have some patches superposed 

with the same shape. Due to the fact that they are not in the 

same position can be explained by a cartographic problem. 

The latter problem occurs frequently in other areas of the 

map. 

Conclusions 

Regarding the survey methods we need to study more and 

collect more data for further comparisons. We can use 

Satellite Images with high spatial resolution to compare 

places in temporal evaluation. Probably the methods 

using photography and satellite images georeferenced can 

generalize the patches. Surveys made from Stop and Go 

methods need more experience on the part of the surveyor 

and the limits between the schemes cannot be precisely 

delineated. Differences of on average 2 or 3 meters can be 

considered insignificant. The GPS L1 or L1/L2 receivers 

show the highest precision to build the patches. 











for Sea Resources (CIRM). 

References 

Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística - IBGE. (1999). Noções básicas de cartografia. Rio de Janeiro: Departamento 

de cartografia. 44 p. 

Leick, A. (2004). GPS: Satellite Surveying. 3.ed. Hobokey, New Jersey: Wiley. 

McCormac, J. (2007). Topografia. 5. ed. Rio de Janeiro: LTC. 

Ochyra, R. & Furmańczyk, K. (1982). Plant communities of the Admiralty Bay region (King George Island, South Shetland 

Islands, Antarctic) I. Jasnorzewski Gardens. Polish Polar Research. 3(1-2): 25-15. 

Pereira, A.B. & Putzke, J. (1994). Floristic Composition of Stinker Point, Elephant Island, Antartctica. Korean Journal of Polar 

Research, 5(2): 37-10. 

Pereira, A.B.; Spielmann, A.A.; Martins, M.F.N. & Francelino, M.R. (2007). Plant communities from ice-free áreas of Keller 

Peninsula, King George Island, Antarctica. Oecologia Brasiliensis, 11(1):14-9. 

Rocha, C.H.B. (2007). Geoprocessamento: Tecnologia Transdisciplinar. 3. ed. Juiz de Fora-MG: UFJF. 

Rudolph, E.D. (1963). Vegetation of Halley Station area, Victoria Land, Antarctica – Ecology, 44: 585-586. 


2 

PHYTOSOCIOLOGY APPROACH OF PLANTS 

COMMUNITIES IN STINKER POINT, ELEPHANT ISLAND, 

ANTARCTICA IN THE 2011/2012 AUSTRAL SUMMER 

Cristiane Barbosa D’Oliveira 1,* , Jair Putzke 2 , Filipe de Carvalho Victoria 1 , 

Margeli Pereira Albuquerque 1 , Clarissa Kappel Pereira 1 , Antonio Batista Pereira 1 

1 

Federal University of the Pampa – UNIPAMPA, Av. Antônio Trilha, 1847, 

CEP 97300-000, São Gabriel, RS, Brazil 

2 

University of Santa Cruz do Sul – UNISC, Av. Independência, 2298, Cep 96815-900, Santa Cruz do Sul, RS, Brazil 

*e-mail: crixdoliveira@gmail.com 

Abstract : Elephant Island is located at 61° 07’ S and 55° 03’ W in the north of the South Shetland Islands. Stinker Point is 

the largest ice-free coastal area along Elephant Island, showing the highest level of richness of the island’s fauna and flora. 

The Antarctic biome is affected by its geographical isolation and special climatic conditions. The objective of this work is to define 

the most important species at Stinker Point, Elephant Island being the base index of ecological importance. The phytosociological 

study was conducted using the method of the quadrats. The sampling was done in the austral summer to 2012 in ice-free areas 

of Stinker Point. To obtain the importance of the species at the points of sampling the index of ecological significance (IES) was 

applied. Twenty-two different sites in the ice-free areas were sampled in this study and 70 species until now (including algae, 

liverworts, mosses, lichens, mushrooms and angiosperms) were identified. Thirty-four species have an IES higher than 50, being 

Sanionia uncinata (Hedw.) Loeske the most important species. 

Key word: ecological significance, mosses, lichens, flowering plants 

Introduction 

The Antarctic continent is one of the harshest habitats in the 

world, especially for Antarctic flowering plants, lichens and 

bryophytes, which form the dominant elements in rocks and 

vegetation on the rocky ground (Kappen & Schroeter, 1997). 

The Antarctic vegetation is affected by the geographical 

isolation, climatic conditions and its development is 

restricted to ice-free areas. 

Elephant Island is located at 61° 07’ S and 55° 03’ W in 

the north of the South Shetland Islands. It is a mountainous 

island covered with ice in its central area and in the austral 

summer parts of the coast are ice-free. Stinker Point is the 

largest coastal ice-free area of Elephant Island rich in fauna 

and flora (Pereira & Putzke, 1994). These authors inform that 

Stinker Point has two species of higher plants, Deschampsia 

antartica Desv. (Poaceae) and Colobanthus quitensis 

(Kunth.) Bart. (Caryophylaceae), 38 species of mosses, seven 

species of liverworths, 68 species of lichens and four species 

of macroscopic fungi. 

Lewis-Smith (2001) in a phytossociological survey found 

many species of mosses in association with the dominant 

species in the formation, reflecting the dependence of these 

species of mosses on the dominant species, which should 

they become endangered, the dependent species in turn 

would be endangered due to interdependency. 

The bird colonies are decisive in the distribution of 

plant species, as well as the climatic conditions and the soil. 

(Pereira & Putzke, 1994). 

The objective of this work was to define the most 

important species in Stinker Point, Elephant Island using 

the index of ecological significance. 


53


Phytossociological study was conducted using the method 

of quadrats of Braun-Blanquet (1964), adapted to Antarctic 

conditions (Kanda, 1986). The sampling was done in the 

2011/2012 austral summer in the ice-free areas of Stinker 

Point, Elephant Island, Antarctica. 

The species were identified during the phytossociological 

survey. The plants not identified in situ were collected and 

Table 1. The species with IEI ≥ 50 and the point/formation sample in the Stinker Point, Elephant Island. 

Species 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 

Andreaea depressinervis Cardot X X 

Andreaea gainii Cardot 

X 

Brachythecium austrosalebrosum 

(Müll. Hal.) Paris 

X X X 

Bryum argenteum Hedw. X X X X 

Caloplaca cinericola (Hue) Darb. 

Caloplaca regalis (Vain.) Zahlbr. 

X 

X 

Chorisodontium aciphyllum 

(Hook. f. & Wilson) Broth. 

X X X X X X X X 

Cystocoleus niger (Huds.) Har. X X X 

Cladonia metacorallifera Asahina X X X X X 

Cladonia rangiferina (L.) 

Weber ex F.H. Wigg. 

X X X X X 

Mushroom 

X 

Colobanthus quitensis (Kunth) Bartl. X X X 

Cornicularia aculeata (Schreb.) Ach 

X 

Deschampsia antarctica E. Desv X X X 

Hennediella heimii (Hedw.) R.H. Zander X X X X X X X 

Leptogium puberulum Hue 

X 

Mastodia tessellata (Hook. f. & Harv.) 

Hook. f. & Harv. 

X 

Ochrolechia frigida (Sw.) Lynge X X X X X 

Pohlia nutans (Hedw.) Lindb 

X 

Polytrichastrum alpinum (Hedw.) G.L. Sm X X X X X 

Prasiola crispa (Lightfoot) Kützing X X X 

Psoroma cinnamomeum Malme 

X 

Psoroma hypnorum (Vahl) Gray X X X 

Sanionia uncinata (Hedw.) Loeske X X X X X X X X X X X X X 

Sphaerophorus globosus (Huds.) Vain. X X X X 

Syntrichia magellanica (Mont.) R.H. Zander X X X 

Usnea aurantiacoatra (Jacq.) Bory X X 

Usnea antarctica Du Rietz X X X X X 

Warnstorfia sarmentosa (Wahlenb.) 

Hedenäs 

X 

X 


identified in the laboratory analyzing the characters in 

the optical microscopy with help of the keys for species 

proposed by Putzke & Pereira (1990, 2001) and Ochyra et al. 

(2008) for bryophytes, Bednarek-Ochyra et al. (2000) for 

liverwort, Redon (1985) and Øvstedal & Lewis-Smith 

(2001) for lichens. 

To show the importance of the species in the points of 

sampling the index of ecological significance (IES) of Lara 

& Mazimpaka (1998) was applied, which combines the 

coverage and frequency (Victoria et al., 2009). This index has 

a value from 0-600, a value above 400 is very rare, because 

it would denote a consistent area almost absolute taxon 

in formation, but the value up to 50 showed a significant 

ecological importance (Victoria & Pereira, 2007). 

Results 

Twenty-two different formations in the ice-free areas 

were sampled in this study. 70 species were identified 

(including algae, liverworts, mosses, lichens, mushroom and 

flowering plants). The species of macroscopic fungi, such 

as mushrooms cited in this study, have not been identified 

to species level. 

In Table 1 the list of species with higher IES (>50) and 

the sampled point where they were found at Stinker Point 

is presented. 

Discussion 

Sanionia uncinata (Hedw.) Loeske showed IES ≥ 50 in 

13 to 18 points where that species were found. In 8 of these 

13 points S. uncinata was the most important species that 

had the highest IES value in the formation. In a single sample 

(point 20) this species reached a 573 value, in an index 

that ranged up to 600 as the maximum value. These results 

demonstrate S. uncinata as a dominant species in most of 

the formations in which it is occurs. 

Hennediella heimii (Hedw.) R.H Zander was the second 

most important specie found in the plant formation of 

Stinker Point, occurring in 16 of 22 sampled points. In seven 

points this species reached an IES ≥ 50 and in three of these 

points it showed itself to be the specie with the highest IES, 

reaching IES = 364 in a single point (point 19). Probably, the 

highest occurrence of this species in recent rocky terrains 

without a higher frequency of plant and lichen species, an 

increase of significant value. 

Chorisodontium aciphyllum (Hook. f. & Wilson) Broth. 

occurred in 11 of 22 sample points. In 8 points this species 

showed a IES above 50, with two of these points showing the 

highest IES values (297 in point 9 up to 497 in point 21). In 

spite of C. aciphyllum being less frequent in the ice-free areas 

of Stinker Point, when this species occurs it is important for 

the characterization of plant formation. 

For the lichens analyzed, two species showed an 

ecological importance. The IES were higher than 50 in five 

of the 22 sampling sites, when for Usnea antarctica Du Rietz 

the highest value at point 12 (IES = 253) was observed. 

Deschampsia antarctica Desv. showed an IES value 

higher than 50 in three of the five points sampled. For 

Colobanthus quitensis (Kunth) Bartl. an IES value higher 

than 50 was observed in three of six points sampled, 

although the higher values observed for the grass species 

that were not found as a dominant species in the samples. 

However, C. quitensis was observed as a dominant species 

in two sites when it occurred with an IES value up to 480 

in a single point (point 6). 

Conclusion 

Stinker Point has a widespread variety of plant species, being 

S. uncinata and H. heimmi the most distributed species 

among the sampled points. The higher IES of both species 

in the region can be attributed to a better adaptation of 

these species to local environmental conditions. Further 

studies are being developed to better understand the 

phytossociology of the plant communities in this region. 






n° 574018/2008-5) and Research Support Foundation of 

the State of Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ n° E-16/170.023/2008). 



of Environment (MMA), Inter-Ministry Commission for 

Sea Resources (CIRM) and a CAPES scholarship. 


55

References 

Bednarek-Ochyra, H.; Vanã, J.; Lewis-Smith, R.I. & Ochyra, R. (2000). The liverwort of Antarctica. Cracow: Polish Academy 

of Science, Institute of Botany. 237 p. 

Braun-Blanquet, J. (1964). Pflanzensociologie. 3. Aufl. Wien, Springer. 865 p. 

Kanda, H. (1986) Moss communities in some ice-free areas along the Sôya Cost, East Antarctica. Memories of Natural, 

Institute of Polar Research, Special Issue, 44: 1229-240. 

Kappen, L. & Schroeter, B. (1997). Activity of lichens under the influence of snow and ice. Proceedings of the NIPR Symposium 

on Polar Biology. 10: 163-168. 

Lara, F. & Mazimpaka, V. (1998). Sucession of epiphytic bryophytes in Quercus pyrenaica forest from Spanish Central Range 

(Iberian Peninsula). Nova Hedwigia, 67: 125-138. 

Lewis-Smith, R.I. (2001). Plant colonization response to climate changes in the Antarctica. Folia Facultatis Scientiarium 

Naturalium Universitatis Masarykianae Brunensis, Geográfica, 25: 19-33. 

Ochyra, R; Lewis-Smith, R.I. & Bednarek-Ochyra, H. (2008). The Illustrated moss flora of Antarctica. Cambridge University 

Press. 685 p. 

Øvstedal, D.O. & Lewis-Smith, R.I. (2001). Lichens of Antarctica and South Georgia – A guide to their identification and 

ecology. Studies in Polar Research. Cambridge University Press. 411 p. 

Pereira, A.B. & Putzke, J. (1994). Floristic composition of Stinker Point, Elephant Island, Antarctica. Korean Journal of Polar 

research, 5(2): 37-47. 

Putzke, J. & Pereira, A.B. (1990). Mosses of King George Island. Pesq. Antárt. Bras. 2(1):17-71. 

Putzke, J. & Pereira, A.B. (2001). The Antarctic Mosses With Special Reference to the South Shetlands Islands. Editora da 

Ulbra. 196 p. 

Redon, J. (1985). Lichena Antarticos. Santiago: Instituto Antartico Chileno (INACH). 

Victoria, F.C. & Pereira, A.B. (2007). Índice de valor ecológico (IES) como ferramenta para estudos fitossociológicos e 

conservação das espécies de musgos na Baía do Almirantado, Ilha Rei George, Antártica Marítima. Oecologia Brasiliensis, 

11(1): 50-55. 

Victoria, F.C.; Pereira, A.B. & Pinheiro Da Costa, D. (2009). Composition and distribution of moss formations in the ice-free 

areas adjoining the Arctowski region, Admiralty Bay, King George Island, Antarctica. Iheringia, Série Botânica, 64(1): 81-91. 


3 

SOIL CHEMICAL ATTRIBUTES AS AFFECTED 

BY VEGETAL COVER AND SEABIRDS IN 

PUNTA HENNEQUIN, ANTARCTICA 

Frederico Costa Beber Vieira 1,* , Antônio Batista Pereira 1 , Adriano Luis Schünemann 1 , 

Filipe Victoria Albuquerque 1 , Margéli Pereira de Albuquerque 1 , 

Jair Putzke 2 , Cássio Strassburger de Oliveira 3 

1 

Universidade Federal do Pampa – UNIPAMPA, Campus São Gabriel, Av. Antônio Trilha, 1847, 

Centro, CEP 97300-000, São Gabriel, RS, Brazil 

2 

Universidade de Santa Cruz do Sul – UNISC, Av. Independência, 2293, 

CP 188, CEP 96815-900, Santa Cruz do Sul, RS, Brazil 

3 

Departamento de Solos, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul – UFRGS, 

CP 15100, CEP 91540-000, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil 

*e-mail: fredericovieira@unipampa.edu.br 

Abstract: This study had the purpose of evaluating the effect of soil cover by vegetation on soil chemical attributes in a skua 

(Catharacta maccormicki) field at Punta Hennequin, Shetland Island, Antarctica. Four locals along a transect were sampled, 

involving soils with 5 and 100% of vegetal cover (L1 and L2, respectively) with Deschampsia+Colobanthus; bare alluvium soil 

(L3); and poor-drained moss (Sanionia uncinata) carpet with 100% soil cover (L4). Soil samples obtained from three layers and 

three replicates were submitted to chemical and physical analysis. Although both L1 and L2 are in the same nesting field, the more 

abundant vegetation at L2 promoted significantly larger (P < 0.05) total organic C (TOC) stocks in the soil than at L1 (43.08 and 

9.03 Mg C ha –1 , respectively, at the 0-40 cm layer). Total N stocks increased from 2.60 to 6.54 Mg ha –1 for L1 and L2, respectively. 

Although the presence of seabirds represents an important transfer of organic material from marine to the terrestrial environment, 

the differences evidence the importance of vegetation in order to raise the soil organic matter levels. Soil pH was consistently lower 

in L2 than L1 - about 1.0 unit for the soil layers herein evaluated, which is probably linked to the soil organic matter accumulation. 

Contrary to the distribution of TOC and TN contents, exchangeable P and K had no gradient along the soil profile, evidencing 

that most of the P and K is native from the parent material and their input by seabirds to the soil is negligible. 

Keywords: organic carbon, total nitrogen, seabird field 

Introduction 

Soil chemical and physical attributes affect and are affected 

by the type and abundance of vegetal plants growing in 

the locality in a dynamic interaction. In ice-free regions of 

maritime Antarctica, such interaction is usually influenced 

by the presence of seabird colonies and by the heterogeneity 

of soil parent material (Navas et al., 2008; Simas et al., 2008), 

resulting in complex systems that are not fully understood 

(Ugolini & Bockheim, 2008; Vieira et al., 2012). For this 

reason, the purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect 

of soil cover by vegetation on the changes of soil chemical 

attributes in a skua field at Punta Hennequin, Shetland 

Island, Antarctica. 


The study was performed in February 2011 in Punta 

Hennequin, Shetland Island, Antarctica (58° 23’ 21” W and 

62° 7’ 41” S). Four locations along a transect were sampled: 

L1 and L2 consisted of a skua (Catharacta maccormicki) 

field with 5 and 100% of vegetal cover, respectively, distant 

from each other about 50 m, in the same moraine (same 


57

level and parent material); vegetation was mainly composed 

by higher plant species, mostly of Deschampsia antarctica 

Desv. (Poaceae) and Colobanthus quitensis (Kunth) Bartl. 

(Caryophyllaceae); L3 was a poor-drained bare alluvium 

soil; and L4 was a poorly-drained moss (Sanionia uncinata) 

carpet with 100% soil cover, around a lake shore. Soil 

samples were obtained from three layers (0-10, 10-20 and 

20-40 cm depth) at three replicates per locality, air-dried, 

ground and sieved (2 mm). Soil bulk density samples were 

taken by the core method. Soil contents of sand, clay, silt, 

exchangeable P and K, total N and soil pH were determined 

according to Tedesco et al. (1995). Total organic C (TOC) 

contents were determined by dry combustion using a total 

organic C analyzer (Shimadzu TOC-VCSH, Shimadzu 

Corp., Kyoto, Japan). Chemical attributes were submitted 

to one-way ANOVA, with Tukey test (p < 0.05) to separate 

means in each soil layer. Physical attributes are reported 

with standard deviations (n = 3). 

Results 

Clay contents were relatively similar among the soils of the 

four areas (Table 1). However, silt content was consistently 

greater for the soil in the moraine (L1 and L2) than for the 

other soils, which is likely due to the fact that the soil of 

the moraine is more autochthonous and stable than the 

others. Lower soil bulk density was observed for L2 than for 

the other soils up to 20 cm soil layer, which is presumably 

credited to the plant roots effect on soil structure. 

Although both L1 and L2 are in a nesting/breeding 

field of skuas, the more abundant vegetation at the L2 

promoted soil TOC stocks about five times larger than 

L1 (9.03 and 43.08 Mg C ha –1 , respectively, at the 0-40 cm 

layer), achieving the largest contents in all soil layers herein 

evaluated (Figure 1a). Moss vegetation (L3) also promoted 

larger soil TOC contents, but this effect was restricted to the 

surface soil layer and was not significantly different from 

the others. Relatively similar behavior was observed for total 

nitrogen contents in the soil profile. Total N stocks increased 

from 2.60 to 6.54 Mg N ha –1 for L1 and L2, respectively 

(Figure 1b). 

The bare alluvium soil and the moss soil had larger 

exchangeable K and smaller P contents than L1 and L2 

(Figure 2). Contrarily to the distribution of TOC and TN 

contents, exchangeable P and K had no gradient along the 

soil profile. No significant effect of vegetation cover between 

L1 and L2 was observed for exchangeable P and K contents, 

but the soil pH was consistently lower in L2 than L1 - about 

1.0 unit for the soil layers herein evaluated, which is probably 

linked to the soil organic matter accumulation. 

Discussion 

Although the presence of the seabirds represents an 

important transfer of organic material from marine to the 

terrestrial environment, the differences in TOC and NT 

contents between L1 and L2 evidence the importance of 

the high soil cover by higher plant species in order to raise 

Table 1. Soil bulk density, clay and silt contents, and pH for the four locals of air sampling in a transect in Punta Hennequin, Shetland Island, Antarctica. 

Locality 

Soil attribute Soil layer (cm) 

L1 L2 L3 L4 

Soil bulk density 

(g cm –3 ) 

Clay content 

(g kg –1 ) 

Silt content 

(g kg –1 ) 

0-10 1.34 ± 0.11 1.27 ± 0.14 1.43 ± 0.06 1.49 ± 0.02 

10-20 1.51 ±0.09 1.29 ± 0.02 1.42 ± 0.02 1.49 ± 0.05 

20-40 1.55 ±0.02 1.47 ± 0.14 1.47 ± 1.47 1.54 ± 0.05 

0-10 17.2 ± 4.5 14.2 ± 1.3 8.6 ± 3.6 11.8 ± 0.9 

10-20 13.0 ± 2.8 11.9 ± 3.7 9.6 ± 4.0 4.9 ± 2.3 

20-40 4.2 ± 1.8 13.4 ± 7.3 7.6 ± 3.0 3.5 ± 0.9 

0-10 162.2 ± 53.4 225.9 ± 103 149.3 ± 30.1 55.9 ± 16.1 

10-20 198.6 ± 31.2 173.7 ± 38.7 72.9 ± 8.9 3.1 ± 2.7 

20-40 266.1 ± 18.1 231.3 ± 38.2 199.2 ± 54.2 0.0 ± 0.0 

L1: 5% soil cover with Deschampsia + Colobanthus; L2: 100% soil cover with Deschampsia+Colobanthus; L3: alluvium soil; L4: 100% soil cover with 

Usnea. Values are means (n = 3) ± standard deviations. 


a 

b 

Figure 1. Soil contents of total organic carbon (a) and total nitrogen (b) in four areas in a transect in Punta Hennequin, Antarctica. L1: 5% soil cover with 

Deschampsia + Colobanthus; L2: 100% soil cover with Deschampsia + Colobanthus; L3: alluvium soil; L4: 100% soil cover with Usnea. Horizontal bars mean 

the minimum significant difference (MSD) by Tukey test at P < 0.05 (n = 3). 

a 

Exchangeable P (mg dm –3 ) 

0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 

0 

10 

Depth (cm) 

20 

40 

Exchangeable K (mg dm –3 ) b 

0 100 200 300 400 

0 

pH-H 2 

O 

c 

0.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 

0 

10 

10 

Depth (cm) 

20 

40 

Depth (cm) 

20 

40 

L1 

L2 

L3 

L4 

MSD Tukey (P

the soil organic matter levels. The seabirds are crucial to 

enrich the soil with N, which in turn favors the increase 

of vegetal cover and, in consequence, more birds are 

attracted, completing a feedback looping. However, if we 

consider that TOC stock in L1 is basically derived from 

the presence of seabirds (as vegetation cover was low) and 

that the difference between L1 and L2 is primarily due to 

the occurrence of plants in the same field, we can infer 

that carbon accumulation in the soil was about 4.8 times 

larger in the “skuas+higher plants” condition than that of 

just skuas. In addition, we speculate that superior plant 

species have a larger potential to increase soil TOC and NT 

content not only due to their big biomass production rate 

(not evaluated), but also due to their important input of C 

and N in subsurface soil layers by their root system. This is 

supported by the greatest gradient of TOC contents in the 

soil profile under moss than under superior vegetal species, 

which is probably linked to the absence of root systems in 

the moss. However, such differences of TOC stocks between 

different vegetal species can be hidden if only a surface soil 

layer is taken into account (Cannone et al., 2008). 

Despite the relatively low annual rates of C and N input 

at the vegetated skua fields, TOC and TN stocks in such 

soils can be as high as those found in non-polar regions 

(Vieira et al., 2009). Stocks of TOC of 40 Mg ha –1 are difficult 

to sustain in agricultural soils of tropical and subtropical 

climate because of their larger decomposition rates 

(Vieira et al., 2009). Therefore, in a scenario of expansion in 

the vegetated area in maritime Antarctic soils, the potential 

of C sink through soil organic matter accumulation is 

relatively high. 

The prevalent absence of gradients for exchangeable P 

and K in the soil profile and the large differences among the 

soils strongly evidences that most of the P and K is mostly 

driven by their content in the parent material, while their 

input by seabirds to the soil is negligible. The only exception 

is the exchangeable P content in soil with moss, which is 

slightly smaller in the soil surface layer. In all soils, the 

exchangeable P and K contents are very high (CQFS, 2004) 

and are similar to those reported by Simas et al. (2008) for 

ornithogenic and weakly ornithogenic soils of the region. 

Conclusion 

In the localities of the present study, the presence of soil 

cover by higher plant species contributes markedly to 

increase the contents of total organic carbon and total 

nitrogen, being more effective than the cover by moss and 

much more effective than the presence of seabirds without 

vegetal cover. The contents of exchangeable P and K in such 

soils are more attributed to their content in the soil parent 

material than to the presence of seabirds and vegetation. 




APA) that receives scientific and financial support from the 

National Council for Research and Development (CNPq 

process: 574018/2008-5 and 481305/2010-6) and Carlos 

Chagas Research Support Foundation of the State of Rio 

de Janeiro (FAPERJ E-16/170.023/2008) and FAPERGS 

(process 1013351). The authors also acknowledge the 

support of the Brazilian Ministries of Science, Technology 

and Innovation (MCTI), of Environment (MMA) and Inter- 

Ministry Commission for Sea Resources (CIRM). 

References 

Cannone, N.; Wagner, D.; Hubberten, H.W. & Guglielmin, M. (2008). Biotic and abiotic factors influencing soil properties 

across a latitudinal gradient in Victoria Land, Antarctica. Geoderma 144: 50-65. 

Comissão de Química e Fertilidade do Solo – CQFS. (2004). Manual de adubação e calagem para os estados do RS e de 

SC. 10. ed. Porto Alegre: SBCS. 400p. 

Navas, A.; López-Martínez, J.; Casas, J.; Machín, J.; Durán, J.J.; Serrano, E.; Cuchi, J.-A. & Mink, S. (2008). Soil characteristics 

on varying lithological substrates in the South Shetland Islands, maritime Antarctica. Geoderma 144: 123-139. 


Simas, F.N.B.; Schaefer, C.E.G.R.; Albuquerque Filho, M.R.; Francelino, M.R.; Fernandes Filho, E.I. & da Costa, L.M. (2008). 

Genesis, properties and classification of Cryosols from Admiralty Bay, maritime Antarctica. Geoderma 144: 116-122. 

Tedesco, M.J.; Gianello, C.; Bissani, C.A.; Bohnen, H. & Volkweiss, S.J. (1995). Análises de solo, plantas e outros materiais. 

Departamento de Solos, UFRGS, Porto Alegre. 

Ugolini, F.C. & Bockheim, J.G. (2008). Antarctic soils and soil formation in a changing environment: A review. Geoderma 

144: 1-8. 

Vieira, F.C.B.; Pereira, A.B.; Bayer, C.; Schünemann, A.L.; Victoria, F.C.; Albuquerque, M.P. & Oliveira, C.S. (2012). In situ 

methane and nitrous oxide fluxes in soil from a transect in Hennequin Point, King George Island, Antarctic. Chemosphere 

(Oxford), 90: 497-504. 

Vieira, F.C.B.; Bayer, C.; Zanatta, J.A.; Mielniczuk, J. & Six, J. (2009). Building Up Organic Matter in a Subtropical Paleudult 

under Legume Cover-Crop-Based Rotations. Soil Science Society of America Journal 73: 1699-1706. 


61

4 

CONSERVATION STATUS OF MOSS SPECIES IN 

NORTHERN MARITIME ANTARCTIC BASED ON 

THE INDEX OF ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE 

Filipe de Carvalho Victoria 1,* , Margéli Pereira de Albuquerque 1 , 

Cristiane Barbosa D’Oliveira 1 , Antonio Batista Pereira 1 

1 

Universidade Federal do Pampa – UNIPAMPA, Av. Antonio Trilha, 1847, CEP 97300-000, São Gabriel, RS, Brazil 

*e-mail: filipevictoria@gmail.com 

Abstract: The aim of this work was to verify moss conservation status on ice-free areas of northern Maritime Antarctic, including 

data of Elephant Island, King George Island and Deception Island. The study started with the classification and description of 

the plant communities based primarily on phytosociological and biodiversity data. All records were obtained from 1991-1992 to 

2003-2004 austral summers. The coverage degree and frequency of each species found was used to calculate the index of ecological 

significance. 22 most frequent species based on all island records were found. The most important species in both studied areas 

were Sanionia uncinata (Hedw.) Loeske, Polytrichastrum alpinum (Hedw.) G. L. Smith, Bartramia patens Brid., respectively, 

occurring in all the studied islands. These results demonstrate the fragility of plant communities in Maritime Antarctic, based on 

the low frequency and coverage of most species known to this area. 

Keyword: Bryophyta, ice-free areas, plant communities 

Introduction 

Since 1940 there has been evidence through monitoring and 

observation of the global warming effect on the plant species 

of Maritime Antarctic, mainly related to the oscillations in 

the percentages of plant coverage (Lewis-Smith, 2001). An 

important tool to study these fluctuations in bryophytes 

populations was idealized by Lara & Mazimpaka (1998). 

These authors developed the Index of Ecological Significance 

(IES), which compares the frequency and abundance of data 

to determine the importance of the species in a studied 

area. The index can be applied for moss conservation 

and phytosociological studies and for the classification 

of threatened species (Hallingbäck & Hodgetts, 2000), 

proposed by the International Union for Conservation of 

Nature (IUCN). Furthermore to reflect the importance of 

the particular species in plant formation, which also shows 

the degree of association within species in the sample, such 

is the degree of importance of maintaining this formation. If 

many species are associated with the dominant species of a 

formation, thus invariably they reflect the dependence of the 

associated species, and if the dominant species is threatened, 

their dependents also will be (Lewis-Smith, 2001). 

In order to complement the knowledge of plant 

communities in the ice-free areas of Admiralty Bay, are 

presented the conservation status of mosses based in 

several phytosociological studies developed in the Maritime 

Antarctic. 


The data obtained in the phytosociological approaches since 

1991/1992 up to 2003/2004 austral summers, were compiled 

to verify the most frequent species found in the plant 

communities from northern Maritime Antarctic. Data was 

analyzed from some four islands from the South Shetland 

Islands, as follows: Elephant Island (1991/1992 summer); 

King George Island (2003/2004, 2004/2005 summers) and 

Deception Island (1993/1994). High coverage moss species 

or dominant lichen species were sampled using the usual 

collection methods. The identification of the species was 


ased on specialized literature, such as Ochyra et al. (2008), 

Pereira & Putzke (1994) and Putzke & Pereira (2001). The 

index of ecological significance (IES) was calculated based 

on the Lara & Marzimpaka (1998), subsequently Victoria 

& Pereira (2007). 

Results 

Of the 102 moss species confirmed by Ochyra et al. (2008) 

for Antarctica, 22 of the most important moss species to 

northern Maritime Antarctic were found. From our data it 

was possible to verify the occurrence of Sanionia uncinata 

(Hedw.) Loske as the most frequent species in the three 

island communities is analyzed in (Tables 1 to 3). However 

with the IES of each species it was possible verify the other 

dominant species varieties of both islands (Figure 1). 

Polytrichastrum alpinum (Hedw.) G.L. Smith was observed 

as the second most important species in the ice-free areas 

of King George and Deception Islands. 

The IES also indicates the degree of colonization of a 

determined species in the sample (Lara & Mazimpaka, 1998) 

which can also suggest the effect of variations of species 

occurrences related to the available substrata. Thus, if a 

species depends on a rich matter substrata and those are 

unavailable in that region that species will decline due to 

the relevant substrata being missing (Victoria et al., 2006). 

Probably, for the regions where the terrains are composed 

of a lower fraction of organic matter only a few species 

included in the most important species list were found. This 

is the case of Deception Island, where, due the predominant 

volcanic substrata, only four species with significant index 

values (Table 3) were found, most plant communities being 

Table 2. The species have more and less IES in the phytossociological 

analyzes made in King George Island in the austral summers 2003/2004 

and 2004/2005. F(%) = species frequency in 560 sampled quadrats; C= 

mean cover degree of each species on the samples; IES = species index 

of ecological importance in the total sampling. 

Species 

F 

(%) 

C 

IES 

Sanionia uncinata (Hedw.) Loeske 57,87 2,7 215,20 

Polytrichastrum alpinum(Hedw.) G.L. Sm 31,86 3,8 153,54 

Ptychostomum pseudotriquetrum 

(Hedw.) P. Gaertn., B. Mey. & Scherb. 

27,9 0,9 53,3 

Polytrichum juniperinum Hedw. 11,36 2,02 34,3 

Andreaea gainii Cardot 14,96 0,6 24,54 

Syntrichia princeps (De Not.) Mitt. 7,69 1,98 22,96 

Pohlia cruda (Hedw.) Lindb. 2,28 0,15 2,03 

Bartramia patens Brid. 1,71 0,6 2,03 

Bryum pallescens Schleich. ex Schwägr. 1,47 0,38 2,03 

Schistidium antarctici (Cardot) 

L.I. Savicz & Smirnova 

Chorisodontium aciphyllum 

(Hook. f. & Wilson) Broth. 

Dicranoweisia brevipes (Müll. Hal.) 

Cardot 

1,33 0,36 1,87 

0,38 3,68 1,78 

0,38 3,68 1,78 

Bryum orbiculatifolium Cardot & Broth. 0,95 0,74 1,66 



Pohlia drummondii (Müll. Hal.) 

A.L. Andrews 

Schistidium falcatum (Hook. f. & Wilson) 

B. Bremer 

0,38 3,36 1,66 

0,20 3,32 0,84 

0,21 3,33 0,85 

Andreaea depressinerves Cardot 0,19 3,31 0,83 

Bryum archangelicum Bruch & Schimp. 0,19 3,31 0,83 

Ditrichum hyalinum (Mitt.) Kuntze 0,19 3,31 0,83 

Table 1. The species have more and less IES in the phytosociological 

analyzes made in Elephant Island in the year 1992. F(%) = species 

frequency in 240 sampled quadrats; C = mean cover degree of each 

species on the samples. IES = species index of ecological importance 

in the total sampling. 

Species F C IES 

Sanionia uncinata (Hedw.) Loeske 68.45 1.76 189.24 

Bartramia patens Brid. 1.60 0.02 1.63 

Ceratodon purpureus (Hedw.) Brid. 1.07 0.01 1.08 



1.07 0.02 1.09 

Pohlia nutans (Hedw.) Lindb 0.53 0.01 0.54 

Pohlia cruda (Hedw.) Lindb. 1.60 0.02 1.63 

Table 3. The species found in Deception Island in the phytosociological 

analyzes made in the year 1994. F(%) = species frequency in 284 sampled 

quadrats; C = mean cover degree of each species on the samples; IES = 

species index of ecological importance in the total sampling. 

Species F C IES 

Sanionia uncinata (Hedw.) Loeske 71.83 1.84 203.90 

Polytrichastrum alpinum (Hedw.) 

G.L. Sm 

35.92 1.18 78.15 

Bartramia patens Brid. 8.10 0.11 9.01 

Hennediella heimii (Hedw.) R.H. 

Zander 

5.99 0.09 6.49 


63

Figure 1. The most frequent moss found in northern Maritime Antarctic and their frequencies in each island sampled. 

restricted to the beaches (Putzke & Pereira, 2001) with a 

higher content of carbon and other nitrogen compounds. 

On the other hand at Elephant Island this relationship 

was not observed, for example, Stinker Point has higher 

nitrophilic soils related with the bird colonies (Pereira & 

Putzke, 1994) and the most important species of the list are 

also few. An explanation for the latter can be closely related 

to the effect of winds (Putzke & Pereira, 2001) such as in 

Admiralty Bay area, which is less exposed and thus shows 

a greater number of important species. 

Discussion 

Comparing the records obtained from the three islands, 

was observed such these corroborated with other initiatives. 

Most of the species are easily found in the area, but in 

lower coverage (IES > 50) with a lower number of species 

in higher abundance and coverage (Victoria et al., 2009, 

2011). Ochyra (1998) reports Sanionia uncinata (Hedw.) 

Loeske and Polytrichastrum alpinum (Hedw.) G.L.Smith 

as the most abundant moss species in Maritime Antarctic, 

being in lower risk of threat compared with other moss 

species in this area. These results can suggest the sensibility 

of these plant communities to environmental changes, since 

the species were found in small patches and populations, 

and it showed lower resistance and resilience, wherever 

the interrelationships within the organisms was low 

(Schaefer et al., 2004). Any impacts on these species can be 

irreversible (Victoria & Pereira, 2007). 

For example, we can cite the most frequent Bryaceae 

occurrences found. Ptychostumum pseudotriquetrum (Hedw.) 

J.R. Spence & H.P. Ramsay and Bryum orbiculatifolium 

Card. et Broth. Depend on ice-melt found in the water 

lines of austral summer (Allison & Lewis-Smith, 1973; 

Kanda, 1986). P. pseudotrichetrum has higher abundance 

in our samples from King George Island and can be 

considered a lower degree of threatened species compared 

to B. orbiculatifolium. The size of P. pseudotrichetrum 

population provides best response in the case of fast 

environmental changes, perhaps an adaptative success 

related of a higher coverage degree (Lewis-Smith, 2001). 

Victoria et al. (2011) records for small sites of Admiralty 

Bay area, both in the King George Island (Ulmann Point and 

Comandante Ferraz beach) similar results to those found for 

the whole South Shetlands archipelago, whereby S. uncinata 

also occurs in higher frequency and coverage. However 

with less frequency for P. alpinum P. pseudotrichetrum, for 


Ferraz beach, and Syntrichia magellanica (De Not.) Mitt, for 

Ulmann Point the species are the second most important 

for each area, perhaps because of the lower complexity of 

these two plant communities sampled, these communities 

being composed mainly of emergent species, such as these 

two species mentioned (Victoria et al., 2009). 

Victoria & Pereira (2007) reported the same condition 

for Arctowski region and Hennequin Point, both regions 

located in Admiralty Bay area. The other frequent moss 

species mentioned were found to be important species 

for the plant communities at Hennequin Point and in 

Arctowski region (Victoria & Pereira, 2007), except for 

Hennediela heimii (Hedw.) Zand, which was found in higher 

frequency in Ferraz beach in the present study compared 

with other areas. 

All moss species, as well the land biota found in 

Admiralty Bay, were directly and indirectly affected by 

human presence. The maintenance of scientists and military 

inside and outside of research stations, shelters and camps, 

involves high consumption of fossil combustibles and 

creates high residue production, causing unclear impacts 

on Antarctica wildlife (Olech, 1996). 

Conclusion 

This essay demonstrates the fragility of moss formation 

in the ice-free areas of northern Maritime Antarctic, 

such species of Bryum, Pohlia and Andreaea appear as 

the mostly threatened species. A descriptive data bank 

can collaborate for the continued monitoring of plant 

communities, contributing to the conservation of plant 

species in Admiralty Bay area. The phytosociological studies 

can contribute to the management of scientific activities 

involved with the Brazilian Antarctic Program. 






process: n° 574018/2008-5) and Carlos Chagas Research 

Support Foundation of the State of Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ 

n° E-16/170.023/2008). The authors also acknowledge the 



Ministry Commission for Sea Resources (CIRM), and the 

CNPq for the post-doctoral fellowship (CNPq process: n° 

152270/2011-6 ) to the second author. 

References 

Allison, J.S. & Lewis-Smith, R.I. (1973). The vegetation of Elephant Island, South Shetland Islands. British Antarctic Survey 

Bulletin, 33-34:185-212. 

Hallingbäck, T. & Hodgetts, N. (2000). Mosses, liverworts & hornworts: a status survey and conservation action plan for 

bryophytes. IUCN, Gland. 106 p. 

Kanda, H. (1986). Moss communities in some ice-free areas along the Söya Coast, East Antarctica. Memoirs of Natural. 

Institute of Polar Research, Special Issue, 44: 229-240. 

Lara, F. & Mazimpaka, V. (1998). Sucession of epiphytic bryophytes in a Quercus pyrenaica forest from Spanish Central 

Range (Iberian Peninsula). Nova Hedwigia, 67: 125-138. 

Lewis-Smith, R.I. & Gimingham, C.H. (1976). Classification of cryptogamic communities in the maritime Antarctic. British 

Antarctic Survey Bulletin, 33-34: 89-122. 

Lewis-Smith, RI. (2001). Plant Colonization Response to climate change in the Antarctic. Folia. Facultatis Scientiarium 

Naturalium Universitatis Masarykianae Brunensis, Geográica, 25: 19-33. 

Ochyra, R. (1998). The moss flora of King George Island Antarctica. Cracow: Polish Academy of Sciences. 278 p. 

Ochyra, R.; Lewis-Smith, R.I. & Bednarek-Ochyra, H. (2008). The Illustrated Moss Flora of Antarctica. Cambridge: Cambridge 

University Press. 685 p. 


65

Olech, M. (1996). Human impact on terrestrial ecosystems in West Antarctica. Proccedings of NIPR Symposium on Polar 

Biology, 9: 299-306. 

Pereira, A.B. & Putzke, J. (1994). Floristic composition of Stinker Point, Elephant Island, Antarctica. Korean Journal of Polar 

Research, 5(2): 37-47. 

Putzke, J. & Pereira, A.B. (2001). The Antarctic Mosses – With Special Reference to the South Shetland Island. Canoas – RS. 

Editora da ULBRA. 196 p. 

Schaefer, C.E.G.R.; Dias, L.E.; Albuquerque, M.A.; Francelino, M.R.; Costa, L.M. & Ribeiro, J.R.E.S. (2004). Monitoramento 

ambiental e avaliação dos impactos nos ecossistemas terrestres da Antártica Marítima: Princípios e aplicação. In: 

Schaefer, C.E.G.R.; Simas, F.N.B. & Albuquerque Filho, M.R. (Eds.). Ecossistemas costeiros e monitoramento ambiental 

da Antártica Marítima. Baía do Almirantado, Ilha Rei George. Viçosa: NEPUT. p. 107-117. 

Victoria, F.C. & Pereira, A.B. (2007). Índice de valor ecológico (IES) como ferramenta para estudos fitossociológicos e 

conservação das espécies de musgos na Baia do Almirantado, Ilha Rei George, Antártica Marítima. Oecologia Brasiliensis, 

11(1): 50-55. 

Victoria, F.C.; Albuquerque, M.P. & Pereira, A.B. (2006). Lichen-moss association in plant comunnities of the Southwest 

Admiralty Bay, King George Island, Antarctica. Neotropical Biology Conservation, 1(2): 84-89. 

Victoria, F.C.; Pereira, A.B. & Costa, D.P. (2009). Composition and distribution of mos formations in the ice-free areas adjoining 

the Arctowski region, Admiralty Bay, King George Island, Antarctica. Iheringia Série Botânica, 64(1): 81-91. 

Victoria, F.C.; Albuquerque, M.P. & Pereira, A.B. (2011). Conservation status of plant communities in Ulmann Point and 

Comandante Ferraz Station area, Admiralty Bay, King George Island, Antarctica, based in the index of ecological 

significance. Annual Activity Report 2010. INCT-APA/ CNPq. p. 62-72. 


5 

LICHEN MOSS ASSOCIATION FREQUENTLY 

FOUND IN MARITIME ANTARCTIC 

Margéli Pereira de Albuquerque 1,* , Filipe de Carvalho Victoria 1 , Enzo Rebellato 1 , 

Clarissa Keppel Pereira 1 , Cristiane Barbosa D’Oliveira 1 , Jair Putzke 2 , Antonio Batista Pereira 1 

1 

Universidade Federal do Pampa – UNIPAMPA, Av. Antônio Trilha, 1847, CEP 97300-000, São Gabriel, RS, Brazil 

2 

Universidade de Santa Cruz do Sul – UNISC, Av. Independência, 2298, CEP 96815-900, Santa Cruz do Sul, RS, Brazil 

*e-mail: margeli_albuquerque@hotmail.com 

Abstract: The aim of this work was to report on the lichen-moss association in the ice-free areas of Elephant Island, King George 

Island, Nelson Island and Deception Island. The study started with the classification and description of the plant communities based 

primarily on phytosociological and biodiversity data. All data were obtained from 2003-2004 to 2011-2012 austral summers. 12 

most frequent lichen-moss association species based on all island records were found. The most frequent association in both studied 

areas involved foliose-crustose lichen with a moss carpet species, such as Psoroma cinnamomeum Malme with Sanionia uncinata 

(Hedw.) Loesk. The occurrences for each island as well as the common association found in all sampled islands are demonstrated. 

Keywords: lichen ecology, bryophytes, South Shetlands archipelago, Maritime Antarctic 

Introduction 

The composition, abundance and distribution of the plant 

communities in Antarctica is directly related with the 

changes in the climatic conditions and the effects of climate 

warming, resulting in alterations including changes in 

populations (Frenot et al., 2005; Convey, 2006). 

Lichens is the group that has the highest species diversity, 

meeting the conditions best adapted in Antarctica, having 

an important contribution in floristic composition in these 

areas, and their existence is dependent on ice-free regions, 

climate and a stable substrate (Redon, 1985; Kappen & 

Schroeter, 1997). Lewis-Smith (2001) in a phytosociological 

study found that many species of mosses are associated 

with dominant species in the formation, reflecting the 

dependence of these species of mosses because if the 

dominant species become endangered, the dependent one 

will become endangered too. 

Studies on the coexistence of terrestrial algae species and 

lichenized fungi were also published, such their relationship 

within the growth habit and ecological adaptation in the 

Antarctic environment. Associations are reported between 

mosses and lichens species, and plant formations growing 

in associations at King George Islands, Nelson Island and 

Elephant Island (Allison & Lewis-Smith, 1973; Pereira & 

Putzke, 1994; Victoria et al., 2006). A mapping of these plant 

formations is being conducted to infer the environmental 

changes as well the human impact over the years of the plant 

composition in the Antarctic ice-free areas. 

In order to complement the knowledge of plant 

communities in the ice-free areas of Maritime Antarctic, 

associations between lichens and mosses observed during 

the phytosociological survey made since 2003-2004 up to 

2011-2012 austral summers are presented here, as well as 

the strongest associations found in each surveyed island 

together with their coverage and frequencies. 


Using the phytosociological data obtained since 2003/2004 

up to 2011/2012 austral summers all records from lichens 

found associated to moss species were analyzed. The 

data was obtained from a survey using Braun-Blanquet 

phytosociological methods (Braun-Blanquet, 1964), adapted 

to Antarctic conditions (Kanda, 1986). Whenever possible, 

samples of lichens with highly developed ascomas (presence 


67

of apothecia or perithecia) were made. Saxicolous species 

were pulled out with the help of a geologist hammer, and 

muscicolous and/or terricolous species, with the help of a 

knife, to make sure the samples would come out with some 

substrate. Identification of the species was based on the work 

of Redon (1985), Ochyra (1998), Pereira & Putzke (1994) 

and Putzke & Pereira (1990). The records were ordered in 

a frequency range, by the most to the less frequent species 

found in association. 

Results 

Based on the phytosociological data it was possible to 

verify the occurrence of 12 of the most frequent lichenmoss 

associations in ice-free areas in Maritime Antarctic 

(Figure 1). Only three associations were observed in all 

the sampled islands, being represented by thalose-foliose 

lichens. The lichen Psoroma cinamomeum Malme was 

found as being the most frequent lichen found associated 

with mosses, mainly with species where the cushion is the 

most frequent life form. Leptogium spp. were also found 

frequently associated with moss species, but the opposite to 

that was observed for the previous association, these lichens 

were found commonly associated with moss carpets such 

Sanionia uncinata (Hedw.) Loeske. 

When comparing the records of all the islands a lower 

occurrence of fruticose lichens associated with mosses 

is observed, probably due to this lichen life form being 

found often in rocky sites where both lichen and moss 

species are well adapted to colonize rock outcrops directly 

(Victoria et al., 2006). Cushion mosses occur mainly in 

rocky terrains in higher places (more than 100mts), often 

without the need for an early-colonized substrata, growing 

directly on outcrops (Ochyra, 1998). This moss life form can 

spread to uncovered lower terrains and then are immediately 

available for the muscicolous lichen colonization, such as 

Ochrolechia frigida (Sw.) Lynge. This lichen species was 

found in several sites in association with Andreaea spp. 

(Figure 2a) in the sampled islands, except for Deception 

Island, frequently found in beach plateaus. This association 

is one of the most frequent in Nelson Island along with 

Usnea antarctica-Cladonia spp. - Polytrichum juniperinum 

and Huea coralligera - Sphaeorophorus globosus - Usnea 

aurantiacoatra - Syntrichia saxicola association (Figure 2b 

and 2c, respectively). 

The same association was the most frequently found 

in Elephant Island (Pereira & Putzke, 1994; Putzke & 

Pereira, 2012). Two associations were found only in a single 

island, one composed by a fruticose lichen (Usnea spp.- 

Polytrichastrum alpinum) and the other by a dimorphic 

lichen (Cladonia metacorallifera – Sanionia uncinata, 

Figure 2d) both in lower frequencies in the King George 

Island. The association between Psoroma cinnamomeum 

Figure 1. The most lichen-moss associations found in the northern Maritime Antarctic and their frequencies in each island sampled. 


a b c 

d e f 

Figure 2. Examples of lichen-moss associations found in the northern Maritime Antarctic. a) Ochrolechia frigida-Andreaea association. 

b) Usnea antarctica-Cladonia spp.-Polytrichum juniperinum association. c) Huea coralligera-Sphaeorophorus globosus-Usnea aurantiacoatra- 

Syntrichia saxicola association. d) Cladonia metacorallifera-Sanionia uncinata association. e) Psoroma cinnamomeum-Andreaea gainii association. 

f) Cladonia metacorallifera-Sphaeorophorus globosus-Polytrichastrum alpinum association. 

and Andreaea gainii Cardot (Figure 2e) and Leptogium 

puberulum with Ptychostomum pseudotriquetrum (Hedw.) 

J.R. Spence & H.P. Ramsay were the most frequent 

association observed in the Admiralty Bay area (King 

George Island). Dimorphic lichen was also found associated 

with other fruticose lichens, often in higher plateau 

(Øvstedal & Lewis-Smith, 2001; Victoria et al., 2009), the 

latter being found in Elephant, Nelson and King George 

Islands in the Cladonia metacorallifera-Sphaeorophorus 

globosus-Polyrtrichastrum alpinum association (Figure 2f). 

Discussion 

The plants and lichen species found in Antarctica were 

developing, mainly, on rocks or moist soils, the rocks 

being fragmented since the soil had a higher ornithogenic 

influence. Thus the lichen and moss association were often 

found in terrain types where both organisms are adapted, 

corroborating the reports made from several studies on 

plant communities in Antarctica (Gimingham & Lewis- 

Smith, 1970; Putzke & Pereira, 1990; Victoria et al., 2006, 

2009). Several studies reported lichen and mosses growing 

at relatively successful growth rates in Polar Regions when 

compared with other environments (Scott, 1990). 

These findings can be related with the human impacts 

in the area, to decreasing diversity along the two summer 

seasons (Victoria & Pereira, 2007). For Sancho et al. (2007) 

these changes can be a climate change indicator, because that 

lichen species found in the studied region are susceptible 

to extreme temperature variation, increasing or decreasing 

their growth (Sancho et al., 2007), but the fast development 

and death of the foliose muscicolous lichen cannot be 

discarded, as certain types of foliose lichens are among the 

fastest-growing species which have the ability to grow up 

to one centimeter per year, and this growth rate is unusual 

in most lichen species (Bednarik, 2004). 

Conclusion 

The lichen moss association observed in all plant 

communities distributed in the South Shetlands Islands 

can be used as a indicator of plant sucession on the ice-free 

areas. Further monitoring studies are needed to clarify 

these diversity changes in plant associations in the Maritime 

Antarctic. 


69












for Sea Resources (CIRM). Also the CNPq for the postdoctoral 

fellowship (CNPq process: 152270/2011-6) to 

the first author. 

References 

Allison, S.E. & Lewis-Smith, R.I. (1973). The vegetation of Elephant Island, South Shetland Island. British Antarctic Survey 

Bulletin, 33-34:185-212 

Bednarik, R.G. (2004). Lichenometry. Available from: (accessed: 4 Nov. 2004) 

Braun-Blanquet, J. (1964). Pflanzensociologie. 3. Aufl. Wien, Springer. 865 p. 

Convey, P. (2006). Antarctic climate change and its inXuences on terrestrial ecosystems. In: Bergstrom, D.M.; Convey, P.; 

Huiskes, A.H.L. (Eds). Trends in Antarctic terrestrial and limnetic ecosystems: Antarctica as a global indicator. Dordrecht: 

Springer. p. 253-272. 

Frenot, Y.; Chown, S.L.; Whinam, J.; Selkirk, P.; Convey, P.; Skotnicki, M. & Bergstrom, D. (2005). Biological invasions in the 

Antarctic: extent, impacts and implications. Biological Reviews,80:45-72. 

Gimingham, C.H. & Lewis-Smith, R.I. (1970). Bryophyte and lichen communities in the maritime Antarctic. In: Holdgate, R. 

Antarctic Ecology. London: Acad Press. p. 752-785. 

Kappen, L. & Schroeter, B. (1997). Activity of lichens under the influence of snow and ice. Proceedings of the NIPR Symposium 

on Polar Biology, 10: 163-168. 

Lewis-Smith, R.I. (2001). Plant colonization response to climate changes in the Antarctica. Folia. Facultatis Scientiarium 

Naturalium Universitatis Masarykianae Brunensis, Geográfica, 25: 19-33. 

Ochyra, R. (1998). The moss flora of King George Island Antarctica. Cracow: Polish Academy of Sciences. 279 p. 

Øvstedal, D.O. & Lewis-Smith, R.I. (2001). Lichens of Antarctica and South Georgia – A guide to their identification and 

ecology. Studies in Polar Research, Cambridge University Press. 411 p. 

Pereira, A.B. & Putzke, J. (1994). Floristic composition of Stinker Point. Elephant Island, Antarctica. Korian Journal of Polar 

Research, 5(2): 37-47. 

Putzke, J. & Pereira, A.B. (1990). Mosses of King George Island, Antarctica. Pesquisa Antártica Brasileira, 2(1): 17-71. 

Putzke, J. & Pereira, A.B. (2012). Fungos Muscícolas Na Ilha Elefante – Antártica. Caderno de Pesquisa, Série Biologia, 

24(1): 1-4. 

Redon, J. (1985). Liquens Antarticos. Santiago de Chile: Instituto Antártico Chileno (INACH). 123 p. 

Sancho, L.G.; Green, T.G.A. & Pintado, A. (2007). Slowest to fastest: Extreme range in lichen growth rates supports their use as 

an indicator of climate change in Antarctica. Flora - Morphology, Distribution, Functional Ecology of Plants, 202(8): 667-673. 

Scott, J.J. (1990). Changes in vegetation on Heard Island 1947-1987. In: Kerry, K.R. & Hempel, G. (Eds.). Antarctic ecosystems. 

Ecological change and conservation. Berlin, Germany: Springer. p. 61-76. 

Victoria, F.C.; Albuquerque, M.P. & Pereira, A.B. (2006). Lichen-Moss associations in plant communities of the Southwest 

Admiralty Bay, King George Island, Antarctica. Neotropical Biology and Conservation. 1(2): 84-89. 

Victoria, F.C. & Pereira, A.B. (2007). Índice de valor ecológico (IES) como ferramentas para estudos fitossociológicos e 

conservação das espécies de musgos da Baia do Almirantado, Ilha Rei George, Antártica Marítima. Oecologia Brasiliensis, 

11: 50-55. 

Victoria, F.C.; Costa, D.P. & Pereira, A.B. (2009). Life-forms of moss species in defrosting areas of king George island, South 

Shethland islands, Antarctica. Bioscience Journal, 25(3): 151-160. 


6 

AGARICALES (BASIDIOMYCOTA) FUNGI IN THE 

SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS, ANTARCTICA 

Jair Putzke 1,* , Marisa Terezinha Lopes Putzke 1 , Antonio Batista Pereira 2 & Margéli Pereira de Albuquerque 2 

1 

Universidade de Santa Cruz do Sul – UNISC, Av. Independência, 2298, CEP 96815-900, Santa Cruz do Sul, RS, Brazil 

2 

Universidade Federal do Pampa – UNIPAMPA, Av. Antônio Trilha, 1847, CEP 97300-000, São Gabriel, RS, Brazil 

*e-mail: jair@unisc.br 

Abstract: Fungi are the most important nutrient cycling organisms in any ecosystem, which is also the case in Antarctica. Among 

the species, the Agaricales (Basidiomycota), popularly known as mushroom has a reported presence in this continent, but with no 

monographic account done up to now. In field trips to Antarctica and especially to the South Shetland Archipelago, we collected 

specimens during a period of 25 years of study of this order and reviewed specimens from other collections to present a systematic 

account of the order. The collecting and studying of samples was done according to the usual methods in Agaricales modern 

taxonomy and the material was deposited in the HCB herbarium. The study of collections permits the recognition of 9 species 

of Agaricales from the area. Leptoglossum lobatum, L. omnivorum and Simocybe antarctica were collected for the first time in 

Elephant Island, Antarctica. Species are illustrated and a dichotomous key is proposed for the easy identification. 

Keywords: Antarctica, fungi, taxonomy 

Introduction 

The South Shetland Archipelago is a group of 11 greater 

islands located at the Northern area of the Antarctic 

Peninsula, at ca. 800 km South of South America in an area 

called the Maritime Antarctic. 

The Maritime Antarctic vegetation is basically composed 

of cryptogams (Bryophyta, Marchantiophyta, Lichens and 

Algae) and two species of flowering plants (Longton, 1985). 

Fungi are also very well represented, but only recently the 

group has been monographed (Onofre et al., 2007), but 

with no mention of the macroscopic mushrooms of the 

Agaricales order. 

The first revision on Antarctic fungi that included 

Agaricales was that of Pegler et al. (1980) who reported only 

two species in the South Shetland but with references to 13 

species in Sub-Antarctic areas. 

Gumińska et al. (1994) refers to the occurrence of 

4 species (Galerina pseudomycenopsis, Arrhenia salina, 

Omphlaina antarctica and Omphalina pyxidata) collected 

in the South Shetland but only sampled in Livingstone and 

King George Island. 

This work deals with the species of Agaricales collected 

over 25 years of research activities in the South Shetland 

Islands and aims to monograph the order in the area. 


The work was done on the South Shetland Archipelago, 

mainly in Elephant, Penguin, King George, Nelson and 

Deception Islands, Antarctica. The moss carpets were 

studied for the occurrence of ring forming fungi. The carpets 

chosen were entirely photographed, the photos mounted to 

create a map, drawing all the ring fungi found in its exact 

point of occurrence. The map was used to understand the 

fungi distribution. 

Collections of mosses were taken to laboratory for 

identification and or maintenance in culture (humid 

chamber) for evaluation. 

Results 

Nine species of Agaricales were found in the South Shetland 

Islands (plus one introduced), keyed out and listed below 


71

(Figure 1). There were found two species with smooth 

hymenophore and one with vein like gills, probably 

indicating an adaptation to cold environments. There were 

found more white spored agarics (6) than brown spored 

ones (4). Galerina perrara Sing. appears to be specific 

to Chorisodontium acyphyllum, being all the other nonsubstrate 

specific. Sanionia uncinata is the substrate most 

used among the moss species. 

Key to South Shetland Agaricales: 

1.1 Stipe absent or lateral; hymenophore completely smooth 

or with vein like gills or with intervenose lamellae...........2 

1.2 Stipe central or somewhat eccentric; hymenophore 

characteristically lamellate ...................................................4 

2.1 Spores brown under the microscope...............Simocybe 

antarctica 

2.2 Spores hyaline...................................................................3 

3.1 Pileus with up to 1,5 cm in diameter, with completely 

smooth hymenophore................. Leptoglossum omnivorum 

3.2 Pileus with 2-10 mm in diameter; hymenophore with 

gill-like veins...................................... Leptoglossum lobatum 

4.1 Spore print brown and spores brownish under the 

microscope..............................................................................5 

4.2 Spore print with and spores hyaline under the 

microscope..............................................................................6 

5.1 Pileus up to 8 mm in diameter, campanulate to convex; 

pleurocystidia absent..................................Galerina perrara 

5.2 Pileus up to 25 mm in diameter, campanulate to almost 

applanate; pleurocystidia present.............Galerina moelleri 

6.1 Pileus translucid striate; hymenophore almost lamellate, 

with gill-like longitudinal elevations which are forked and 

anastomosed...................................................Arrhenia salina 

6.2 Pileus translucid striate or not; hymenophore with 

well-developed lamellae.........................................................7 

7.1 Pileus fuliginous to black; lamellae concolorous but 

with darker border; spores ovoid.....Omphalina antarctica 

7.2 Pileus yellowish-brown to pallid ochraceous; spores 

ovoid or not.............................................................................8 

8.1 Pileus yellowish—brown, not sulcate when dry; lamellae 

concolorous........................................... Omphalina pyxidata 

8.2 Pileus pallid ochraceous, translucid striate, strongly 

sulcate when dry; lamellae white to pallid yellowish........... 

Lichenomphalia umbellifera 

List of Agaricales Found in the South 

Shetland Islands: 

• Arrhenia salina (Høiland) Bon & Courtecuisse, 

Documents Mycol.18(no. 69): 37. 1987. Fam.: 

Trichololmataceae. 42110 (HCB). 

−− 

The specimens were found growing on Sanionia 

uncinata and Hennediella heimii. Found in King 

George (Gumińska et al., 1994) and Elephant Islands. 

• Lichenomphalia umbellifera (L. ex Fr.) Redhead, Lutzoni, 

Moncalvo & Vilgalys, Mycotaxon 83: 38 (2002). Fam.: 

Hygrophoraceae. 

−− 

It was found in Sanionia uncinata carpets. It was 

reported in South Georgia by Øvstedal & Lewis Smith 

(2011). Registered as 30700 (HCB). 

• Omphalina antarctica Sing. 

−− 

Originally published by Singer (1957, 1969), the 

black basidiome color and the smaller pileus 

diameter are characteristic. It grows frequently on 

Sanionia uncinata. The species was cited by Putzke & 

Pereira (1996) to King George and Elephant Islands. 

Registered as 30701(HCB). 

• Omphalina pyxidata (Bull. Ex Fr.) Quél. Enchir. fung. 

(Paris): 43. 1886. 

−− 

On various moss species. It was reported on King 

George (Gumińska et al., 1994) and on Elephant 

Islands. Registered as 30702 (HCB). 

• Galerina moelleri Bas., Persoonia 1 (3): 310. 1960. Fam.: 

Strophariaceae. = Pholiota pumila(Fr.) Karst. ss. Molier. 

−− 

Gumińska et al. (1994) consider this species 

synonymy of Galerina pseudomycenopsis Piłat apud 

Piłat et Nannfeldt. Registered as15209 (HCB). 

• Galerina perrara Sing., Contr. Inst. Ant. Arg. 71: 15. 1962. 

Fam.: Strophariaceae. 

−− 

Found only on Chorisodontium acyphyllum and 

referred by Putzke & Pereira (1996). Registered 

as15702 and 30703 (HCB). 

• Leploglossum omnivorum Agerer - Trans. Br. mycol. 

Soc.82(1): 184. 1984.Fam.:Tricholomataceae. 

−− 

This species has up to 1,5 mm in diameter and a 

white cup shaped to applanate and sessile pileus, with 


a 

b 

c 

d 

e 

g 

h 

f 

i 

j 

k 

l 

m 

q 

o 

n 

p 

r 

Figure 1. Agaricales found in the South Shetland Islands: a-b) Omphalina antarctica (a - basidiomes; b - spores); c-d) Arrhenia salina (c - basidiomes; d - spores); 

e-f) Omphalina pyxidata (e - basidiomes; f - spores); g-h) Galerina perrara (g - basidiomes; h - spores); i-j) Lichenomphalia umbellifera (i - basidiomes; j - spores); 

k-l) Gerronema moelleri (k - basidiomes; l - spores); m-n) Leptoglossum omnivorum(m - basidiomes; n - spores); o-p) Leptoglossum lobatum (o - basidiomes; 

p - spores); q-r) Simocybe antarctica (q - basidiomes; r - spores). Scale: 10 mm (a; c; e; g; i; k); 1 mm (m; o; q); 10 mm for all spores. 


73

completely smooth hymenophore (Agerer, 1984). 

Registered as 42111 (HCB) 

• Leptoglossum lobatum (Pers. ex Fr.) Ricken var. 

antarcticum Horak, Contribucion del Instituto Antártico 

Argentino, no. 104: 6. 1966.Fam.:Tricholomataceae 

−− 

The species has larger pileus than the above cited, 2-10 

mm in diameter, with hymenophore showing gillslike 

veins. It was found in Deception and Half Moon 

Islands by Horak (1966). We noticed it in Elephant 

Island for the first time. Registered as 42112 (HCB) 

• Simocybe antarctica Pegler, in Pegler, Spooner & Smith, 

Kew Bull. 35 (3): 552. 1980. 

−− 

The species was originally found as mycelium and 

cultivated in laboratory up to basidiome formation 

(Pegler et al., 1980). We have collected it fresh in 

Antarctica for the first time. Registered as 42113 

(HCB). 

• Pholiota spumosa Fr. var. crassitunicata Singer. Mycofl. 

Australis p. 272. 1969. Fam. Strophariaceae. 

−− 

Found only on Deception Island by Singer (1969) but 

not collected by us. The specimen was found on wood 

on an abandoned a whaler’s boat near fumaroles, so 

it was probably introduced. 


Ten species of mushrooms are found in the South Shetland 

Islands - Antarctica, only one not collected (Pholiota 

spumosa), since it was originally found on introduced 

wood. Simocybe antarctica was grown in laboratory when 

reported to Antarctica and is here registered fruiting for 

the first time in the area. All the remaining species were 

found also in other areas on the Archipelago indicating 

a more widespread distribution in the area. More studies 

are needed as to identify new occurrences to the area and 

substrate preferences of the registered species, including 

description of its relationship with the substrate. 












References 

Agerer, R. (1984). Leploglossum omnivorum sp. nov. from Antarctica. Transaction of the British Mycological Society, 82(1): 184-6. 

Gumińska, B.; Heinrich, Z. & Olech, M. (1994). Macromycetes of the South Shetland Islands (Antarctica). Polish Polar 

Research 15 (3-4):103-9. 

Horak, E. (1966). On two new species of mushrooms collected in the Antarctic. Contribucion del Instituto Antárctico Argentino, 

104: 1-13. 

Longton, E. (1985). Terrestrial Habitats-Vegetation. In: Bonner, W.N. & Walton, D.W.H. (Eds.). Key Environments-Antarctica. 

Oxford: Pergamon. p. 73-05. 

Onofre, S.; Zucconi, L. & Tosi, S. (2007). Continental Antarctic Fungi. Eching bei München : IHW-Verlang. 247 p. 

Øvstedal, D.O. & Lewis Smith, R.I. (2011). Four additional lichens from the Antarctic and South Georgia, including a new 

Leciophysma species. Folia Cryptogamica Estonica, 48: 65-8. 

Pegler, D.N.; Spooner, B.M. & Smith, R. I. L. (1980). Higher fungi of Antarctica, theSubantarctic zone and Falkland Islands. 

Kew Bulletin, 35: 499-562. 

Putzke, J. ; Pereira, A. B. (1996). Macroscopic fungi of the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica. Revista Série Científica del 

INACH, Santiago - Chile, 46: 31-39. 

Singer, R. (1957). A fungus collected in the Antarctic. Beihefte zur Sydowia, 1: 16-23. 

Singer, R. (1969). Mycoflora Australis. Beihefte zur Nova Hedw. 29: 1-405. 


7 

RESPONSES OF AN ANTARCTIC SOUTHERN GIANT 

PETREL POPULATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE 

Lucas Krüger 1,* , Martin Sander 1 , Maria Virginia Petry 1 

1 

Laboratório de Ornitologia e Animais Marinhos, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos – UNISINOS, 

Av. Unisinos, 950, Cristo Rei, São Leopoldo, CEP 93022-00, Rio Grande do Sul, RS, Brazil 

*e-mail: biokruger@gmail.com 

Abstract: The comprehension of species responses to climate change is one of our present ecological challenges. This paper aims 

to evaluate the demographic responses of a Southern Giant Petrel population according to climate factors. We used a Multi-State 

Mark-Recapture method to estimate survival from breeder and non-breeder, and transition rates. Breeder survival response to 

Southern Oscillation Index, Antarctic Oscillation Index and temperature. Non breeder survival response to Southern Oscillation 

Index and temperature and Desertion rate with response to Temperature only in summer. Southern Giant Petrels are associated 

with warmer sea conditions. No recent decrease caused by climate factors can be expected under the scenario of warming in 

Antarctic Peninsula, and actual population size makes this assumption reasonable. 

Keywords: Antarctic oscillation, demography, El Niño Southern oscillation 

Introduction 

The annual variations of the El Niño Southern Oscillation 

are influential over the Antarctic Circumpolar Current 

(ACC). Anomalies on the ACC are directly correlated with 

atypical variations in the seasonal cycles of sea ice caps, 

disrupting trends on ocean and atmospheric temperature 

in Antarctica by affecting the Antarctic Oscillations (Gong 

& Wang, 1999; Kwok & Comiso, 2002). 

Seabirds that breed at higher latitudes are affected by 

these climate variations through a disruption in demography 

rates (Warren et al., 2009), population size (Ainley et al., 

2005) and increased area of dispersion to the north of 

Juvenile after fledging (Sander et al., 2010). The present 

paper evaluates the demographic response of an Antarctic 

Southern Giant Petrel (SGP) population to the Southern 

Oscillation Index (SOI), Antarctic Oscillation Index (AOI) 

and temperature in the 80s. The demography responses of 

Antarctic seabirds to climate are unknown for most species. 

Therefore the present paper contributes to the knowledge 

about the influence of climate under the Antarctic biota. 


The study was conducted at Elephant Island, South 

Shetlands, precisely at Stinker Point (61° 07’ 31’’S and 

55° 19’ 26’’ W). Adult Southern Giant Petrels (Macronectes 

giganteus) were banded and recovered from 1986/1987 

until 1993/1994 with aluminum bands supplied by the 

National Center for Conservation of Wild Birds (CEMAVE, 

Portuguese acronym). For evaluation of survival rates of 

breeder and non-breeder stages we used a Multi-State Mark- 

Recapture Model using the data collected between 1986 

and 1992. Breeding seasons: 1986-87, 1987-88, 1988-1989, 

1989-90; 1990-91, 1991‐92. The stages breeder and non 

breeder were used for the analysis. We evaluated whether the 

responses of survival, recapture and transition probabilities 

were constants or time dependents through a multi-model 

inference with AICc classification of best models using the 

Mark ® software. We used the rates from the 64 resulting 

models in a forward analysis. Demography responses 

to climate were tested through Analysis of Covariance 

ANCOVA by PASW 18.0, with α = 95%. 


75

Results 

The average SOI presented a greater variation along the years 

than the AOI, while SOI tended to be lower in summer in the 

last three years of the study (Figure 1). Average temperature 

tended to remain positive in summer (but got close to 0 °C 

in the last two years) and negative in winter, with a peak in 

the 1989 winter, when it reached –1 °C (Figure 2). 

Breeder survival (BS) and non breeder survival (NBS) 

tended to show decline throughout all the years, while 

desertion rate (DR) showed an increasing trend. Return rate 

(RR) was constant along the years (Figure 3). BS answered 

to SOI in winter and summer, AOI in summer and to 

temperature in winter. The greater slope was positive: AOI 

in summer. NBS answered only to SOI and temperature in 

winter, with a greater slope in winter SOI, but both values 

very closed. DR was only related to temperature in summer 

(negative slope) and RR was not related to any climate 

variable (Table 1, Figure 3). 

Figure 1. Year average Antarctic Oscillation Index AOI (left) and Southern Oscillation Index SOI (right) in Summer (red line) and Winter (blue line). Errors 

bars are standard error. 

Figure 2. Year average temperature in Summer (red line) and Winter (blue line). Errors bars are standard error. 


Figure 3. Average variation of breeder survival (BS), non-breeder survival (NBS), desertion rate (DR) and return rate (RR) in the breeding seasons. Error bars 

are standard error. 

Discussion 

Adults are less responsive to environmental variability 

nonetheless minimal variations on the survival causes 

pronounced decreases on the population growth rate 

(Barbraud et al., 2010). The standard trend in Stinker 

Point seems to be: higher temperatures in both summer 

and winter enhance survival and reduce desertion from 

breeding. Higher SOI and AOI mean higher temperatures 

in Antarctica (Gong & Wang, 1999; Kwok & Comiso, 2002). 

For breeders, the summer component must be the most 

important, since during breeding the energy expenditure to 

raise a chick overlaps with energy spent on survival. Other 

sub-Antarctic and temperate-water seabird’s adult survival 

are affected by temperature and SOI (Croxall et al., 2002; 

Rolland et al., 2010). As a consequence of the actual trend 

for Antarctic Peninsula region of warming, one can expect 

this population may not suffer declines caused by climate 

change. Such enhances can be considered probable, since 

the actual population numbers are greater than those from 

the studied years. 

Conclusion 

SGPs from Stinker Point are associated with warmer sea 

conditions. Their survival is probably enhanced by the 

current scenario of warming in the Antarctic Peninsula, 

as consequence no impending decrease caused by climate 

factors can be expected. 


77

Table 1. ANCOVA results of demography responses for climate variables by a Southern Giant Petrel population in Elephant Island. 

Dependent Climate Season F Slope SE P 

BS SOI Winter 7.10 –11.73 4.40 0.016 

Summer 10.70 12.36 3.78 0.005 

AOI Winter 2.85 –17.83 10.56 0.110 

Summer 5.75 29.19 12.18 0.028 

T (°C) Winter 7.72 10.55 3.15 0.004 

Summer 9.36 –6.45 8.18 0.441 

NBS SOI Winter 11.84 14.76 4.29 0.003 

Summer 0.87 –3.42 3.68 0.365 

AOI Winter 2.29 17.16 11.33 0.148 

Summer 0.11 4.29 13.07 0.746 

T (°C) Winter 11.25 10.55 3.15 0.004 

Summer 0.62 –6.45 8.18 0.441 

DR SOI Winter 0.31 –2.67 4.82 0.587 

Summer 2.46 –6.48 4.13 0.136 

AOI Winter 0.18 –4.47 10.60 0.679 

Summer 3.10 –21.53 12.22 0.096 

T (°C) Winter 0.18 –1.41 3.34 0.678 

Summer 4.42 –18.28 8.69 0.051 

RR SOI Winter 0.51 3.98 5.59 0.486 

Summer 0.07 –1.28 4.80 0.792 

AOI Winter 2.21 –16.71 11.23 0.155 

Summer 0.04 –2.70 12.95 0.837 

T (°C) Winter 0.14 1.38 3.70 0.713 

Summer 3.06 –16.79 9.61 0.099 

SOI: southern oscillation index; AOI: Antarctic oscillation index; BS: breeder survival; NBS: non-breeder survival; DR: desertion rate; RR: return rate; F: 

fisher’s statistics; SE: standard error; P: significance probability. 














References 

Ainley, D.G.; Clarke, E.D.; Arrigo, K.; Fraser, W.R.; Kato, A.; Barton, K.J. & Wilson, P.R. (2005). Decadal-scale changes in the 

climate and the biota of the Pacific sector of the Southern Ocean, 1950s to the 1990s. Antarctic Science, 17: 171-182. 

Barbraud, C.; Rivalan, P.; Inchausti, P.; Nevoux, M.; Rolland, V. & Weimerskirch, H. (2010). Contrasted demographic responses 

facing future climate change in Southern Ocean Seabirds. Journal of Animal Ecology, 80(1): 89-100. 

Croxall, J.P.; Trathan, P.N. & Murphy, E.J. (2002). Environmental change and Antarctic seabird populations. Science, 

297: 1510‐1514. 

Gong, D. & Wang, S. (1999). Definition of Antarctic Oscilation Index. Geophysical Research Letters, 26: 459-462. 

Kwok, R. & Comiso, J.C. (2002). Soutern Ocean Climate and Sea Ice Anomalies Associated with the Southern Oscillation. 

Journal of Climate, 15: 487-501. 

Rolland, V.; Weimerskirch, H. & Barbraud, C. (2010). Relative influence of fisheries and climate on the demography of four 

albatross species. Global Change Biology, 16: 1910-1922. 

Sander, M.; Garcia, S.A.; Carneiro, A.P.B.; Cristofoli, S.I.; & Polito, M.J. (2010). Band recoveries and juvenile dispersal 

of Southern Giant Petrels Macronectes giganteus marked as chicks in Antarctica by the Brazilian Antarctic Program 

(1984‐1993). Marine Ornithology, 38: 119-124. 

Warren, J.D.; Santora J.A. & Demer, D.A. (2009). Submesoscale distribution of Antarctic krill and its avian and pinniped 

predators before and after a near gale. Marine Biology, 156: 479-491. 


79

8 

RESPONSES OF AN ANTARCTIC KELP GULL 

Larus dominicanus REPRODUCTIVE 

POPULATION TO CLIMATE 

Elisa de Souza Petersen 1,* , Lucas Krüger 1 , Maria Virginia Petry 1 

1 


Av. Unisinos, 950, Cristo Rei, CEP 93022-000, São Leopoldo, RS, Braszil 

*e-mail: elisapetersen@yahoo.com.br 

Abstract: The influences of El-Niño over seabird populations have been demonstrated for a great number of species, including 

Antarctic species. We evaluated the effects of Southern Oscillation Index (an atmospheric component of El-Niño) over a breeding 

population of Kelp Gulls in Admiralty Bay, King George Island. We counted breeding pairs in all ice-free areas in the 2009/10 and 

2010/11 summers, and used past values of the same areas from literature. We found the lower numbers of kelp gull pairs occur 

at the extreme values of Southern Oscillation Index, the lower and the higher. This is strong evidence of the El-Niño influences 

on population processes within Admiralty Bay kelp gulls, probably by affecting the decision on breeding or skipping breeding in a 

given year. Such a situation can affect the population in the long term by reducing their instantaneous breeding success. 

Keywords: climatic changes, El-Niño Southern Oscillation, King George Island 

Introduction 

Climate is the main force driving high-latitude bird 

populations (Mallory et al., 2009; Croxall et al., 2002). 

Climate variations can eventually induce breeding adults 

to abandon their nests or chicks (comprising the main 

cause of decrease in reproductive success) (Mallory et al., 

2009), and affect populations in the long term by reducing 

adult survival (Rolland et al., 2010) and recruitment rates 

(Ainley et al., 2005). Egg laying, and size of breeding 

population can also shift year by year as a response to climate 

constraints (Croxall et al., 2002; Barbraud & Weimerskirch, 

2006). The Variations of the El-Niño Southern Oscillations 

are influential over the Antarctic Climatic Oscillations 

and temperature (Changzheng & Feng, 2010). Studies 

demonstrated that the temperatures are not the only 

important predictor of seabird responses to climate, but also 

climatic indexes (Rolland et al., 2010). Thus, our objective 

is to evaluate whether a breeding population of Kelp Gull 

respond to El-Niño Southern Oscillation Index (SOI). 


All the ice-free areas of Admiralty Bay, King George Island 

(Antarctica) were sampled, excluding the areas near the 

American Station Copacabana, but including the southern 

areas of SSSI8 (Figure 1). Censuses were conducted during 

the 2009/2010 austral summer between November 2009 

and March 2010. All breeding pairs were counted, taking 

in account the active nests, or those that had eggs laid in 

them. The nests were also mapped with GPS receptors. The 

ice-free areas were classified in accordance with Sander et al. 

(2006). The abundance of breeding pairs in past years was 

used (Jablonski, 1986; Sander et al., 2006) to detect time 

variation as a response to weather. We get the Southern 

Oscillation Index (SOI – the atmospheric component of El- 

Niño) data bank from NOAA (www.noaa.gov). To analyze 

the response of Kelp Gull pairs to SOI we applied an Analysis 

of Covariance using a negative binomial distribution model 

as the number of pairs has a similar distribution using the 

SPSS 18.0 (α = 95%). 


Figure 1. Sampled areas in Admiralty Bay, each letter corresponds to a usually ice-free area during the spring and summer. Image adapted from Sander et al. 

(2006). A SSSI 8; B Point Thomas; C Breccia Crag; D Cytadela; E Belweder; F Point Hill; G Dufayel Island; H Cardoso Cove; I Emerald Point; J Lis Point; K 

Urabnek Crag; L Denais Stack; M Klekowski Crag; N Cre´pin Point; O Keller Peninsula; P Stenhouse Bluff; Q Cordillera Ullman; R Promotorio Negro Notable; 

S Ternyck Needle; T Szafer Ridge; U Waikocz; V Hennequin Point; W Rembiszewski Nunataks; X Vaureal Peak; Y Chabrier Rock; Z Harnasia hill. 

Results 

The number of breeding pairs in all Admiralty Bay was 20 

and 24 in 2009/10 and 2010/11 summers, respectively. Five 

areas presented Kelp Gull reproduction in 2009/10 (A,B,G,O 

and V) and nine areas in 2010/11, from which five were the 

same from the last summer plus H,Q and R (Figure 1). By 

a simple visual comparison with past data (Jablonski, 1986; 

Sander et al., 2006) we clearly see an abrupt reduction of 

number of pairs of Kelp Gulls in Admiralty bay between 

2004/05 and 2009/2010, which is followed by an increase 

in the subsequent year, the referred reduction seems to be 

related to the variation of SOI (Figure 2). 

In fact, the number of pairs can be explained by the 

variation of SOI (Wald-χ 2 = 3.7; B = –0.31; P = 0.05). The 

lower average number of pairs occurred at the extreme 

values of SOI (Figure 2) in the extreme negative and in 

the extreme positive, in both years we sampled (2009/10 

and 2010/11) (Figure 3). The Higher SOI the warmer the 

temperature (Figure 4), so, extremes of SOI tends to cause 

reduction in the reproductive population of Kelp Gulls. 

Discussion 

One of the consequences of global climate changes is the 

increase in frequency of cold or warm anomalies. The fauna, 

particularly the top predators, is simultaneously affected 

in its breeding and survival by the increased sea ice-cap 

(Croxall et al., 2002) and variations on the availability and 

accessibility of food during the breeding period and winter 


81

Figure 2. Average number of Kelp Gull pairs (bars) and average Southern 

Oscillation Index (line) at each summer in Admiralty Bay. Error bars are 

standard errors. 

Figure 4. Variation of Temperature as a response to Southern Oscillation 

Index (SOI). 

greater number of ice-free areas, but there were few breeders 

as a function of high SOI. 

The variations of El-Niño have an influence on Antarctic 

waters and can affect the animal population and ecological 

processes within populations. In the short term such effect 

reduces the numbers of breeding pairs and as a consequence 

the breeding success of the population. In the long term, 

recruitment rates can be affected, and it may imply in lower 

growth rates. 

Figure 3. Variation of average number of Kelp Gull pairs in response to 

the average Southern Oscillation Index. Trend line is a quadratic function 

represented by the equation Y = 1.6*X – 1.75*X 2 +6.34; R 2 = 0.62. 

(Lescroël et al., 2009; Beaulieu et al., 2010). One explanation 

for such changes is the increasing influence of ENSO in 

Antarctica (Croxall et al., 2002). The 2009/10 summer was 

the coldest in the last decades (INPE, 2010). We verified 

in surveys that there were few ice-free areas, reducing 

the availability or suitability of breeding habitat, but the 

subsequent summer (2010/11) was warmer providing a 













References 

Ainley, D.G.; Clarke, E.D.; Arrigo, K.; Fraser, W.R.; Kato, A.; Barton, K.J. & Wilson, P.R. (2005). Decadal-scale changes in the 

climate and biota of the pacific sector of the southern ocean, 1950s to 1990s. Antarctic Science, 17: 171-182. 

Barbraud, C. & Weimerskirch, H. (2006). Antarctic birds bredd later in response to climate change. PNAS, 103: 6248-6251. 

Beaulieu, M.; Dervaux, A.; Thierry, A.; Lazin, D.; Maho, Y.L.; Ropert-Coudert, Y.; Spée, M.; Raclot, T. & Ancel, A. (2010). When 

sea-ice clock is ahead of Adelié Peguins’ clock. Functional Ecology, 24: 93-102. 

Changzheng, L. & Feng, X. (2010). The relationship between the canonical ENSO and the phase transitions of the Antarctic 

oscillation at the quasi-quadrennial timescale. Acta Oceanologica, 29: 26-34. 

Croxall, J.P.; Trathan, P.N. & Murphy, E.J. (2002). Environmental change and Antarctic seabird populations science. Science, 

297: 1510-1514. 

Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais - INPE. (2010). Available from: . (accessed: 27 

abr. 2010). 

Jablonski, B. (1986). Distribution, abundance and biomass of a summer community of birds in the region of the Admiralty 

Bay (King George Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica) in 1978/1979. Polish Polar Research, 7: 217-260. 

Lescroël, A.; Dugger, K.M.; Ballard, G. & Ainley, D.G. (2009). Effects of individual quality, reproductive success and 

environmental variability on survival of a long-lived seabird. Journal Animal Ecology, 78: 798-806. 

Mallory, M.L.; Gaston, A.J.; Forbes, M.R. & Gilchrisr, H.G. (2009). Influence of weather on reproductive success of northern 

fulmars in the Canadian high Arctic. Polar Biology, 32: 529-538. 


albatross species. Global Change Biology, 16: 1910-1922. 

Sander, M.; Carneiro, A.P.B.; Mascarello, N.E.; Santos, C.R.; Costa, E.S. & Balbão, T.C. (2006). Distribution and status of the 

kelp gull, Larus dominicanus Lichtenstein (1823), at Admiralty Bay, King George Island, South Shetland, Antactica. Polar 

Biology, 29: 902-904. 


83

9 

Population fluctuation of Pygoscelis papua 

and Pygoscelis antarctica, Elephant Island, 

South Shetlands, Antarctica 

Roberta da Cruz Piuco 1,* , Jaqueline Brummelhaus 1 , Maria Virginia Petry 1 , Martin Sander 1 

1 


Av. Unisinos, 950, CEP 93022-000, Cristo Rei, São Leopoldo, RS, Brazil 

*e-mail: ropiuco@gmail.com 

Abstract: Reproductive population size of both the Gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) and Chinstrap penguin (Pygoscelis 

antarctica) has changed over the last decades in many sites in the South Shetlands Islands. We evaluated the population sizes of 

these species on Stinker Point, Elephant Island, South Shetlands, Antarctic, during the breeding season 2009, 2010 and 2011, and 

we compared with preterit studies. Over the last 40 years, the number of breeding pairs here have shown fluctuations, with changes 

of up to 32%. It is possible that these fluctuations are related to the variation in prey availability and/or climate change. However, 

additional census and demographic surveys in Elephant Island are clearly needed to determine whether the decline represents a 

long-term trend or random circumstantial fluctuations. 

Keywords: Gentoo penguin, Chinstrap penguin, breeding pairs, abundance 

Introduction 

Penguins comprise 90% of the total Antarctic avian biomass 

(Croxall et al., 2002). Only King penguin (Aptenodytes 

patagonicus), Macaroni penguin (Eudyptes chrysolophus), 

Rockhopper penguin (E. chrysocome), Adelie penguin 

(Pygoscelis adeliae), Gentoo penguin (P. papua) and 

Chinstrap penguin (P. antarctica) breed on ice-free areas 

of the Antarctic Peninsula coast and sub-Antarctic Islands 

(Woehler, 1993). Of the five penguin species occurring on 

Elephant Island the Gentoo and Chinstrap penguin are 

the most abundant. The Gentoo penguin is circumpolar 

in breeding and the largest colonies are found in the 

Falklands, South Georgia and Kerguelen Islands. Smaller 

populations can be found in Macquarie Island, Heard Island, 

McDonald Islands, South Shetland Islands and Antarctic 

Peninsula (Peterson, 1979). The Gentoo penguin is the 

least abundant of the Antarctic breeding penguin species, 

with 314.000-520.000 breeding pairs, and has suffered a 

major decline over the last two decades (BirdLife, 2009). 

Chinstrap penguin populations, ≈7.4 million breeding 

pairs, are found breeding mainly in sub-Antarctic Islands 

and along the Antarctic Peninsula (Woehler, 1993). The 

number of breeding pairs has shown fluctuations in the last 

50 years, due to climate changes, Antarctic krill (Euphausia 

superba) availability, variation in total area of ice-free sites 

suitable for breeding and increase in tourism and fishing 

activities (Conroy et al., 1975; Jablònski, 1984; Woehler 

& Croxall, 1997; Croxall et al., 2002; Hinke et al., 2007; 

Trivelpiece et al., 2011). 

On Elephant Island, South Shetlands, Gentoo and 

Chinstrap penguins co-exist and breed in large colonies 

near each other (Petry, 1994). We compare the breeding 

population size over the last 40 years of Gentoo and 

Chinstrap penguins on Stinker Point, Elephant Island, 

and we calculated the population growth rates during this 

period. 


Three observers conducted a direct counting of nests of 

Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins, to estimate the numbers of 

breeding pairs on Stinker Point (61° 07’ 31” S; 55° 19’ 26” W), 


Elephant Island, South Shetlands Archipelago. The total 

population was determined for each site by averaging all 

total counts that differed less than 10% according to the 

standard CCAMLR (The Commission for the Conservation 

of Antarctic Marine Living Resources) Ecosystem 

Monitoring Program Methods (CCAMLR, 2004). 

Average annual growth rate was calculated using 

the Yáñez Index, i (Yañez et al., 1984), following: 

i = [(BPpr/BPps) 1/n – 1] × 100, BPpr stands for the number 

of breeding pairs at present, BPps stands for the number of 

breeding pairs in former surveys and n stands for the years 

that passed by. The average population growth rate was 

calculated and compared with data collected in 2009, 2010 

and 2011, data from past studies such 1970 (Furse & Bruce, 

1972) and 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1991 (Petry, 1994). 

Results 

In the last 40 years the numbers of breeding pairs of Gentoo 

and Chinstrap penguins have shown fluctuations, with 

changes of up to 32%. We recorded 915 breeding pairs of 

Gentoo penguin in 2009, 905 pairs in 2010, and 1652 in 2011 

an increase of 82.5% (Table 1). The average annual growth 

for Gentoo penguin was positive between 1970-1987 and 

1987-1988, unlike between the years of 1988-1991 and 1991- 

2010, when breeding pairs declined in number (Table 1). 

For the Chinstrap penguin, we recorded 3974 breeding 

pairs in 2009, 5250 pairs in 2010, and 5279 in 2011 with 

increase 32.1% and 0.55% (Table 2). Between 1970-1985, 

the population size remained stable (increase 0.28% per 

year), unlike between 1986-2010 when fluctuations showed 

considerable increase and decline (Table 2). 

Several factors may regulate bird reproductive success, 

one of them is the availability of nesting sites (Ainley & 

Boekelheide, 1990). Despite the increase in ice-free areas in 

the South Shetland Islands, and consequently the exposure 

of new places suitable for breeding sites over the years 

(Jablonski, 1984), local climate events such as excessive 

accumulation of snow and snowstorms limit the nesting 

sites of penguins, as observed in our study in December 

2009, when many breeding pairs of both species lost 

their eggs and abandoned their nests. Food availability, 

predation and climate change also influence the population 

fluctuation of the penguins, and specific behaviors of each 

species may help compensate for or moderate effects of 

changing environmental conditions (Miller et al., 2010; 

Trivelpiece et al., 2011). Our results show that population 

fluctuation for the Elephant Island Gentoo penguins varies 

less than for its Chinstrap penguins. Even though the 

two species co-exist, they exhibit very different behaviors 

in respect to reproduction timing, feeding ecology and 

Table 1. Average annual growth rate (i) of Gentoo penguin population at 

Stinker Point, Elephant Island 1970-2011. 

Period Breeding pairs i(%) 

1970-1987 1000-1879 3.8 

1987-1988 1879-2192 16.7 

1988-1991 2192-1929 – 4.2 

1991-2009 1929-915 – 4.1 

2009-2010 915-905 – 1.1 

2010-2011 905-1652 82.5 

Discussion 

Comparing our data with studies from Furse & Bruce (1972) 

and Petry (1994), we can see changes in population size of 

Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins, at Stinker Point, Elephant 

Island. Such changes are indicative of environment quality 

in which a population depends on variable food resources 

and it is also important to understand and to predict the 

effects of environmental change (Croxall et al., 2002). For 

long-living birds such as penguins, a 2 to 3% annual change 

in population size can be quite significant, and the only way 

to evaluate this parameter is through monitoring studies 

(Trivelpiece & Trivelpiece 1990). 

Table 2. Average annual growth rate (i) of Chinstrap penguin population 

at Stinker Point, Elephant Island 1970-2011. 

Period Breeding pairs i (%) 

1970-1985 12455-13000 0.28 

1985-1986 13000-12200 – 6.15 

1986-1987 12200-11969 – 1.89 

1987-1988 11969-13383 11.81 

1988-1990 13383-12218 – 4.45 

1990-2009 12218-3974 – 6 

2009-2010 3974-5250 32.1 

2010-2011 5250-5279 0.55 


85

winter habitat selection (Trivelpiece et al., 1987). There 

is evidence that Gentoo penguins remain in the vicinity 

of breeding areas during the winter (Bost & Jouventin, 

1990), unlike local Chinstrap penguins which move nearer 

to the Antarctic convergence (Williams, 1995; Wilson, 

1998; Trivelpiece et al., 2007). Under adverse conditions 

during winter, such as low prey availability and excessively 

ice conditions, only old, experienced Chinstrap penguins 

return to breeding colonies at the beginning of the breeding 

season (Trivelpiece & Trivelpiece 1990). Thus, the survival 

of juveniles, their recruitment and return rates to colonies 

may be affected by adverse winter conditions, as suggested 

by Carlini et al. (2009). 

Our results corroborate the evidence of penguin 

population decline reported in Antarctica. Trivelpiece et al. 

(2011) suggested conservation status review for Chinstrap 

penguin given the magnitude of their global population 

decline and limitations of distribution range. In contrast, 

Gentoo penguins are circumpolar in distribution and are 

more generalist feeders, giving them a distinct survival 

advantage (Bost & Jouventin, 1990). 

Conclusion 

Yet, we conclude that, at Stinker Point, Elephant Island, 

continued monitoring and demographics studies are 

needed for both penguin species to determine with 

confidence whether the observed population decline is a 

long-term trend or represents transient local environmental 

fluctuations and whether changes in conservation efforts 

will be required to maintain future global and regional 

populations of these species. 










and Innovation (MCTI), of Environment (MMA), Inter- 

Ministry Commission for Sea Resources (CIRM), and the 

Brazilian Federal Agency for the Support and Evaluation 

of Graduate Education (CAPES). We appreciate the 

improvements in English usage made by Phil Whitford 

through the Association of Field Ornithologists’ program 

of editorial assistance. 

References 

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community. Stanford, Stanford University Press. 

BirdLife International. (2009). Species factsheet: Pygoscelis papua. Available from: (accessed: 22 

jul. 2011). 

Bost, C.A. & Jouventin, P. (1990). Evolutionary ecology of Gentoo Penguins (Pygoscelis papua). In: Davis, L.S. & Darby, J.T. 

Penguin biology. London: Academic Press. 

Carlini, A.R.; Coria, N.R.; Santos, M.M.; Libertelli, M.M. & Donini, G. (2009). Breeding success and population trends in Adélie 

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Pygoscelis antarctica, at Elephant Island, South Shetland Islands. Br. Antarctic Survey Bulletin, 40: 23-32. 

Croxall, J.P.; Trathan, P.N. & Murphy, E.J. (2002). Environmental change and Antarctic seabird populations. Science, 297: 

1510-1514. 


Furse, J.R. & Bruce, G. (1972). Joint service expedition to Elephant Island 1970-1971. London: Ornithology Report. 

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reveal a common environmental driver. Oecologia, 153: 845-855. 

Jablònski, B. (1984). Distribution and numbers of penguins in the region of King George Island (South Shetland Islands) in 

the breeding season 1980/1981. Polish Polar Research, 5: 17-30. 

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chinstrap penguins, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica. Condor, 112(4): 683-695. 

Peterson, R. (1979). Penguins. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. 

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Sul – Antártica. MSc. thesis, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos, São Leopoldo, Brasil. 

Trivelpiece, W.Z.; Trivelpiece, S.G. & Volkman, N.J. (1987). Ecological segregation of adelie, gentoo, and chinstrap penguins 

at King George Island, Antarctica. Ecology, 68(2): 351-361. 

Trivelpiece, W.Z. & Trivelpiece, S.G. (1990). Courtship period of adélie, gentoo, and chinstrap penguins. In: Davis, L.S. & 

Darby, J.T. Penguin Biology. San Diego, California: Academic Press. 

Trivelpiece, W.Z.; Buckelew, S.; Reiss, C. & Trivelpiece, S.G. (2007). The winter distribution of chinstrap penguins from two 

breeding sites in the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica. Polar Biology, 30: 1231-1237. 

Trivelpiece, W.Z.; Hincke, J.T.; Miller, A.K.; Reiss, C.S. & Trivelpiece, S.G. (2011). Variability in krill biomass links harvesting 

and climate warming to penguin population changes in Antarctica. PNAS, 108(18): 7625-7628. 

Williams, T.D. (1995). The Penguins: Spheniscidae. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 

Wilson, R.P.; Culik, B.M.; Kosiorek, P. & Adelung, D. (1998). The over-winter movements of a chinstrap penguin 

(Pygoscelis antarctica). Polar Record, 34(189): 107-112. 

Woehler, E.J. (1993). The distribution and abundance of Antarctic and Subantarctic penguins. Cambridge: Scientific Committee 

on Antarctic Research. 

Woehler, E.J. & Croxall, J.P. (1997). The status and trends of Antarctic and sub-Antarctic seabirds. Marine Ornithology, 25:43-66. 

Yañez, J.; Nuñez, H.; Valencia, J. & Schlatter, R. (1984). Aumento de las poblaciones de pingüinos pigoscélidos en la isla 

Ardley, Shetland del Sur. Serie Científica INACH, 31: 97‐101. 


87

10 

FORAGING DISTRIBUTION OF AN ANTARCTIC 

SOUTHERN GIANT PETREL POPULATION 

Maria Virginia Petry 1,* , Lucas Krüger 1 

1 


Av. Unisinos, 950, Cristo Rei, CEP 93022-000, São Leopoldo, RS, Brazil 

*e-mail: vpetry@unisinos.br 

Abstract: We present preliminary results on the foraging distribution of Southern Giant Petrels tagged with geolocators in Stinker 

Point, Elephant Island. Our results showed that Giant Petrels range over a large area from the Antarctic Peninsula until Southern 

South America, and there is notable segregation between male and female. Females tend to use the area they are distributed 

equally, while males remain more often close to colonies, but the latitudes and longitudes they used in general were the same.That 

is quite different from literature, which indicate that Giant Petrel genders use distinct foraging areas, at least South American 

populations. Further results from the study are underway and we expect to add environmental variables to evaluate differences 

between genders and try to explain their movements. 

Keywords: breeding period, foraging ecology, gender differences, geolocation 

Introduction 

Seabirds rely almost exclusively on the sea. They are 

bonded to land only for reproduction, and even then, the 

resources necessary to raise a brood are from off shore. 

Factors influencing on land such as severe weather, gusty 

winds, hazardous blizzards can reduce adult survival and 

breeding success (Mallory et al., 2009), but the main factors 

driving seabird population dynamics are the oceanic factors 

(Sandvik et al., 2008; Rolland et al., 2010). 

Biotic and abiotic factors are used by seabirds for 

guidance when searching for food, such as productivity, sea 

and wind currents, temperature, and so on (Adams & Flora, 

2010; Copello et al., 2011). Nonetheless, long time changes 

in such factors can affect adult survival and breeding success 

(Rolland et al., 2010). 

Hence, this paper presents preliminary results on a study 

conducted with geolocators on an Antarctic population 

of Southern Giant Petrels, aiming to obtain data on sea 

distribution and sea use while foraging. 


Study was conducted on Stinker Point (61° 07’ 31’’ S and 

55° 19’ 26’’ W), Elephant Island, recently presented as 

Antarctic IBA 072 (Harris et al., 2011). Stinker Point is the 

northernmost island of the South Shetlands, and provides a 

breeding ground for several seabird and seamammal species. 

The Southern Giant Petrel SGP is one of the most numerous 

seabirds in the area. The SGPs breed on elevated and 

relatively plain terrains among 30 and 60 m above sealevel. 

We deployed on 11/11/2011 (period of egg laying), 12 

Lotek LAT 2009 Avian FlatpackGeolocators in males and 

females SGPs from different nests. We attached the tags 

made of aluminum bands with small plastic seals. The tags 

were recovered from birds in periods between seven and 

fourteen days after deployment, the data was downloaded 

and then redeployed in other SGPs. 

The tags generated daily average geographic positions 

based on light intensity and hour of sunrise and sunset. 

Positions were filtered by generating a threshold circle with 

2 standard deviation position with ArcGis. All points that 

fell out of the threshold line were excluded. We calculated 

Kernel density to estimate the most frequently used areas 

by those individuals. We compared Latitude and Longitude 

between genders and in different months (November, 


Figure 1. Kernel density for Females (above) and Males (below) Southern Giant Petrels. Frequency is expressed in terms of proportion. 


89

December and January) with a Repeated Measures ANOVA 

to detect differences in areas used by genders. 

Results 

We were able to monitor 18 SGPs (7 males and 11 females) 

during all the breeding period. The filtering resulted in a 

total of 178 points entering the analysis. From a first visual 

inspection of the Kernel Density distribution, both males 

and females used similar areas, comprising the Antarctic 

Peninsula until Southern South-America (Tierra del 

Fuego, near 55° S), a small portion of the South Pacific 

until longitudes near South Orkneys and South Georgia 

35° W. (Figure 1). Even females generated more points than 

males, they generated smaller densities than males, probably 

indicating they forage in a more dispersed way. 

Latitude is not different between genders (F 1,166 

= 0.1; 

P = 0.76), but is different in months (F 2,166 

= 0.3; P = 0.04) 

(Figure 2). No variation of gender latitude usage was 

detected along the months (F 2,166 

= 0.5; P = 0.63). Longitude 

is not different between genders (F 1,166 

= 0.05; P = 0.83), 

nor among months (F 2,166 

= 2.3; P = 0.1) and no variation 

of gender longitude usage was detected along the months 

(F 2,166 

= 0.06; P = 0.94). 

Discussion 

Our results clearly indicate males forage in more frequency 

near the colony than females, and as a consequence tend 

to enhance Kernel density in the areas they are using. 

On the other hand, females’ frequencies are lower along 

their entire distribution. These are the first results on 

foraging movements of Antarctic SGPs. Some results are 

in accordance with studies on South American Giant Petrel 

populations (González-Solís et al., 2000; Copello et al., 

2011). Our study is in accordance with literature which 

indicates that female frequency is homogeneous along 

their distribution while males tend to concentrate close to 

their colonies. But in matters of distribution, our results 

are in disagreement with those found for South American 

populations since there are no latitudinal or longitudinal 

differences between genders. There is a marked difference 

between male and female distribution between genders 

in both Giant Petrel species (González-Solís et al., 2000; 

Copello et al., 2011). Copello et al. (2011) verified a 

slight difference between southern and northern colonies 

Figure 2. Average latitude used by Southern Giant Petrels in November, 

December and January in 2011/12 summer. Error bars are standard error. 

in Argentina, so, differences in foraging behavior can 

be attributed to the southern position of Stinker Point 

population, as a consequence their behavior is different 

from northern populations. Quintana & Dell'Arciprete 

(2002) and Copello et al. (2011) tagged birds in the late 

incubation period and verified birds remained closer to 

their colony, while ours showed differences in areas used 

along the breeding period. 

Conclusion 

Males and females range over the same portion of the 

ocean with a high overlap, which is quite different from 

literature information. Such differences may be due to a 

natural geographical variation of the species and because 

of the period the data was collected. The perspective of 

including in the analysis variables such as sea temperature 

and productivity will help us extend our explanations on 

male-female differences. 














References 

Adams, J. & Flora, S. (2010). Correlating seabird movements with ocean winds: linking satellite telemetry with ocean 

scatterometry. Marine Biology, 157: 915-929. 

Copello, S.; Dogliotti, A. I.; Gagliardini, D.A. & Quintana, F. (2011). Oceanographic and biological landscapes used by the 

Southern Giant Petrel during the breeding season at the Patagonian Shelf. Marine Biology, 158: 1247-1257. 

González-Solís, J.; Croxall, J.P. & Wood, A.G. (2000). Foraging partitioning between Giant Petrels Macronectes spp. and its 

relation with breeding population changes at Bird Island, South Georgia. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 204: 279-288. 

Harris, C.M.; Carr, R.; Lorenz, K.& Jones, S.(2011). Important Bird Areas in Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland 

Islands, South Orkney Islands – Final Report. Cambridge: Environmental Research & Assessment Ltd. 

Mallory, M.L.; Gaston, A.J.; Forbes, M.R. & Gilchrist, H.G. (2009). Influence of weather on reproductive success of northern 

fulmars in the Canadian High Arctic. Polar Biology, 32:529-538. 

Quintana, F. & Dell’Arciprete, O.P. (2002). Foraging grounds of Southern Giant Petrels (Macronectes giganteus) on the 

Patagonian Shelf. Polar Biology, 25: 159-161. 


albatross species. Global Change Biology,16: 1910-1922. 

Sandvik, H.; Coulson, T. & Saether, B.E. (2008). A latitudinal gradient in climate effects on seabird demography: results from 

interspecific analysis. Global Change Biology, 14: 703-713. 


91


Impact of human activities on the 

Antarctic marine environment 

96 Cascaes, M. J., Albergaria-Barbosa, A. C. R., Freitas, F. S., Colabuono, F. I., Da Silva, J., 

Patire, V. F., Senatore, D. B., Dias, P. S., Cipro, C. V. Z.; Taniguchi, S., Bícego, M. C., Montone, 

R. C. and Weber, R. R. Temperature, Salinity, Ph, Dissolved Oxygen and Nutrient Variations 

at Five Stations on the Surface Waters of Admiralty Bay, King George Island, Antarctica, 

During the Summers From 2009 to 2012 

101 Barrera-Alba, J. J., Vanzan, M., Tenório, M. M. B. and Tenenbaum, D. R. Plankton Structure of Shallow 

Coastal Zone at Admiralty Bay, King George Island, West Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) During Early 

Summer/2010: Pico, Ultra and Microplankton And Chlorophyll Biomass. 

106 Kern, Y. Elbers, K. L., Cruz-Kaled, A. C., Weber, R. R. and Absher, T. M. Summer Variation of 

Zooplankton Community on Coastal Environment of Admiralty Bay, King George Island, Antarctica. 

112 Nakayama, C. R., Ushimaru, P. I., Araujo, A.C. V., Rodrigues, A. R., Lima, D. V. And Pellizari, V. H. 

Assessment of Faecal Pollution Indicators in the Brazilian Antarctic Station Wastewater Treatment 

Plant and in Environmental Samples at Admiralty Bay, Antarctic Peninsula. 

119 Wisnieski, E., Bícego, M. C., Montone, R. C. and Martins, C. C. Temporal Variations and Sources of 

N-Alkanols and Sterols in Sediments Core from Admiralty Bay, Antarctic Peninsula. 

125 Martins, C. C., Aguar, S. N., Bícego, M. C., Ceschim, L. M. M., Montone, R. C. Fecal sterols and 

linear alkylbenzenes in surface sediments collected at 2009/10 austral summer in Admiralty Bay, 

Antarctica. 

130 Ribeiro, A. P., Tramonte, K. M., Batista, M. F., Majer, A. P., Silva, C. R. A., Demane, G., Ferreira, P. A. L., 

Montone, R. C. and Figueira, R. C. L. Fractionation of Trace Metals and Arsenic In Coastal Sediments 

From Admiralty Bay, Antarctica. 

135 Majer, A. P., Petti, M. A. V., Corbisier, T. N., Ribeiro, A. P., Theophilo, C. Y. S. and Figueira, R. C. L. 

Bioaccumulation of Potentially Toxic Trace Elements in Benthic Organisms From Admiralty Bay, King 

George Island, Antarctica. 

139 Donatti, L., Rios, F. S., Machado, C., Pedreiro, M. R. D., Krebsbach, P., Piechnik, C. A., Zaleski, T., 

Forgati, M., Cettina, L. B., Silva, F. B. V., Sabchuk, N., Carvalho, C. S., Rodrigues, E., Rodrigues Jr, E. 

and Feijó de Oliveira, M. F. Histopathological Alterations on Antarctic Fishes Notothenia coriiceps and 

Notothenia rossii as Biomarkers of Aquatic Contamination. 

144 Rodrigues Junior, E., Feijó-Oliveira, M., Gannabathula, S. V., Suda, C. N. K., Donatti, L., Machado, C., 

Lavrado, H. P. and Rodrigues, E. A baseline studies on plasmatic constituents in the Notothenia rossii 

and Notothenia coriiceps in Admiralty Bay, King George Island, Antarctica. 

148 Oliveira-Feijó, M., Rodrigues Junior, E., Gannabathula, S. V., Suda, C. N. K., Donatti, L., Lavrado, H. P. 

and Rodrigues, E. Effect of Diesel Oil on Gill Enzymes of Energy Metabolism, Antioxidant Defense and 

Arginase of the Gastropod Nacella concinna (Strebel 1908) From King George Island, Antarctica. 

153 Campos, T. M. S., Costa, I. A., Faria, G. M., Yoneshigue-Valentin, Y. and Dalto, A. G. Phytal Macrofauna 

Composition of the Himantothallus grandifolius (Heterokonphyta, Desmarestiaceae) from Admiralty 

Bay (King George Island, South Shetlands Islands, Antarctica). 

158 Junqueira, A. O. R., Bastos, A. C. F, Rocha, B. R. Tracking Non-Native Species in the Antarctic Marine 

Benthic Environment. 

163 Dalto, A. G., Faria, G. M., Campos, T. M. S., Valentinm Y. Y. Dominance of Tardigrada In Associated 

Fauna of Terrestrial Macroalgae Prasiola crispa (Chlorophyta: Prasiolaceae) from a Penguin Rookery 

Near Arctowski Station (King George Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica). 



Dr. Helena Passeri Lavrado 


Dr. Edson Rodrigues 

Introduction 

With the intensification of human activities in Antarctica 

and the increased speed of environmental change in the area 

of the Antarctic Peninsula, it is of fundamental importance 

to give continuity to the long term ecological studies in the 

region, in order to understand and predict the effects of 

those anthropic and natural changes on the structure and 

functioning of Antarctic marine ecosystems. Environmental 

monitoring not only permits the evaluation of temporal 

trends in the ecosystem properties and functions, but also 

subsidises the management and conservation of these 

environments, fulfilling the environmental commitments 

assumed by Brazil with the member countries of the 

Antarctica Treaty. Furthermore, the main studied area 

of the marine environmental studies of INCT-APA, 

(Portuguese acronym for: The Brazilian Institute of Science 

and Technology – Antarctic Environmental Research) 

has been the Admiralty Bay, at King George Island, a 

recognisably diverse environment (Siciński et al., 2011). 

The bay functions as a feeding and breeding area for a great 

number of marine species, the whole area being considered 

as an ASMA (Antarctic Specially Managed Area). 

The results obtained at the moment, indicate a marine 

environment whose physical and chemical characteristics 

of the sea water (e.g. water temperature and pH), present 

a strong relationship with the air temperature, apart from 

indicating the existence of upwelling episodes close to the 

main research stations in the Bay, namely, EACF (Portuguese 

acronym for: The Brazilian Station – Comandante Ferraz) 

and Arctowski (The Polish Station) (Cascaes et al., in the 

volume), which could cause a greater spatial and temporal 

variation in the local primary production. In the water 

column, the marine phytoplankton has been shown to be 

a good indicator of environmental quality. Data from the 

last ten years suggest that the abundance and composition 

of the phytoplankton has altered over the years, with a 

gradual substitution of microplankton (diatomaceous) by 

pico–and ultra-plankton (cells < 10 µm), especially at the 

end of summer, which can be reflecting an increase of the 

ice-free zones in the region (Barrera-Alba et al., in this 

volume). If these changes are confirmed over the next few 

years, the consequences could reflect even on the spatial 

distribution of Krill in the area, since the latter is unable 

to efficiently consume the pico- and ultra plankton. The 

dominance of the copepods in the zooplankton in the Bay 

has been evident, in spite of the significant contribution 

of the larvae of echinoderms for the local meroplankton 

(Kern et al., in this volume). 

The monitoring of the marine environment close to 

EACF has been undertaken for the correct evaluation of 

the impact of human activities in the marine biota of Martel 

inlet and counts with the monitoring of temporal domestic 

effluents from the Brazilian Station. In studies carried out 

in the summer of 2011, the results showed an increase in 

the efficiency of the sewage treatment system at EACF, with 

the efficient removal of coliforms and enterococci (between 

80-100%), after UV treatment, although inefficient in the 

removal of nutrients, suggesting that the treatment system 

still needed to be optimized (Nakayama et al., in this 

volume). In spite of the recent fire at the Brazilian Station, 

the data generated by this monitoring is important, since 

it can be used as a guide to the installation of more proper 

facilities with a minimal of environmental impact at the new 

Brazilian Station which will be constructed in the next years. 

The faecal sterols and linear alkylbenzenes (LABs) are 

excellent geochemical markers of sewage since they are 

resistant to rapid environmental degradation, permitting 

mapping out of the range and effect of the sewage in the 

marine environment. Data of these markers in the sediment 

of Admiralty Bay indicate a greater concentration in the 

vicinity of EACF, but with a tendency to reduce in relation 

to the summer 2003/04, but with considerably lower values 

when compared to other regions of Antarctica. Between 


93

these two types of sewage markers, the LABs show a 

potential to be a more specific sewage marker, since their 

detectable values were only found close to the EACF sewage 

(Martins et al., in this volume). The sterols can also be 

used in historic analysis of the contribution of the different 

forms of organic material (marine, terrestrial, anthropic) to 

the sediment, thus assisting in the evaluation of temporal 

variations of the biogeochemical processes (Wisnieski et al., 

in this volume). 

Among the marine habitats that can be affected by human 

activities or even by climate change, the intertidal zone is 

the first to suffer from those environmental alterations. The 

most conspicuous organism in this region is the gastropod 

Nacella concinna, which 

has been considered to be a sentinel species due to 

its capacity to accumulate metals (Ahn et al., 2002) or 

to be sensitive to the effect of pollutants (Ansaldo et al., 

2005). Up till now, no significant anthropic effect 

was found in the populations that inhabit Admiralty 

Bay, despite a certain accumulation of heavy metals 

found in the species, as well as in a number of benthic 

invertebrates in the region (Majer et al., in this volume). 

However, studies with biochemical biomarkers reveal a 

sensibility of several enzymes in this organism, such as 

arginases, phosphofructokinase and catalase, to increasing 

concentrations of diesel oil (Feijó de Oliveira et al., in this 

volume), reinforcing the importance of control methods 

for the prevention of oil leaks into the marine environment 

of the region. 

Even in the sublittoral zone, in water depths of less 

than 20-30m, some effect of the effluent of the Station 

can be noticed (Montone et al., in press). Fish and benthic 

invertebrates undergo alterations over the time, when 

submitted to chronic (sewage) or acute impacts (oil leakages, 

for example). Among the fish, most of the nothotenioids 

are endemic to Antarctica, which increases the ecological 

importance in terms of preservation and conservation of 

the marine environment. Through the usage of biochemical 

and histological biomarkers, possible alterations in those 

fishes can be detected. The histological analysis of the fishes 

N. coriiceps and N. rossi showed some changes in the liver 

and gills which are still of low occurrence, not affecting the 

functionality of their organs and as consequence, not having 

any lethal significance (Donatti et al., in this volume). The 

same seems to occur with the analyses of the plasmatic 

composition of these fish, with variation of glucose, 

tryglicerides, cholesterol, total protein and albumins more 

related to local physical and chemical differences than to 

anthropic ones (Rodrigues Junior et al., in this volume). 

For the benthic macroinfauna, the main changes occur 

in the abundance and dominance of species in a range of 

200m from EACF (Montone et al., in press). In spite of the 

presence of metals in the sediment, analyses considering the 

mobility of some of these metals, revealed that just Arsenic 

and Copper show values that could represent some risk 

to the biota (Ribeiro et al., in this volume), emphasising 

the importance of evaluating the bioavailability of these 

substances in order to evaluate the real effect on marine 

organisms. 

One of the greatest threats to Antarctic marine 

biodiversity, with a high degree of endemism, is the 

introduction of exotic species, whether through human 

action or through the increase of the temperature of the 

oceans, allowing the spread of Sub-Antarctic species to 

the Antarctic region. The potential of bioinvasion in the 

Antarctic environment is directly related to the increase of 

human activities in the region, especially those related to 

the increase in the traffic of vessels, one of the main vectors 

in the introduction of species in the marine environment. 

A recent survey (Rocha et al., in this volume) indicated an 

intensification of human activities, such as tourism, fishing 

for Krill and scientific activity on King George Island, in 

the last five years, which could represent a greater risk of 

introduction of exotic species. 

In this context, a study of the local biodiversity is 

important to get to know the degree of vulnerability of 

the Antarctic marine biota to invasions of exotic species 

in the future. Despite recent efforts related to the marine 

benthic species inventory in Admiralty Bay (Siciński et al., 

2011), there is still a lot to do regarding the comprehensive 

knowledge of the marine biodiversity of the region. 

Recent data regarding the composition of the associated 

macrofauna to the kelp Himantothallus grandiflorius 

(Campos et al., in this volume), for example, revealed an 

abundant and diverse biota, composed mainly of amphipods 

and lophophorates, which still need taxonomic refinement 

and which could add new species or new records to this 

region. Apart from the latter, the interaction between the 


terrestrial and marine environment takes place through 

the collaboration of researchers who study the biodiversity 

of the two environments in an integrated way. The phytal 

fauna, for example, is studied not only in terms of marine 

environment, but also in the terrestrial environment, as in 

the study of the associated meiofauna of Prasiola crispa, 

(Dalto et al., in this volume), which is quite abundant in 

the proximities of the penguin colonies of Arctowski Polish 

Station. The results show a biota dominated by Tardigrades 

and Nematode, which in the same way as in the marine 

environment, can add an expressive number of species to 

the biological inventory of Admiralty Bay. 

References 

Ahn, I.Y.; Kim, K.W. & Choi, H.J. (2002). A baseline study on metal concentrations in the Antarctic limpet Nacella concinna 

(Gastropoda, Patellidae) on King George Island: variation in sex and body parties. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 44: 424-431. 

Ansaldo, M.; Najle, R. & Luquet, C.M. (2005). Oxidative stress generated by diesel seawater contamination in the digestive 

gland of the Antarctic limpet Nacella concinna. Marine Environmental Research, 59: 381-390. 

Montone, R.C.; Alvarez, C.E.; Bícego, M.C.; Braga, E.E.; Brito, T.A.S.; Campos, L.S.; Carelli, R.F.; Castro, B.M.; Corbisier, 

T.N.; Evangelista, H.; Francelino, M.; Gomes, V.; Ito, R.G.; Lavrado, H.P.; Leme, N.P.; Mahiques, M.M.; Martins, C.C.; 

Nakayama, C.R.; Ngan, P.V.; Pellizari, V.P.; Pereira, A.B.; Petti, M.A.V.; Sander, M.; Schaefer, C.G.E.R. & Weber, R.R. (In 

press). Environmental Assessment of Admiralty Bay, King George Island, Antarctica. p 157-175 In: Verde C. & di Prisco, 

G. Adaptation and Evolution in Marine Environment, From Pole to Pole. Berlim: Springer-Verlag. vol. 2. 

Siciński, J.; Jażdżewski, K.; De Broyer, C.; Ligowski, R.; Presler, P.; Nonato, E.F.; Corbisier, T.N.; Petti M.A.V.; Brito, T.A.S.; 

Lavrado, H.P.; Błażewicz-Paszkowycz, M.; Pabis, K.; Jażdżewska, A. & Campos, L.S. (2011). Admiralty Bay Benthos 

Diversity: a longterm census. Census of Antarctic Marine Life special volume. Deep-Sea Research II, 58:30-48. 


95

1 

TEMPERATURE, SALINITY, PH, DISSOLVED 

OXYGEN AND NUTRIENT VARIATIONS AT FIVE 

STATIONS ON THE SURFACE WATERS OF ADMIRALTY 

BAY, KING GEORGE ISLAND, ANTARCTICA, 

DURING THE SUMMERS FROM 2009 TO 2012 

Mauro Juliano Cascaes 1,* , Ana Cecilia Rizzatti de Albergaria Barbosa 1 , Felipe Sales de Freitas 1 , 

Fernanda Imperatrice Colabuono 1 , Josilene da Silva 1 , Vinícius Faria Patire 1 , Diego Barbosa Senatore 1 , 

Patrick Simões Dias 1 , Caio Vinícius Zecchin Cipro 1 , Satie Taniguchi 1 , Marcia Caruso Bícego 1 , 

Rosalinda Carmela Montone 1 , Rolf Roland Weber 1 

1 

Oceanographic Institute, São Paulo University – USP, Praça do Oceanográfico, 191, sala 186, CEP 05508-120, São Paulo, SP, Brazil 

*e-mail: maurojuliano@usp.br 

Abstract: Classic hydrographical parameters and dissolved nutrients were measured during the Antarctic summers from 2009 

to 2012. Physical and biological processes control the nutrient levels in Admiralty Bay, as well as upwelling of deep water from 

Bransfield Strait. Additional data on summer land run-off and wind speeds and directions is needed to get a better model for the 

factors that control the primary production of the area. 

Keywords: nutrients, pH, dissolved oxygen, Antarctica 

Introduction 

Admiralty Bay is a well-studied marine sub Antarctic 

environment due to the five research stations (Poland, Brazil, 

Peru, Equator and U.S.A) established there since the sixties. 

Hydrographical studies of the area have been made since 

1980 by scientists of the Polish Research Station of Arctowski 

(Pruszak, 1980; Lipski, 1987; Rakusa-Suszcewski et al., 

1993) and Brazilians from the Ferraz Station (Brandini & 

Rebello, 1994). 

Further data of nutrients, dissolved oxygen (DO) and 

phytoplankton distribution were summarized by Weber & 

Montone (2006). Although there is no scarcity of previous 

summer data, a coherent general pattern could not be 

observed due to strong yearly variations. This may reflect 

the irregular pattern of terrestrial ice melting and of the 

irregular land run-off contributions which are not quantified 

on a systematic basis. 

The present study reports the temperature, salinity, 

dissolved nutrients, dissolved oxygen and pH variations 

during the summers of 2009/2010/2011/2012 (from 

OPERANTAR XXVII to OPERANTAR XXIX) in five points 

of Admiralty Bay near EAFC (Portuguese acronym for 

Comandante Ferraz Antarctic Brazilian Research Station) 

and Arctowski Research Stations at three depths. 


The location of the Sampled Station areas is shown on 

Figure 1 and Table 1. The water was collected at 0, 15 and 

30 m depth. 

Water sampling was done with a peristaltic pump 

(Anauger 900 - flow rate of 1200 L h –1 at 30 m depth and 

2.300 L h –1 at the sea surface) and the temperature was 

measured with temperature sensor (Seamon Mini) attached 

to the pump. The samples and the analysis of dissolved 

oxygen (DO), pH, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate and silicate 

was done according Grasshoff et al. (1983). 


Figure 1. Map of Sampling Stations and their positions (CF: Comandante Ferraz; BP: Botany Point; MP: Machu Picchu; TP: Thomas Point; AR: Arctowski) 

(Coastline extractor – http:// http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov). 

Table 1. Oceanographic parameters in Admiralty Bay. 

OPERANTAR XXVIII 

Phase Average S. d. Min. Max. Phase Average 

OPERANTAR XXIX 

Standard 

deviation 

Temperature (°C) 1 st 0.09 0.41 -0.36 0.91 1 st 0.84 0.46 0.24 1.54 

3 rd 0.82 0.15 0.52 1.02 3 rd 1.62 0.12 1.48 1.77 

Salinity 1 st 34.16 0.09 34.02 34.26 1 st 34.17 0.11 33.94 34.35 

Dissolved 

Oxygen (mL L –1 ) 

3 rd 34.09 0.11 33.89 34.18 3 rd 34.12 0.12 33.93 34.23 

1 st 7.06 0.29 6.46 7.43 1 st 7.79 0.19 7.53 8.13 

3 rd 6.46 0.66 5.11 7.19 3 rd 7.27 0.10 7.13 7.38 

pHs 1 st 7.94 0.06 7.89 8.05 1 st 7.88 0.06 7.81 7.98 

Phosphate 

(μmol L –1 ) 

Silicate 

(μmol L –1 ) 

Nitrite 

(μmol L –1 ) 

Nitrate 

(μmol L –1 ) 

3 rd 8.04 0.02 8.01 8.06 3 rd 7.71 0.05 7.66 7.76 

1 st 1.66 0.22 1.22 2.13 1 st 1.96 0.56 1.11 2.50 

3 rd 1.76 0.16 1.49 2.07 3 rd 1.79 0.18 1.59 2.09 

1 st 41.77 0.56 40.89 42.81 1 st 61.06 12.31 39.09 74.52 

3 rd 40.80 0.59 39.99 41.67 3 rd 37.84 4.34 30.15 41.96 

1 st 0.06 0.03 0.00 0.11 1 st 0.50 0.16 0.40 0.76 

3 rd 0.14 0.06 0.04 0.23 3 rd 0.77 0.05 0.70 0.86 

1 st 16.52 1.65 13.86 19.80 1 st 20.43 2.50 14.74 22.66 

3 rd 16.49 0.40 16.00 17.25 3 rd 11.34 2.02 9.05 14.29 

Min. 

Max. 


97

Results 

In Table 1 we show the oceanographic parameters in 

Admiralty Bay: temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, 

phosphate, silicate and nitrite. The table presents average, 

s.d., minimum and maximum of each phase. 

Temperature differences were significant between 

November and March. In contrast, pH values also presented 

significant differences along the sampling periods, which 

were expected, but did not affect the pH values. For example, 

in the 3 rd Phase of OPERANTAR XXIX we had the lowest 

pHs although temperatures were at their highest. 

First phases of OPERANTARES XXVIII e XXIX 

(between November and December) and 3rd phase 

OPERANTAR XXVIII (between January and February) 

show higher values without significant differences. 

Our salinity and temperature is closer to the data of 

deeper water of Admiralty Bay (Lipski, 1987; Sarukhanyan 

& Tokarczyk, 1988; Weber & Montone, 2006). 

Nitrate and nitrite also showed significant variations 

between the different sampling periods. 

In the third phase of OPERANTAR XXVIII, phosphate 

concentrations were uniform during all phases of sampling. 

Discussion 

The upper mixed layer of Admiralty Bay is between 15 up to 

35 m (Brandini, 1993). Vertical mixing is very intense so no 

stratification can occur (Prusza, 1980; Nedzarek & Rakusa- 

Suszczewski, 2004).This study is limited to this upper layer, 

therefore a homogeneity of the hydrographical data along the 

water column is expected. Jażdżewski et al. (1986) showed 

that there was a uniform pattern of the hydrographical data 

between the different areas of Admiralty Bay. 

An increase in temperature between the beginning and 

the end of Antarctic summer is normal (Brandini & Rebello, 

1994; Lange et al., 2006). Air temperature can oscillate from 

0,5 up to 2,0° Celsius in the summer (INPE, 2011). March 

of OPERANTAR XXVIII, however was anomalous. Instead 

of increasing as normally expected like in OPERANTAR 

XXIX, OPERANTAR XXVII it sinked from 0,8 to 0,2 o C 

(INPE, 2011). 

As well as the temperature, pH values varied widely, but 

they have not always been correlated, as shown in Table 1. 

pH is also influenced by photosynthesis or organic matter 

degradation. To be sure about the biological variables 

affecting pH it will be necessary to compare our data with the 

other data of Module 3 projects INCT-APA. Salinity (PSU) 

did not show significant differences in all sampling periods. 

Lange et al. (2007), studying Admiralty Bay, reported an 

increase in temperature of the surface water but no salinity 

changes during the summer. We registered a small difference 

in salinity due to an iceberg positioned near Botany Point in 

the first phase of this OPERANTAR. Comparing our results 

with other authors who studied the area we can perceive 

differences. Salinity and temperature for instance are not 

the same as reported by other authors for the area. 

WSW and NWN winds carry the surface waters of 

the inlet in the direction of the Bransfield Strait. This 

process creates an inflow of deep water to Admiralty Bay 

(Pruszak, 1980; Robakiewicz & Rakuza-Swazcsewski, 

1999). As this Bay is influenced by the water masses of 

Weddell Sea, colder and more saline (–0,75 C - 33,50 psu) 

and of the Bellinghausen Sea, warmer and less saline 

(2,25 C - 34,40 psu) (Weber & Montone, 2006) a small 

upwelling on Admiralty Bay may occur. 

Therefore our data has bottom water characteristics 

which is more evident when looking at the dissolved 

oxygen data whose values are close to the bottom water 

and lower than those of the surface waters (Samp, 1980; 

Rakusa-Suszczewski, 1995). The first phase of sampling 

on OPERANTAR XXIX presented the highest DO 

concentrations. The other samples showed lower dissolved 

oxygen levels. Oxygen levels are controlled by physical 

factors as well as affected by all biological processes of the 

water column of the study area. Silicate concentrations for 

the first phase of OPERANTAR XXIX were greater than the 

average value for all other phases (Table 1). 

On this particular phase we observed a Pteropoda bloom, 

which may be associated with a higher availability of silicate. 

Pteropoda are plankton grazers eating mainly diatoms 

and dinoflagellates as well as small crustaceans (Boersma, 

1978). Silicate is the limiting nutrient for diatoms growth. 

Increase of the diatom number may be associated with 

higher dissolved oxygen as pointed out before. To be sure 

of this correlation we had to integrate our chemical data 

with phytoplankton data form Module 3 studies. Higher 

silicate concentrations for the beginning of summer (first 

phase) may have been associated with the non utilization 


of silicate during the winter months due to the absence of 

light. Furthermore upwelling can occur in Admiralty Bay 

as shown by (Rakuza-Swazczewski, 1980) which enhances 

the silicate levels. 

Significant variations of the parameters nitrite and 

nitrate were observed. High productivity in the first phase of 

OPERANTAR XXIX may be responsible for the high nitrite 

concentrations and low nitrate concentrations. 

Many biological and physical variables affect the 

chemistry of the water column. To infer which processes 

predominate, it will be necessary to integrate our data with 

the other sub-projects of Module-3. 

Conclusions 

Sea surface temperature relates directly to air temperature. 

pH is related to air temperature and water temperature. 

Changes of pH between different phases of sampling 

was not associated with seawater temperature. There are 

occasional upwelling episodes near EACF and Arctowski 

Stations. Dissolved oxygen in seawater is related to primary 

productivity or strong wind fields. 










of Environment (MMA), Inter-Ministry Commission 

for Sea Resources (CIRM) and PROANTAR (Brazilian 

Antarctic Program). 

References 

Boersma, A. 1978. Foraminifera. In: HAQ, B. U.; BOERSMA, A. (eds.) Introduction to Marine Micropaleontology. New York: 

Elsevier/North Holland, p. 19-77. (está sem indicação pq não tem o ano, mas é essa que se refere ao Boersna, favor 

substituir); 

Brandini, F.P. (1993). Phytoplankton growth in an antarctic coastal environment during stable water conditions - implications 

for the iron limitation theory. Marine Ecology. Progress Series, 93: 267-275. 

Brandini, F.P. & Rebello, J. (1994). Wind field effect on hydrograph and chlorophyll dynamics in the coastal pelagial of Admiralty 

Bay, King George Island, Antarctica. Antarctic Science, 6(4): 433-442. 

Grasshoff, K.; Ehrhardt, M. & Kremling, K. (1988). Methods of Seawater Analysis. Weihein: Verlag Chemie. 419 p. 

Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais - INPE. (2011). Available from: . (accessed: 15 

ago. 2011). 

Jażdżewski K.; Jurasz W.; Kittel W.; Presler E.; Presler P. & Siciński J. (1986). Abundance and biomass estimates of the benthic 

fauna in Admiralty Bay, King George Island, South Shetland Islands. Polar Biology, 6: 5-16. 

Lange, P.K.; Tenenbaum, D.R.; Braga, E.L. & Campos, L.S. (2007). Micro phytoplankton assemblages in shallow waters at 

Admiralty Bay (King George Island, Antarctica) during the summer 2002-2003. Polar Biology, 30: 1483-1492. 

Lipski, M. (1987). Variations of physical conditions, nutrients and chlorophyll a contents in Admiralty Bay (King George Island, 

South Shetland Islands, 1979). Polish Polar Research, 8(4): 307-332. 

Nedzarek, A. & Rakusa-Suszczewski, S. (2004). Decomposition of macro algae and the release of nutrients in Admiralty Bay, 

King George Island, Antarctica. Polar Bioscience, 17: 16-35. 

Pruszak, Z. (1980). Current circulation in the waters of Admiralty Bay (region of Arctowski Station on King George Island). 

Polish Polar Research, 1: 55-74. 

Rakuza-Swazczewski, S. (1980). Environmental conditions and functioning of Admiralty Bay (South Shetland Islands) as part 

of the Nearshore Antarctic Ecosystem. Polish Polar Research, 1: 11-27. 


99

Robakiewicz, M. & Rakusa-Suszczewski, S. (1999). Application of 3D circulation model to Admiralty Bay, King George Island, 

Antarctica. Polish Polar Research, 20: 43-58. 

Rakusa-Suszczewsky, S.; Mietus, M. & Piasecki, J. 1993. Weather and Climate. In: Rakusa-Suszczewsky, S. (Ed.), The Maritime 

Antarctic Coastal Ecosystem of Admiralty Bay, Varsóvia: Polish Academy of Sciences, p. 19–25. 

Samp, R. (1980). Selected environmental factors in the waters of Admiralty Bay (King George Island, South Shetland Islands) 

December 1978 - February 1979. Polish Polar Research, 1: 53-66. 

Sarukhanyan, E.J. & Tokarzykr, R. (1988). Coarse-Scaleh hydrological conditions in Admiralty Bay, King George Island, West 

Antarctica, Summer 1982. Polish Polar Research, 9: 121-132. 

Weber, R.R. & Montone, R.C. (2006). Gerenciamento ambiental na Baía Do Almirantado (Relatório da Rede 2). 259 p. 


2 

PLANKTON STRUCTURE OF SHALLOW COASTAL 

ZONE AT ADMIRALTY BAY, KING GEORGE ISLAND, 

WEST ANTARCTIC PENINSULA (WAP) DURING EARLY 

SUMMER/2010: PICO, ULTRA AND MICROPLANKTON 

AND CHLOROPHYLL BIOMASS 

José Juan Barrera-Alba 1,* , Mariana Vanzan, Márcio Murilo Barboza Tenório 1 , Denise Rivera Tenenbaum 1,** 

1 

Laboratório de Fitoplâncton Marinho, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro – UFRJ, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 

373, Edif. CCS, Bloco A, Sala A61, Ilha do Fundão, Cidade Universitária, CEP 20530-310, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil 

*e-mail: juanalba@biologia.ufrj.br; **deniser@biologia.ufrj.br 

Abstract: The phytoplankton composition and biomass are being monitored in Admiralty Bay, Antarctic Peninsula since 2002 to 

detect possible interannual changes on a long-term monitoring perspective. In this report, we present the results of the December 

2010 survey regarding the phytoplankton size-structure and biomass. Microplankton densities were higher than those observed 

during the survey 2009/2010, and a dominance of diatoms, especially the centric Thalassiosira spp, over dinoflagellates was 

registered. Pico and ultraplankton densities (~10 6 cells L –1 ) were similar to those registered in previous studies, and results showed 

that phytoplankton were dominated in density by cells

we show the results from early summer obtained during the 

OPERANTAR XXIX, December 2010. 


Study area 

Admiralty Bay (62° 03’-12’ S and 58° 18’-38’ W), located at 

King George Island, is a deep fjord-like embayment with 500 

m maximum depth at its centre (Rakusa-Suszczewski et al., 

1993). The waters from the bay mix with the deep oceanic 

waters from Bellingshausen and Weddell Seas at its southern 

opening, which connects to the Bransfield Strait (Rakusa- 

Suszczewski, 1980). The maximum depth varies between 

60 m along the shores and 500 m in the centre of the bay. 

Deep currents generated by tides, frequent upwellings, 

vertical mixing of the entire water column and current 

velocities of 30-100 cm s −1 in the 0-100 m surface stratum are 

characteristic of the bay (Rakusa-Suszczewski et al., 1993). 

In the context of water column production, Admiralty Bay 

at nearshore can be considered as Platt et al. (2003) defined 

as “high nutrient – low chlorophyll (HNLC): showing high 

inorganic dissolved nitrogen (16.6-46.9 µM) and phosphate 

(0.2-9.9 µM) concentrations, while chlorophyll levels are 

lower than 1.7 µg L –1 (Lange et al., 2007). 

Sampling 

The analysis of pico-, ultra- and microplankton and 

chlorophyll was performed from splits of the 5 L water 

samples collected by Van Dorn bottle from surface, middle 

water column and near the bottom (≈30 m) at five sites 

in December 2010. The Admiralty Bay location and the 

position of the sampling sites are shown in Figure 1. 

Water temperature and salinity were analysed by the 

Laboratório de Química Orgânica Marinha (LabQOM), 

Figure 1. Study area with the position of the sampling sites: Ferraz Station (CF), Botany Point (BP), Machu Picchu (MP), Point Thomas (PT), Arctowski (AR), 

modified from Moura (2009). 


Instituto Oceanográfico da Universidade de São Paulo 

(The Marine Organic Chemistry Laboratory of the 

Oceanographic Institute of the University of São Paulo). 

Fixation and preparation of samples 

For pico- (10 µm), 1 L were fixed with buffered 

formaldehyde (2% f.c.) and kept in the dark immediately 

after sampling. At the laboratory, samples were analysed 

using the settling technique (Utermöhl, 1958) in an Olympus 

IX70® inverted microscope with 400× magnification. For 

chlorophyll biomass, 2L were filtered onto Whatman® GF/F 

for total pigments analyses, while 0.8-2 L was used for the 

size structure study. In the latter case, water sampled at 

3 depths was fractionated by serial filtration on 10 μm and 

2 μm polycarbonate filters and GF/F. The filters were folded, 

placed into a 1.2 mL cryotube and immediately quickfrozen 

in liquid nitrogen (−196 °C) and stored at −80 °C. 

Concentrations of chlorophyll a (Chl.a) were assessed using 

a modified version of Neveux and Lantoine’s (1993) method. 

In order to normalize distributions and eliminate 

zero values, the biological data was transformed using 

log10 (x + 1). Pearson’s correlation factor was also calculated. 

Results 

Salinity showed little variation (34.2 ± 0.1) between sampling 

sites and depths, while a higher variation was observed in 

water temperature (0.30 ± 0.15 °C). Except for BP, water 

temperature decreased with depth, with values of 0.14 at 

surface and 0.73 near the bottom. Total chlorophyll biomass 

varied between 0.36 and 0.84 µg L –1 (0.54 ± 0.12 µg L –1 ), 

with higher values registered at BP, and the fraction > 10 µm 

represented more than 50% (Figure 2b). An average cellular 

density of 1.9 × 10 7 ± 0.4 × 10 7 cells L –1 was observed for total 

autotrophic plankton, with a maximum value of 2.2 × 10 7 

cells L –1 observed at TP. The dominant fractions were 

pico (mean 79%) and ultraplankton (mean 20.9%) for all 

samples sites (Figure 2C). For microplankton, an average 

cellular density of 8.8 × 10 3 ± 3 × 10 3 cells L –1 was observed, 

with a maximum value of 16.4 × 10 3 cells L –1 observed 

at BP (Figure 2d). In general, no statistically significant 

correlations were observed between densities and salinity, 

temperature or Chl.a. Only microphytoplankton showed a 

positive correlation with total chlorophyll biomass (r = 0.77, 

p < 0.05). The contribution was shared by the diatoms 

(mean 72 %) and dinoflagellates (mean 27%) (Figure 

2d). Among centric diatoms was predominant (92%), 

mainly the genera Thalassiosira. Thecate forms, especially 

Prorocentrum cf. antarcticum, were more abundant among 

dinoflagellates (56%). 

Spatially, autotrophic picoplankton densities generally 

decreased from the external region (AR-TP) to inner 

sampling stations (CF-BP). Ultraplankton contribution did 

not show great spatial differences. An inverse pattern was 

observed for microphytoplankton and diatom contribution, 

with higher densities observed in BP and bottom samples. 

Discussion 

Microplankton cellular densities and chlorophyll biomass 

observed in this study were low when compared to those 

registered for Admiralty Bay during the decades of the 

1970s, 1980s and 1990s, when densities of 10 5 cells L –1 

were usually registered (i.e. Kopczynska, 2008). However 

mean densities were six times higher than those observed 

by Lange et al. (2007) in a study developed during the 

austral summer 2002/2003, and three times higher 

than the means registered during the austral summer 

2009/2010 (Tenenbaum et al., 2011a). The dominance of 

diatoms over dinoflagellates in early summer 2010 is a 

characteristic of microplankton community for Admiralty 

Bay (Lange et al., 2007; Kopczynska, 2008). But, during 

the study developed at 2009/2010, a decreasing (

a 

b 

c 

d 

Figure 2. Variations at different sample sites at Admiralty Bay during the December 2010 survey (mean values): a) salinity and temperature; b) total and fractionate 

chlorophyll a concentrations; c) pico and ultraplankton densities; and d) microphytoplankton density and contribution of main groups to microphytoplankton 

temperatures measured in the present study were higher 

than those registered for early summer in previous 

studies, when negative values were usually registered 

for December. In a different way to those related in 

previous studies, the centric diatoms Thalassiosira spp. 

dominated in early summer 2010/2011. Lange et al. (2011) 

described this genera as one of predominant microalgae 

during late summer 2002/2003, while in early summer 

usually pennate diatoms were dominant. Densities 

of pico and ultraplanktonic fraction of autotrophic 

community were similar (~10 6 cells L –1 ) to those observed 

in a previous study during the late summer 2009/2010 

(Tenenbaum et al., 2011a), and were co-dominant of the 

phytoplankton community in Admiralty Bay. The densities 

of picoautotrophs were also in the same range of the values 

observed in other Antarctic regions (Delille et al., 2007). In 

the nearshore coastal waters along the Antarctic Peninsula, 

a recurrent shift in phytoplankton community structure, 

from diatoms to cryptophytes, has been documented due to 

high temperatures along the Peninsula increasing the extent 

of coastal melt-water zones promoting seasonal prevalence 

of cryptophytes (Moline et al., 2004). Even the dominance 

of pico and ultra-size cells in phytoplankton, which are not 

grazed efficiently by Antarctic krill, will likely cause a shift 

in the spatial distribution of krill and may allow also for 

the rapid asexual proliferation of carbon poor gelatinous 

zooplankton, salps in particular (Moline et al., 2004), our 

results show that microphytoplankton biomass (>10 µm), 

especially diatoms, represent a high percentage of total 

phytoplankton biomass. 

Conclusion 

In the context of the regional warming trend of WAP, 

results of the present study showed a shift in Admiralty 

Bay plankton community in relation to the study developed 

during the austral summer 2009/2010, when contribution 

of diatoms decreased and low microplankton densities, 

dominance of dinoflagellates, mainly heterotrophs, and high 

contribution of autotrophs pico- and ultraplankton to total 

density and biomass in late summer, suggested that changes 

could be occurring in Admiralty Bay food web. On the other 

hand, the dominance of a large diatom community and the 


increasing of microphytoplankton densities, indicate that it 

is necessary to continue the long-term monitoring program 

and the implementation of microvariation sampling 

effort to identify the factors that are actually influencing 

phytoplankton populations in this environment. 




APA) that receive scientific and financial supports of 


(CNPq n° 574018/2008-5) and Research Support Foundation 

of the State of Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ n° E-16/170.023/2008). 



of Environment (MMA), Inter-Ministry Commission for 

Sea Resources (CIRM) and Marine Organic Chemical 

Laboratory of the Oceanographic Institute of Sao Paulo 

University (LabQOM-IOUSP). 

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Admiralty Bay, King George Island, West Antarctic Peninsula (WAP): pico, nano and microplankton and chlorophyll biomass. 

Annual Activity Report 2010. INCT-APA, 2:108-114. 

Tenenbaum, D.R., Lange, P. Barrera-Alba, J.J., Fernandes, L.F., Calixto, M. & Garcia, V.M.T. (2011b). Plankton Structure of 

shallow coastal zone at Admiralty Bay, King George Island, West Antarctic Peninsula (WAP): composition of phytoplankton 

and influence of benthic diatoms. Annual Activity Report 2010. INCT-APA, 2 121-125. 

Utermöhl, H. (1958). Zur Vervollkommung der quantitativen methodik. Mitteilungen der Internationale Vereinigung für Teoretische 

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105

3 

SUMMER VARIATION OF ZOOPLANKTON COMMUNITY 

ON COASTAL ENVIRONMENT OF ADMIRALTY BAY, 

KING GEORGE ISLAND, ANTARCTICA 

Yargos Kern 1,* , Karin Lutke Elbers 2 , Andrea Cancela da Cruz-Kaled 2 , 

Rolf Roland Weber 2 , Theresinha Monteiro Absher 1 

1 

Centro de Estudos do Mar, Universidade Federal do Paraná – UFPR, Av. Beira-Mar, s/n, 

CP 50002, CEP 83255-971, Pontal do Paraná, PR, Brazil 

2 

Instituto Oceanográfico, Universidade de São Paulo – USP, Praça do Oceanográfico, 191, 

Salas 139/133B, CEP 05508-120, São Paulo, SP, Brazil 

*e-mail: ykern@cem.ufpr.br 

Abstract: This study aims to provide data on the abundance and distribution of zooplankton related to oceanographic parameters 

of the coastal environment of Admiralty Bay. In December 2009, during the XXVIII Brazilian Expedition, biological samples and 

physic-chemical data were obtained in four shallow areas, located in front of research stations and a reference area at Botany 

Point. A total of 15,882 organisms were sorted from 55 samples resulting in a total density of 3.03 organisms/100 m 3 . Nineteen 

taxa were identified. The most abundant holoplanktonic organism was copepods and meroplanktonic was echinoderms. The PCA 

analysis emphasized the importance of phosphate and dissolved oxygen for holoplankton, as nitrite and water temperature for the 

meroplankton during the four days of sampling. 

Keywords: holoplankton, meroplankton, monitoring, Admiralty Bay 

Introduction 

Zooplankton is a component of the plankton constituted 

by a diversified group of organisms that live in the water 

column of the oceans. They have an important role in 

the recycling of nutrients and are divided in two groups: 

Holoplankton (stay in the plankton during all their life cycle) 

and Meroplankton (in the plankton during a part of their 

life cycle). Some zooplanktonic organisms are considered 

good hydrological indicators (Boltovskoy, 1981), enabling 

the identification of different sources of water inputs that 

comprise the dynamic of an area. Montu & Cordeiro (1986) 

accomplished the first Brazilian study on the Antarctic 

zooplankton in the summer of 1982/1983 during the First 

Brazilian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica. Freire et al. 

(1993) and Santos (1995) studied the zooplankton of 

Admiralty Bay, Subsequent scientific works by the Antarctic 

Brazilian program concentrated mainly in the meroplankton 

(Absher et. al., 2003; Freire et al., 2006). 

In Admiralty Bay, with the beginning of the austral 

summer (November-March), starts the supply of larvae 

or juveniles from the water column or sediment adjacent 

regions (Freire et al., 2006). The lower variability in 

temperature and salinity favor an environment with almost 

no barriers to larval dispersal however is limited by the 

type of reproduction. With the purpose to contribute to 

the monitoring program INCT- APA - Thematic Module 3, 

this study aims to provide data on the abundance and 

distribution of zooplankton related to oceanographic 

parameters of the coastal environment of Admiralty Bay. 


The samples were collected from four shallow areas near 

research stations and one reference area at Botany Point, in 

the days 11, 15, 23 and 12/29/2009 (Figure 1). 


Plankton samples were collected in three replicates in all 

stations from five minutes oblique tows at 2 knots from the 

sea bottom (30 m) to the water surface. A conical net with 

a 150 µm mesh size and 60 cm diameter equipped with a 

flowmeter was used. Samples were preserved in 4% buffered 

formaldehyde. Zooplankton organisms were identified in 

high taxonomic levels and separated in meroplankton or 

holoplankton. The values have been corrected to a standard 

100 m 3 . 

In order to evaluate the community structure of 

zooplankton in relation to oceanographic dynamics the 

following characteristic of the water were determined: water 

temperature (°C), salinity, transparency (m), dissolved 

oxygen (DO – mL L –1 ), pH, phosphate (PO 4 

– μmol L –1 ), 

silicate (SiO 4 

– μmol L –1 ), nitrite (NO 2 

– μmol L –1 ) and nitrate 

(NO 3 

– μmol L –1 ). 

One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to 

determine the statistical difference in the density and 

diversity of taxa among sampling days and stations. 

Principal Component Analysis (PCA) on a correlation 

matrix was applied to the data of abundance, spatial 

distribution of zooplankton and environmental data. When 

appropriate a log (x + 1) transformation was employed. 

Results 

Fifty five samples were collected during the period and a 

total of 15,882 zooplankton organisms were sorted. The 

total volume of sampled water was approximately 5,238 m 3 , 

resulting in a total density of 3.03 organisms.100m -3 . Mean 

numbers of holoplankton are shown in Figure 2a. Copepods 

dominated in the majority of stations and dates. The average 

abundance was nearly constant among stations during the 

Figure 1. Location of sampling stations in Admiralty Bay (crosses) and research stations (black squares). 


107

a 

b 

Figure 2. Mean numbers of holoplankton (a) and meroplankton (b) in each station on each day of sampling. Stations: 1 - Ferraz; 2 - Botany Point; 3 - Machu 

Pichu; 4 - Point Thomas; 5 - Arctowski. 


sampled period, except for station 4 on 12/15/2009 and 

station 5 on 12/29/2009, whose averages were higher. The 

mean numbers of meroplankton are shown in Figure 2B. 

Meroplankton density was high in Machu Picchu station 

(St. #3) in the days 11, 23 and 29 December 2009. On 

12/15/2009 was observed the lowest average abundance 

in almost all stations during the sampling period. 

Echinodermata and Polychaete larvae were the first and 

second most abundant meroplankton, respectively. 

The differences observed in the ANOVA resulting from 

the comparison of the densities (organisms.100m -3 ) between 

stations and dates were significant (df = 19; F = 2535; 

p < 0.05) and caused mainly by the amount of organisms in 

station 4 in 12/15/2009 and 5 in 12/29/2009. The differences 

between the abundances of meroplankton in the stations 

and dates were significantly different (ANOVA df = 17; 

F = 2.57; p < 0.05). 

Mean water temperature during the sampling period 

ranged from –0.13 to –0.59 °C. Average salinity ranged 

from 33.16 to 34.32, water transparency ranged from 1.80 to 

10.50 m, pH from 7.85 to 8.07, dissolved oxygen ranged from 

6.46 to 7.56 mL L –1 , phosphate from 1.29 to 2.08 μmol L –1 , 

silicate from 40.53 to 42.63 μmol L –1 , nitrite from 0.02 to 

0.17 μmol L –1 and nitrate from 12.94 to 19.69 μmol L –1 . 

PCA of holoplankton, meroplankton and environmental 

parameters are shown in Figure 3. 

The first two components of PCA analyses explain 

49.27% of the total variance. Holoplankton abundance is 

influenced by waters with higher DO and phosphate and 

less silicate, nitrite, nitrate under lower pH, wind gust and 

speed in less turbid waters. The second factor indicated that 

environmental conditions favored meroplankton abundance 

in waters with higher temperature, DO, pH, nitrite, less 

phosphate, silicate under low wind gust in more turbid 

waters. While holoplankton had a high correlation with 

Factor 1 meroplankton had correlation with Factor 2 and 

no correlation to each other. 

Figure 3. A biplot of the PCA of holoplankton, meroplankton and environmental parameters data; HOLO - holoplankton; MERO - meroplankton; DO - dissolved 

oxygen; Sal - salinity; Temp - temperature; Phos - phosphate; Nitrat - nitrate; Nitri - nitrite; Silic - silicate; pH; Sec - Secchi disk; W/speed - wind speed; 

W/gust - wind gust; W/dir - wind direction. 


109

Discussion 

Larval forms are common to different groups of marine 

invertebrates which makes conclusive identification of the 

species almost impossible. Stanwell-Smith et al. (1997) is 

the only available source for the identification of Antarctic 

larvae. Due to the very slow development rate of larvae in 

Antarctic waters (Bosch et al., 1987; Peck 1993; Peck et al., 

2007; Stanwell-Smith et al., 1999), differences among 

larvae from consecutive samples through time may be only 

successive stages in development of the same specie. 

Santos (1995) and Freire et al. (2006) observed that 

Polychaeta larvae occurred at the beginning and end of 

summer. These results are in accordance with what was 

observed in the present study, as Echinodermata and 

Polychaete larvae were detected in the beginning of summer 

as the first and second most abundant meroplankton 

respectively. According with Absher & Feijó (1995) mollusk 

larvae showed temporal variation, occurring in abundance 

in late summer and almost absent in early summer. In the 

present study mollusk larvae occurred in small numbers. 

These facts suggest that larvae of invertebrates can be found 

differentially throughout the summer. Cruz-Kaled (2011) 

found the density of veliger larvae of gastropods 124.53 

individuals.100m -3 during the summer 2002/2003 and 

5.35 individuals.100m -3 during the summer 2003/2004 at 

Mackellar Inlet (corresponding to station 3 of the present 

study). These data when compared with the present study 

show a large interannual difference in the occurrence of 

zooplankton organisms, a situation that can be reflected 

throughout Admiralty Bay, probably due to the variation 

of oceanographic parameters, reproductive patterns of the 

species and the interaction with larvae or adults of other 

planktonic organisms. 

Near the sampling St #5 (Arctowski) penguin’s species 

Pygoscelis antarctica and Pygoscelis adeliae can be found 

nesting on rocky cliffs in the coastal region. These birds 

have a significant impact on the balance of carbon, nitrogen, 

phosphorus and other minerals in these nesting areas 

(Tatur, 2002). Ornithogenics soils, derived from the activity 

of these penguins sampled between Point Thomas (St #4) 

and Ecology Glacier showed a high content of phosphate, 

as observed by Schaefer et al. (2004). According to Bremer 

(2008), the combination of nesting habitats with shallow 

soils allows organic matter to accumulate and some of 

the material returns to the sea by surface drainage or by 

percolation. 

The dynamics of the water circulation and the wind 

regime of the bay associated to the presence of the 

research stations and the discharge of nutrients from the 

ornithogenic soils in the west coast of the region favors the 

increase of the primary production and in consequence of 

the zooplankton. Further studies will be needed to make 

possible the understanding of the contribution of each one 

of those factors. 












References 

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Anais do VI Congresso Latinoamericano de Ciencias del Mar – COLACMAR, 1995, Mar del Plata, Argentina. 

Absher, T.M.; Boehs, G.; Feijó, A.R. & Cruz, A.C. (2003). Pelagic larvae of benthic gastropods from shallow Antarctic waters 

of Admiralty Bay, King George Island. Polar Biology. 26: 359-364. 

Boltovskoy, D. (1981). Atlas del zooplancton del Atlántico Sudoccidental y métodos de trabajo con el zooplancton marino. 

Publicacion Especial INIDEP, Mar del Plata. 


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embrios and larvae of the antarctic sea urchin Sterechinus neumayeri. Biological Bulletin, 173: 126-135. 

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George, Antártica. Tese de Doutorado. Instituto Oceanográfico da Universidade de São Paulo. 

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Admiralty Bay (Antarctica). Polar Biology, 13:433-439. 

Freire, A.S.; Absher, T.M.; Cruz-Kaled, A.C.; Kern, Y. & Elbers, K.L. (2006). Seasonal variation of pelagic invertebrate larvae 

in the shallow Antarctic waters of Admiralty Bay (King George Island). Polar Biology, 29: 294-302. 

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NApOc “Barão de Tefé”. Nerítica, 1 (1): 85-92 

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Biology, 116:301-310. 

Peck, L.S.; Powell, D.K. & Tyler, P.A. (2007). Very slow development in two Antarctic bivalve molluscs, the infaunal clam 

Laternula elliptica and the scallop Adamussium colbecki. Marine Biology, 150:1191-1197. 

Santos, C.C. 1995. Relação entre Fatores Físicos e a Comunidade Zooplanctônica na Baía do Almirantado e Regiões 

Costeiras da Ilha Elefante (Antártica). Dissertação do Curso de Pós Graduação em Geografia da Universidade Federal 

do Rio de Janeiro. 

Schaefer, C.E.G.R.; Simas, F.N.B.; Albuquerque Filho, M.R.; Michel, R.F.M.; Viana, J.H.M. & Tatur, A. (2004). Fosfatização: 

processo de formação de solos na Baía do Almirantado e implicações ambientais. In: Schaefer, C. N., Francelino, M. 

R., Simas, F. N. B. & Albuquerque Filho, M. R (Ed.). Ecossistemas da Antártica Marítima: Baía do Almirantado, Ilha Rei 

George. Viçosa: NEPUT. p. 47-58. 

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of pelagic marine invertebrate larvae in the maritime Antarctic. Phil. Trans. Royal Society London B, 354:471-484. 

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L. & Bölter, M. (Eds.). Geoecology of antarctic ice-free coastal landscapes. Heidelberg: Springer. p. 161-184. (Ecological 

Studies, 154). 


111

4 

ASSESSMENT OF FAECAL POLLUTION INDICATORS 

IN THE BRAZILIAN ANTARCTIC STATION WASTEWATER 

TREATMENT PLANT AND IN ENVIRONMENTAL SAMPLES 

AT ADMIRALTY BAY, ANTARCTIC PENINSULA 

Cristina Rossi Nakayama 2 , Priscila Ikeda Ushimaru 1 , Ana Carolina Vieira Araujo 1 , 

André Rosch Rodrigues 1 , Daniela Vilela Lima 1 , Vivian Helena Pellizari 1,* 

1 

Laboratory of Microbial Ecology, Oceanographic Institute – IO, University of São Paulo – USP, 

Praça do Oceanográfico, 191, CEP 05580 -120, São Paulo, SP, Brazil 

2 

Institute of Environmental, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo – ICAQF/UNIFESP, 

Rua Professor Artur Riedel, 275, CEP 09972 -270, Diadema, SP, Brazil 

*e-mail: vivianp@usp.br 

Abstract: Assessment of faecal pollution indicators (total coliforms, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus sp., sulphite reducing clostridia 

and Clostridium perfringens) was carried out in water samples collected during the XXIX Brazilian Antarctic Expedition and 

sediment samples from the XXX Brazilian Antarctic Expedition. Wastewater at different stages in the sewage treatment plant 

were also analyzed for ammonia, total phosphorus, phosphates, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and faecal indicators, in order 

to characterize the wastewater and evaluate the system performance. Water and sediment analysis showed low populations of 

faecal coliforms and the presence of the indicators in all sites, with higher frequencies and concentrations at EACF and Ullman 

Point sediment, indicating that a possible human impact is of low magnitude and cannot be differentiated from interference caused 

by animal faeces. Assessment of the sewage treatment plant revealed that the wastewater produced at EACF has a typical faecal 

indicator composition and low contents of nutrients and COD, when compared to typical domestic sewage. Removal efficiency 

of COD was estimated in 20%, coliforms and enterococci removal varied from 84 to 98,7%, and no removal of nutrients was 

detected, indicating that the treatment process can be optimized. 

Keywords: faecal pollution, microbial indicators, sewage treatment, E. coli, Clostridium sp., Enterococcus sp. 

Introduction 

Faecal pollution indicators are groups of microorganisms 

used to study the impact caused by sewage discharge. 

Faecal coliforms and Escherichia coli are the most common 

indicators used in these assessments, but they do not 

survive long periods under stress in the environment. 

For that reason, other indicator groups of bacteria can be 

used as an auxiliary analysis, such as sulphite reducing 

clostridia (especially Clostridium perfringens), a group 

of spore forming bacteria usually considered as a remote 

contamination indicator due to their longer persistence 

in the environment, and Enterococcus sp., which has been 

more frequently used as indicator in marine environments 

due to their higher resistance to salinity when compared to 

coliforms and E. coli (CETESB, 1978; Ferguson et al., 2005). 

Sewage treatment plants remove pollutants, nutrients and 

pathogenic microorganisms from wastewater through 

different stages: (1) preliminary, in which coarse solids are 

mechanically removed; (2) primary, which removes settable 

solids and part of the organic matter; (3) secondary, which 

consists biological removal of organic matter and eventually 

nutrients; (4) tertiary, aimed at removal of specific pollutants 

(toxic or non biodegradable), complementary removal 

of nutrients and disinfection. Sewage treatment plants 

configuration varies according to the characteristics of the 


wastewater and required quality of the effluent based usually 

in legislation (von Sperling, 2005). In EACF secondary 

and tertiary stages are present, with the use of aerobic and 

anaerobic digesters and a UV light disinfection system. 

In the present work, faecal pollution indicators were 

enumerated in sediment and water samples collected during 

Brazilian Antarctic Expeditions XXIX and XXX (BAE 

XXIX and BAR XXX). Wastewater samples at different 

stages of the EACF sewage treatment plant and soil in the 

effluent discharge area were also characterized for nutrients, 

chemical oxygen demand and faecal indicators in order to 

obtain information on sewage properties and treatment 

efficiency. 


Sampling and sample processing 

Samples were collected between December 2010 and March 

2011 (Brazilian Antarctic Expedition XXIX) and December 

2011 to February 2012 (Brazilian Antarctic Expedition 

XXX), and consisted of: (1) Water, collected in five stations 

(Table 1) along the water column (surface, middle and 

1 m from the bottom, as determined by an ecobathymeter 

Vexilar mod LPS-1) and analyzed for coliforms (BAE XXIX) 

and enterococci (BAE XXX); (2) Sediment, collected in 

four stations (Table 1) at the 30 m isobaths (BAE XXX) 

and analyzed for coliforms, enterococci and clostridia; 

(3) Wastewater, sampled before treatment (affluent), after 

secondary treatment and before disinfection (secondary 

treatment effluent) and after disinfection with UV (effluent), 

analyzed for nutrients, chemical oxygen demand (COD), 

coliforms, enterococci and clostridia; and (4) Soil at the 

intertidal region in wastewater discharge area, analyzed 

for coliforms, enterococci and clostridia. All samples were 

stored at 4 °C until analysis, which took place in a maximum 

period of 24 hours after sampling. 

Faecal pollution indicators enumeration 

In BAE XXIX, coliforms and clostridia in water, wastewater 

and soil samples were enumerated by the Most Probable 

Number (MPN) technique (APHA, 2005) using Colilert® 

medium (IDEXX) for total coliforms and E.coli and DRCM 

(differential reinforced clostridial medium) for clostridia. 

Table 1. Water and sediment sampling sites. 

Water samples (Brazilian Antarctic Expedition XXIX) 

EACF 

(CF) 

Botany Point 

(BP) 

Machu Picchu 

(MP) 

Point Thomas 

(PT) 

Arctowski 

AR) 

62º 05.217” S 

58º23.017” W 

62º 05.767” S 

58º 19.967” W 

62º 05.367” S 

58º 28.183” W 

62º 09.200” S 

58º 29.100” W 

62º 09.383” S 

58º 27.933” W 

Sediment samples (Brazilian Antarctic Expedition XXX) 

EACF Botany Point Ullman Point Refuge 2 

Site 1 CF1 BP1 PU1 RF1 

1 62º 05.131” S 

58º 23.369” W 

62º 05.701” S 

58º 19.849” W 

62º 05.015” S 

58º 23.987” W 

62º 04.21” S 

58º 25.335” W 

2 62º 05.142” S 

58º 23. 370” W 

62º 05.713” S 

58º 19.844” W 

62º 05.015” S 

58º 23.987” W 

62º 04.373” S 

58º 25.335” W 

3 62º05.130” S 

58º23.370” W 

62º 05.734” S 

58º 19.919” W 

62º 05.015” S 

58º 23.987” W 

62º 04.373” S 

58º 25.335” W 

Site 2 CF2 BP2 PU2 RF2 

1 62º 05.050” S 

58º 23.195” W 

62º 05.181” S 

58º 20.182” W 

62º 05.038” S 

58º 23.055” W 

62º 04.1” S 

58º 25.19” W 

2 62º 05.049” S 

58º 23.195” W 

62º 05.48” S 

58º 20.10” W 

62º 05.133” S 

58º 23.317” W 

62º 04.18” S 

58º 25.19” W 

3 62º 05.130” S 

58º 23.356” W 

62º 05.48” S 

58º 20.10” W 

62º 05.133” S 

58º 23.317” W 

62º 04.1” S 

58º 25.19” W 


113

Presence of C. perfringens in DCRM cultures was confirmed 

by growth in Litmus Milk. 

In BAE XXX, the membrane filtration technique 

(CETESB, 1978) was chosen to enumerate coliforms, 

enterococci and clostridia in water, sediment, wastewater 

and soil samples. The change was made in order to enhance 

sensitivity and precision, as larger volumes of samples can be 

analyzed by this method. Media and incubation conditions 

used for enumeration of coliforms and E.coli, enterococci 

and clostridia were, respectively: modified membranethermotolerant 

Escherichia coli Agar (Modified mTEC), 

incubated at 35 °C for 2 hours, followed by incubation at 

44.5 °C waterbath for 22-24 hours; membrane-Enterococcus 

Indoxyl-β-D-Glucoside Agar (mEI), incubated at 41 °C for 

24 hours; and mCP agar, incubated at 45 o C for 24 hours. 

Nutrients and COD 

Analysis of ammonia, total phosphorus, phosphates and 

chemical oxygen demand in wastewater samples were 

carried out using reagent kits and photometer from Hanna 

Instruments, Inc. from aliquots of wastewater affluent and 

effluent before and after disinfection with UV, diluted to 

factors of 1:10 and 1:20 when necessary. 

Results 

Water, sediment and soil samples 

Water samples were analyzed for coliforms in BAE XXIX 

and for enterococci in BAE XXX (Figure 1). Analysis of 

coliforms, enterococci and clostridia in sediment at the 30 m 

isobaths were carried out in BAE XXX (Figure 2). Results 

of soil samples analysis in BAE XXIX showed E.coli and 

C. perfringens counts of 1.6 × 10 9 and 7.0 × 10 3 NMP/100 mL, 

respectively. In BAE XXX counts of E.coli, E. faecalis and C. 

perfringens were 1.0 × 10 6 , 1.0 × 10 6 , and 3.2 × 10 4 UFC/mL, 

respectively. 

Wastewater samples 

During BAE XXIX, analysis of sewage before treatment was 

carried out once (January 2011) and showed total coliforms 

and E.coli counts of 1.7 × 10 7 and 7.9 × 10 6 NMP/100 mL 

and sulphite reducing clostridia and C. perfringens counts of 

1.7 × 10 5 and 1.1 × 10 3 NMP/100 mL, respectively. Analyses 

of wastewater at outfall pipe were carried out four times and 

results can be seen in Figure 3. During BAE XXX, faecal 

indicators and physical chemical analysis of wastewater 

were performed at different stages at the treatment system 

(Table 2 and Figure 3), and removal efficiencies calculated 

for microbial indicators and COD (Table 2). 

Discussion 

As observed in previous work, low concentrations and 

widespread distribution of faecal indicators were detected 

in Admiralty Bay (Figures 1 and 2). In sediment samples, 

higher values were found in EACF and Ullman Point sites, a 

pattern also observed in previous analysis (Nakayama et al., 

2010). In water samples, EACF site was the only one to 

Table 2. Wastewater characterization at different treatment stages (data obtained from December 2011 to February 2012). 

Parameter 

Affluent 

Before UV 

disinfection 

Effluent 

After UV 

disinfection 

Removal efficiency 

(%) 

Ammonia (mg/L) 4.91 5.32 8.26 - 

Total phosphorus (mg/L) 0.7 0.9 1.8 - 

Phosphate (mg/L) 2.1 2.8 5.5 - 

DQO (mg/L) 114 97 91 20.18 

Total coliforms (CFU/mL) 3.0 × 10 6 -1.0 × 10 7 5.3 × 10 5 -1.2 × 10 7 3.9 × 10 4 -3.5 × 10 6 84.00-92.64 

E. coli (CFU/mL) 1.0 × 10 6 -2.7 × 10 7 5.3 × 10 5 -2.0 × 10 7 3.9 × 10 4 -2.8 × 10 6 85.00-92.64 

Enterococcus sp. (CFU/mL) 2.5 × 10 6 -2.9 × 10 7 4.0 × 10 3 -1.7 × 10 6 1.7 × 10 4 -2.3 × 10 6 92.61-98.72 

Sulphite reducing clostridia (CFU/mL) 1.5 × 10 5 -2.4 × 10 5 1.0 × 10 3 -2.4 × 10 5 99.78 

Clostridium perfringens (CFU/mL) 3.7 × 10 4 -2.4 × 10 5 1.0 × 10 3 -2.3 × 10 5 99.78 


a 

b 

Figure 1. Membrane filtration counts of Enterococcus sp. (a) and Most Probable Number counts of total coliforms (b) in water samples from Admiralty Bay. 

S: surface; M: middle; B: bottom. The arrow indicates the only occurrence of E.coli in the analysed water samples. 

Figure 2. Membrane filtration counts of faecal pollution indicators in sediment samples from Admiralty Bay. 

show total coliforms detection in three out of four analysis, 

but E.coli was detected only at Machu Picchu site. Similar 

results were found by Lisle et al. (2004) who also found 

low concentrations of faecal indicators in sites considered 

as control areas near McMurdo Station. Detection of 

microbial indicators in bottom water samples may be 

related to regional hydrodynamics but can also suggest some 

resuspension of cells from the sediment. Although survival 

for long time of indicators as coliforms and enterococci 

are not expected under adverse environmental conditions, 

Pote et al. (2009) observed that these groups of bacteria were 

able to maintain viability for at least 60 days in microcosms 


115

Figure 3. Most probable number and membrane filtering counts of faecal pollution indicators in wastewater samples at outfall pipe. BAE: Brazilian Antarctic 

Expedition. 

containing sediment, water and sewage treatment plant 

effluent incubated at 10 °C. However the presence of 

indicators in the water and sediment samples studied can be 

derived not only from human but also from animal faeces. 

For instance, Lisle et al. (2004) confirmed the presence 

of C. perfringens in Weddel Sea scats and Wright et al. 

(2009) detected an average of 3.3 × 10 5 CFU/g enterococci 

in birds of a study recreational beach in Florida, USA. All 

this considered, the adaptation of molecular techniques for 

the detection of faecal contamination in Antarctic samples 

seems to be an alternative to be considered for future studies. 

Some examples include the use of PCR and qPCR techniques 

with genes related to coliform and enterococci groups as 

described by Bej et al. (1990) and Colford et al. (2012). 

Even though the change in enumeration methods 

between BAEs XXIX and XXX may affect data comparisons, 

results of the analysis of the affluent wastewater did not show 

great differences during and between expeditions (Table 2). 

The populations of faecal indicators reflect the composition 

of the sewage produced in EACF, which is coherent to 

composition of domestic wastewater in general, with higher 

counts of coliforms and enterococci followed by clostridia 

(Leclerc et al., 1977). Counts at the effluent of the sewage 

treatment plant were more variable (Table 2 and Figure 3), 

as expected, once they are related to the flow of sewage 

produced in the station. The highest counts of coliforms 

(1,6 × 10 9 and 9,2 × 10 8 NMP/100 mL) were actually 

observed on 9 January 2011, when there were 150 people 

in the station, about twice the regular population at EACF. 

Sewage secondary treatment is usually responsible for 60 

to 99% coliforms removal (von Sperling, 2005). However, 

removal efficiencies calculated for the EACF plant (Table 2) 

showed that although the secondary treatment led to 

reduction of Enterococcus sp. populations (61,05 to 91,50%), 

no coliform removal occurred. Clostridia is a spore forming 

group of bacteria, which may explain the low removal values 

of about 30% observed in some analysis. The introduction 

of a tertiary treatment, represented by UV disinfection 

was determinant for removal of microorganisms from 

the effluent, especially the coliforms, but high amounts of 


microorganisms are still discharged and can be detected 

in the soil near the sewage treatment plant outfall in 

concentrations in the order of 10 4 to 10 6 CFU/100 g. For 

that reason, improvements in the system should be made 

to enhance removal of microorganisms from the effluent. 

Determination of nutrients and COD in effluent wastewater 

(Table 2) showed lower ammonia, total phosphorus and 

COD values than expected for regular domestic wastes 

(von Sperling, 2005). However, nutrient concentrations 

increased along wastewater treatment stages and COD 

removal efficiency was only 20.17%. Despite being 

preliminary data (determinations were carried out in only 

one sample), values obtained indicate that the process 

could be optimized to perform more efficiently. Enhancing 

treatment performance would also contribute to increase 

inactivation rates of microbial contaminants by the UV 

disinfection system, since the presence of suspended solids, 

chemical oxygen demand, color and organic compounds 

protect microorganisms by absorbing / scattering the UV 

light (Bitton, 1994). 

Conclusions 

Enumeration of faecal indicators in sediment and water 

samples revealed low populations with widespread 

distribution, as observed in previous work, indicating that 

influence of animal faeces cannot be discarded and for that 

reason impact of human activities in the studied area is not 

unequivocally detected. A first assessment of the EACF 

sewage treatment plant revealed that sewage produced in the 

research station has faecal indicators’ densities compatible 

to domestic sewages but lower contents of nutrients and 

organic matter (as indicated by chemical oxygen demand) 

than typical domestic wastewater. According to preliminary 

data generated in the present work, the treatment plant 

removed about 20% COD, but no nutrient removal was 

observed. Removal efficiency of coliforms and enterococci 

varied from 84 to 98,7% after UV light disinfection, but 

discharged effluent still contained up to 10 6 indicators 

CFU/100 mL and 10 4 to 10 6 CFU/100 g were detected in 

soil samples near the discharge area. Although impact of 

wastewater discharge seems to remain restricted to the 

area of discharge, optimization of the process is desirable 

to attend to environmental protection goals for Antarctic 

ecosystems. 










of Environment (MMA) and the Inter-Ministerial 

Commission for Resources of the Sea (CIRM). 

References 

Bej, A.K.; Steffan,R.J.; Dicesare, J.; Haff, L. & Atlas, R.M. (1990). Detection of coliform bacteria in water by Polymerase Chain 

Reaction and Gene Probes. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 56(2): 307-314. 

Bitton, G. (1994). Wastewater Microbiology, Nova Iorque:Wiley-Liss, Inc. 478 p. 

Companhia de Tecnologia de Saneamento Ambiental – CETESB (1978). NT-08 Análises microbiológicas de águas. São Paulo. 

Colford, J.M.; Schiff, K.C.; Griffith, J.F.; Yau, V.; Arnold, B.F.; Wright, C.C.; Gruber, J.S.; Wade, T.J.; Burns, S.; Hayes, J.; 

McGee, C.; Gold, M.; Cao, Y.; Noble, R.T.; Haugland, R. & Weisberg, S.B. (2012). Using rapid indicators for Enterococcus 

to assess the risk of illness after exposure to urban runoff contaminated marine water. Water Research, 46: 2176-2186. 

Ferguson, D.M.; Moore, D.F.; Getrich, M.A. & Zhowandai, M.H. (2005). Enumeration and speciation of enterococci found 

in marine and intertidal sediments and coastal water in Southern California. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 99(3): 

598-608. 


117

Leclerc, H.; Mossel, D. A.; Trinel. P. A. & Gavini, F. (1977). Microbiological monitoring: a new test for fecal contamination. 

In: Hohdley, A.W. & Dutka, B.J. Bacterial indicators / Health hazards associated with water. ASTM Special Technical 

Publication. vol. 635, 356 p. 

Lisle, J.T.; Smith, J.J.; Edwards, D.D. & McFeters, G.A. (2004). Occurrence of Microbial Indicators and Clostridium perfringens 

in Wastewater, Water Column Samples, Sediments, Drinking Water, and Weddell Seal Feces Collected at McMurdo Station, 

Antarctica. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 70(12): 7269-7276. 

Nakayama, C.R.; Ushimaru, P.I.; Vilella, D. & Pellizari, V.H. (2010). Occurrence of microbial faecal pollution indicators in sediment 

and water samples at Admiralty Bay, King George Island, Antarctica. In: Annual activities report (2010) of National Institute 

of Science and Tecnology on Antarctic Environmental Research. São Carlos: Editora Cubo. p. 164-166. 

Pote, J.; Haller L.; Kottelat R.; Sastre, V.; Arpagaus, P. & Wildi, W. (2009). Persistence and growth of faecal culturable bacterial 

indicators in water column and sediments of Vidy Bay, Lake Geneva, Switzerland. Journal of Environmental Sciences, 

21: 62-69. 

von Sperling, M. (2005). Introdução à qualidade das águas e ao tratamento de esgotos. 3. ed. Belo Horizonte: Editora 

UFMG. 452 p. 

Wright, M.E.; Solo-Gabriele, H.M.; Elmir, S. & Fleming, L.E. (2009). Microbial load from animal feces at a recreational beach. 

Marine Pollution Bulletin, 58: 1649-1656. 


5 

TEMPORAL VARIATIONS AND SOURCES OF 

N-ALKANOLS AND STEROLS IN SEDIMENTS 

CORE FROM ADMIRALTY BAY, ANTARCTIC PENINSULA 

Edna Wisnieski 1,* , Márcia C. Bícego 2 , Rosalinda C. Montone 2 & César C. Martins 1,** 

1 

Centro de Estudos do Mar, Universidade Federal do Paraná – UFPR, CP 61, CEP 83255-976, Pontal do Paraná, PR, Brazil 

2 

Instituto Oceanográfico, Universidade de São Paulo – USP, Praça do Oceanográfico, 191, CEP 05508-120, São Paulo, SP, Brazil 

e-mail: *ednawisnieski@gmail.com; **ccmart@ufpr.br 

Abstract: Sterols, n-alkanols and phytol were analyzed in three sediment cores collected in different regions of Admiralty Bay 

(Barrel Point, Refúgio II and Ferraz). The concentrations of total sterols ranged from 0.91 to 13.99 µg.g –1 , total n-alkanol from 

0.20 to 2.14 µg.g –1 and phytol from 0.13 to 2.38 µg.g –1 . Cholesterol was the most abundant sterol in the three cores, while the 

short-chain n-alkanols were the predominant n-alkanols. Phytol showed relatively low concentrations in all cores. These results 

indicate marine sources as responsible for the more dominant input of sedimentary organic matter with lower contributions from 

terrestrial sources. The vertical distribution of the organic markers analyzed was similar, with higher concentrations found at the 

top layers of all cores and the lower concentrations in the deepest layers, with some variations occurring along the profile. These 

changes may be the result of natural events and temperature oscillation over the last century which may have altered the dynamics 

of the supply of organic matter of the sediments of Admiralty Bay. 

Keywords: organic matter, sterols, n-alkanols, Antarctic Peninsula 

Introduction 

Sterols and n-alkanols are organic markers present in the 

polar fraction of lipid extracts in marine sediments, being 

directly associated with primary production (Hudson et al., 

2001). They are also essential to marine organisms, acting 

as key components of cell membranes and to the regulation 

of specific metabolic processes (Laureillard et al., 1997). 

These markers are used to distinguish terrestrial and marine 

sources of sedimentary organic matter through, generally, 

the number of carbon atoms present in the aliphatic 

chain, and identify organisms that act as sources of these 

compounds (Volkman, 1986; Faux et al., 2011). 

The distribution of these compounds in sediment 

cores may be useful for the understanding of the temporal 

and local environmental changes based on natural and 

anthropogenic events in the recent past. The aim of this 

work was to identify variations in the input and the sources 

of sedimentary organic matter deposited in sediments 

from Admiralty Bay, through the determination of organic 

markers, such as sterols and n-alkanols. 


Study area 

The study area was defined as Admiralty Bay (62° 02’ S and 

58° 21’ W), the largest fjord in the South Shetland Islands, 

located on King George Island (Figure 1), with total area 

of 120 km 2 . It is formed by a >500 m deep main channel, 

that divides the bay in three main inlets (Martel, Mackelar 

and Ezcurra), and in each there is a research station. The 

presence of high diversity of marine organisms, plants 

and animals, such as, fungi, mosses, birds and mammals, 

represents the sources of different classes of biomarkers. 


119

Figure 1. Map of the study region with three sampling stations at Admiralty Bay (03). The arrows indicate the current circulation direction within the bay 

(Rakusa-Suszczewski, 1980). 


Sampling 

The sampling was carried out during the austral summer of 

2006/2007 and 2009/2010, in three inlets around Admiralty 

Bay (Ferraz - FER, Barrel Point - BAR and Refúgio II – REF, 

Figure 1). The cores were obtained from a box core sampler, 

and sub-sampled into sections of 1 cm (except REF, where 

sections were 2 cm). 

Analytical procedure 

The analytical method used to analyze the sterols and 

n-alkanols in sediments was adapted from UNEP (1992) 

with modification. Around 20 g of sediment were extracted 

using a Soxhlet system during 8h with 80 mL of n-hexane: 

dichloromethane (DCM) (1:1) (both J.T. Baker), and 

with 100 µL of a solution containing surrogates eicosene, 

hexadecene (50 ng.µL –1 ) and 5α-androstanol (20 ng.µL –1 ). 

This extract was reduced to c. 2 mL by rotoevaporation 

and submitted to a clean up in column chromatography 

using 3.2 g of silica (silica gel 60, 0.063-0.200 mm, Merck) 

and 1.8 g of alumina (aluminum oxide 90 active, 0.063- 

0.200 mm, Merck) (5% deactivated). The samples were 

eluted with 10 mL of n-hexane to fraction 1 (aliphatic 

hydrocarbons – not analyzed), 15 mL of n-hexane/DCM 

30% to fraction 2 (PAHs +alkenones – not analyzed) and 

5 mL of ethanol/DCM 1:9, following 20 mL of ethanol 

to fraction 3 (sterols and n-alkanols). The fraction 3 was 

evaporated to dryness and derivatized to form trimethylsilyl 

ethers using BSTFA (bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide) 

with 1% TMCS (trimethylchlorosilane) during 90 minutes 

at 65 °C. The mixture of TMS-sterols and n-alkanols 

derivatives was determined by the injection of 2 µL into 

a gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization 

detector (GC-FID). 

Results 

Seventeen sterols were identified, with total sterols 

concentration ranging from 0.91 to 2.17 µg.g –1 (BAR), from 

1.63 to 8.59 µg.g –1 (REF) and from 2.64 to 13.99 µg.g –1 (FER). 

The distribution of total sterols concentration according 

to the depth for three cores can be visualized in Figure 2. 

Total sterols in BAR showed higher concentration 

between 7 and 11 cm, with lower concentrations in deeper 

layers. In REF, higher concentrations were found from 7 cm 

toward the surface while FER showed some variations over 

time, with lower concentrations observed between 7 and 

16 cm (Figure 2). 

Figure 2. Vertical profile of total sterols (in µg.g –1 ) in sediment cores from Admiralty Bay, Antarctic Peninsula. 


121

Fourteen n-alkanols were identified, with total n-alkanols 

concentration varies from 0.20 to 0.58 µg.g –1 (BAR), 0.33 

to 2.14 µg.g –1 (REF) and 0.22 to 1.97 µg.g –1 (FER). The 

distribution of total n-alkanols concentration in different 

layers for three cores is shown in Figure 3. 

Total n-alkanols en BAR was similar to the total sterols, 

with highest concentrations between 7 and 11 cm. In REF, 

the highest values of concentrations occurred between 7 and 

9 cm, while FER presented three concentrations peak at 

16.5, 6.5 and 0.5 cm. 

Phytol, an isoprenoid alcohol derived from chlorophyll-a 

degradation (Volkman et al., 2008), was found in all cores 

analyzed. The distribution of phytol concentration in 

different layers for three cores is shown in Figure 4. 

Phytol concentration varied from 0.17 to 0.26 µg.g –1 

(BAR), 0.13 to 2.39 µg.g –1 (REF) and 0.24 to 1.26 µg.g –1 

(FER). Relative low concentrations and close to the detection 

limit were presented in the BAR, while REF and FER showed 

highest concentrations in top core sections, represented 

as the recent sediments. In the others sections, a regular 

distribution with no significant variations was observed. 

Discussion 

The variation observed along vertical profiles, for both 

sterols as n-alkanols, may reflect variations in the input 

of organic matter in the environment, besides the section 

with higher concentration indicating higher contributions 

of sedimentary material, while sections with decreased 

values indicate a low input or organic matter reduction on 

sediments (Meyers, 1997). These variations may occur due 

to environmental changes, which have an influence on the 

organic matter processes related with the input, burial and 

preservation and/or degradation (Faux et al., 2011), or as the 

result of natural variability. The decreased concentrations 

with core depth were not constant and may also be a result 

of diagenesis (Burns & Brinkman, 2011). 

Cholesterol was the most abundant sterol. Several 

organisms that inhabit the region are potential sources 

of cholesterol, including seal, whales and phyto and 

zooplankton (Volkman, 2005). The detectable concentration 

of 17 different sterols analyzed is an evidence of the large 

sources diversity of organic matter contributing to the 

sediment composition in Admiralty Bay. The presence of 

Figure 3. Vertical profile of total n-alkanols (in µg.g –1 ) in sediment cores from Admiralty Bay, Antarctic Peninsula. 


Figure 4. Vertical profile of total phytol (in µg.g –1 ) over the cores in Admiralty Bay, Antarctic Peninsula. 

saturated sterols in sediments indicates the occurrence of 

diagenic process due to the fact that they are not commonly 

found with significant abundance in organisms (Hassett & 

Lee, 1977). 

The predominance of short-chain n-alkanols in all 

cores suggest the organic matter in this region is primarily 

associated with marine organisms, which include sources 

like, aquatic algae and bacteria (Xiong et al., 2010), 

zooplankton (Burns & Brinkman, 2011) and hydrolysis 

of the wax esters of zooplankton which may increase the 

saturated and unsaturated C 14 

-C 22 

alcohols (Volkman, 2006). 

In Antarctic region, phytol contribution is related to 

vascular plants (D. Antarctica e C. quitensis), lichens, 

mosses and algae (Wang et al., 2007). However, the low 

concentrations observed in all cores in this study compared 

to marine sediments from temperate/tropical areas may 

be related with the absence of significant sources for this 

compound in the region. Another explanation is to low 

phytol concentration is related to the degradation compound 

in sediments, which includes aerobic and anaerobic 

biodegradation, photo degradation and sulphurization in 

sediment-water interface. 

Conclusions 

Based on the results, a multiplicity of sources of marine 

organic matter from sediments from Admiralty Bay could 

be verified, mainly associated with marine origin, with 

little contribution from terrestrial material. Despite of the 

transformation processes of organic matter, the compounds 

showed relative preservation, representing the variations 

and distribution of organic matter along the vertical profiles. 

This study is a first insight about polar organic markers 

in sediment cores of Admiralty Bay and the results, after 

more deeper interpretation and including other proxies 

(e. hydrocarbons, elemental and isotopic analyses) may 

contribute to a better understanding of the processes related 

to organic matter contribution and the changes as a result 

of natural events and temperature oscillation over the last 

century. 


123













References 

Burns, K. & Brinkman, D. (2011). Organic biomarkers to describe the major carbon inputs and cycling of organic matter in 

the central Great Barrier Reef region. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 93: 132-141. 

Faux, J.F.; Belicka, L.L. & Harvey, H.R. (2011). Organic sources and carbon sequestration in Holocene shelf sediments from 

the western Arctic Ocean. Continental Shelf Research, 31: 1169-1179. 

Hasset, J.P. & Lee, G.F. (1977). Sterols in natural water and sediments. Water Research, 11: 983-989. 

Hudson, E.D.; Parrish, C.C. & Helleur, R.J. (2001). Biogeochemistry of sterols in plankton, settling particles and recent 

sediments in a cold ocean ecosystem (Trinity Bay, Newfoundland). Marine Chemistry, 76: 253-270. 

Laureillard, J.; Pinturier, L.; Fillaux J. & Saliot, A. (1997). Organic geochemistry of marine sediments of the Subantarctic Indian 

Ocean sector: Lipid classes – sources and fate. Deep-Sea Research II, 44: 1085-1108. 

Meyers, P.A. (1997). Organic geochemical proxies of paleoceanographic, paleolimnologic, and paleoclimatic processes. 

Organic Geochemistry, 27(5-6): 213-250. 

Rakusa-Suszczewski, S. (1980). Environmental conditions and the functioning of Admiralty Bay (South Shetlands Islands) 

as part of near shore Antarctic ecosystem. Polish Polar Research, 1: 11-27. 

United Nations Environment Programme – UNEP. (1992). Determination of petroleum hydrocarbons in sediments. United 

Nations Environment Programme Reference Methods for marine pollution studies, 20: 1-75. 

Volkman, J.K. (1986). A review of sterol markers for marine and terrigenous organic matter. Organic Geochemistry, 9: 83-100. 

Volkman, J.K. (2005). Sterols and other triterpenoids: source specefety and evolution of biosynthetic pathways. Organic 

Geochemistry, 36: 139-159. 

Volkman, J.K. (2006). Lipid Markers for Marine Organic Matter. Handbook of Environmental Chemistry. part. 2, p. 27-70. 

Volkman, J,K.; Revill, A.T.; Holdsworth, D.G. & Fredericks, D. (2008). Organic matter sources in an enclosed coastal inlet 

assessed using lipid biomarkers and stable isotopes. Organic Geochemistry, 39: 689-710. 

Wang, J.; Wang, Y.; Wang, X. & Sun, L. (2007). Penguins and vegetations on Ardley Island, Antarctica: evolution in the past 

2,400 years. Polar Biology, 30: 1475-1481. 

Xiong, Y.; Wu, F.; Fang, J.; Wang, L.; Li, Y. & Liao, H. (2010). Organic geochemical record of environmental changes in Lake 

Dianchi, China. Journal of Paleolimnology, 44: 217-231. 


6 

Fecal sterols and linear alkylbenzenes in 

surface sediments collected at 2009/10 

austral summer in Admiralty Bay, Antarctica 

César de Castro Martins 1,* , Sabrina Nart Aguiar 1,2 , Márcia Caruso Bícego 3 , 

Liziane Marcella Michelotti Ceschim 1 , Rosalinda Carmela Montone 3 

1 

Centro de Estudos do Mar, Universidade Federal do Paraná – UFPR, CP 61, CEP 83255- 976, Pontal do Paraná, PR, Brazil 

2 

Departamento de Geoquímica, Universidade Federal Fluminense – UFF, 

Morro do Valonguinho, s/n, Niterói, CEP 24020-150, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil 

3 

Instituto Oceanográfico, Universidade de São Paulo – USP, Praça do Oceanográfico, 191, CEP 05508-120, São Paulo, SP, Brazil 

*e-mail: ccmart@ufpr.br 

Abstract: Fecal sterols (coprostanol and epicoprostanol) and linear alkylbenzenes (LABs) are efficient geochemical markers 

of sewage input in marine environment because they present stability and resistance to degradation processes. The Antarctic 

region is considered one of the best preserved environments in the world, however the discharge of sewage directly into the 

marine environments around scientific stations has resulted in changes in this pristine site. In order to assess the distribution 

and concentration of sewage indicators from Comandante Ferraz Brazilian Antarctic Station, sediments were sampled during 

the 2009/10 austral summer at four points: (1) Refuge II (Mackelar Inlet), (2) Ferraz, (3) Ulmann and (4) Botany Point (Martel 

Inlet) at depths around of 20 until 30 m. The organic markers were determined by gas chromatography with flame ionization 

(GC-FID) and mass spectrometer detectors (GC-MS). Concentrations of fecal sterols and LABs ranged from

treatment procedures that clean their effluent. However, the 

(un)treated sewage containing domestic waste is discharged 

directly into the marine environment and these discharges 

should be monitored to describe the extent of sewage 

contaminantion from Antarctic stations. 

The aim of this report is to evaluate the sewage 

contribution from Ferraz station into Admiralty Bay 

and to compare the historical trend reported in previous 

studies. This evaluation is based on the results of sewage 

geochemical indicators from the upper layer of sediments 

sampled during the austral summer of 2009/10 and 

previous results (1997-2004). In Antarctica, monitoring 

the extent of sewage input dispersal is essential as Antarctic 

Treaty signatory nations must conform to the Protocol on 

Environmental Protection. 


Study area 

The study area is the Martel Inlet, in Admiralty Bay, King 

George Island located in the South Shetland Islands, 

Antarctic Peninsula (62° 02’ S and 58° 21’ W) (Figure 1). 

Admiralty Bay has an area of 131 km², reaches depths 

of up to 530 m and has a coastline with many bays 

(Santos et al., 2007), being the largest bay of King George 

Island, one of the South Shetlands Islands. There are three 

large inlets in Admiralty Bay: Martel, Mackelar and Ezcurra 

Figure 1. Sampling stations at Admiralty Bay, King George Island, Antarctica. (1): Refuge II (REF); (2): Comandante Ferraz Brazilian Antarctic Station (FER); 

(3): Ulmann Point (ULM), and; (4): Botany Point (BTN). Table extracted from Martins et al. (2012). 


and each of them holds a research station. The Mackelar and 

Martel Inlets constitute the North part of the Bay while the 

Ezcurra Inlet is in the West. 

Sampling 

Sediment was obtained from a box core sampler 

(25 × 25 × 55 cm) during the austral summer of 2009/10 at 

four points: (1) Refuge II (REF) (Mackelar Inlet); (2) Ferraz 

(FER); (3) Ulmann (ULM), and; (4) Botany Point (BTP) 

(Martel Inlet) (Figure 1), at depths around of 20 until 30 

m. The upper sediment layers (first 2 cm) were used for 

organic markers analyses. 

Analytical procedure 

The analytical method used for the analysis of sterols in 

sediments is described in Kawakami & Montone (2002). 

Around 20 g of sediment from each site were extracted 

using a Soxhlet system for 8 h with 70 mL of ethanol. The 

ethanol extract was reduced to c. 2 mL by rotoevaporation 

and submitted to a clean up with column chromatography 

using 2 g of 5% deactivated alumina and elution with 

15 mL of ethanol. The extracts were evaporated to dryness 

and derivatized to form trimethylsilyl ethers using BSTFA 

(bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide) with 1% TMCS 

(trimethylchlorosilane) for 90 minutes at 65 °C. The mixture 

of TMS-sterols derivatives was determined by the injection 

of 2 µL into a gas chromatograph equipped with a flame 

ionization detector (GC-FID). 

The procedure for analyses of LABs is based on UNEP 

(1992). About 25 g of dry sediment samples were Soxhletextracted 

with hexanes/dichloromethane (1:1) for an 

8-hour period. The solvent extract was concentrated 

in a rotary evaporator to a volume of approximately 

2 mL. The extract was fractionated by adsorption liquid 

chromatography into aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons 

using a column of alumina and silica gel, and hexanes and 

30% dichloromethane/hexanes for aliphatic and LABs (F1) 

and aromatic (F2) fractions as eluent, respectively. The 

fractions were concentrated again in a rotary evaporator, 

transferred to a vial, and then the volume was adjusted to 

1 mL exactly using a stream of N 2 

gas. Instrumental details 

for both analyses are described by Montone et al. (2010). 

Results 

Concentrations of fecal sterols and total concentration of 

linear alkylbenzenes (total LABs) containing alkyl chains 

ranging from 10 to 14 carbon atoms in the superficial 

sediments at Admiralty Bay are shown in Table 1. 

Discussion 

The values for fecal sterol (coprostanol + epicoprostanol) 

ranged from not detected (

Figure 2. Fecal sterols in marine sediments in the vicinity of the EACF (10-20 m depth) in the austral summer from 1997/98 to 2009/10. The line at 0.19 μg g −1 

suggests the background value for Martel Inlet. 

concentrations of fecal sterols in sediments near the Ferraz 

outfall (10-20 m depth) were plotted together, as shown in 

Figure 2. 

The sewage contribution gradually increases until 

2003/04 as a result of the human population doubling at 

Ferraz Station over time. However, after this period, the 

concentrations declined as result of some adaptation to the 

sewage outfall used to discharge the treated waste water. The 

sewage contribution to Admiralty Bay is still under control 

because of local hydrodynamic conditions, especially due 

to tidal effects, which have favored the dispersion of the 

sewage effluent in the shallow coastal zone at Martel Inlet 

and the levels found in this study are lower than suggested by 

Gonzalez-Oreja & Saiz-Salinas (1998) as indicator of sewage 

contamination (>0.50 μg g −1 ). The maximum concentration 

to fecal sterols (0.17 μg g −1 ) is close to the value previously 

calculated as background level to Martel Inlet (0.19) what 

confirms the statement above. 

Total LABs were found only at sites close to Ferraz Station 

(FER-A and FER-B) and it was around 42.5 and 46.5 ng g –1 . 

Further, total LABs found at sites in the current study, in 

general, are very low compared to levels at Davis Station 

(510 ng g −1 ) (Green & Nichols, 1995). However, the levels 

are similar or slightly higher compared to a previous studies 

released at Admiralty Bay (12 ng g −1 – Martins et al., 2002; 

35 ng.g -1 – Montone et al., 2010). 

In general, higher concentrations of LABs with 11 up to 

13 carbon atoms were observed, being coincident with the 

main mixture of Cm-LABs (m = 10 – 14) used in Brazil, 

with the percentage of each isomer group as follows: 5-16% 

(C 10 

-LABs), 28-45% (C 11 

-LABs), 25-30% (C 12 

-LABs), 10- 

30% (C 13 

-LABs) and


C.C. Martins, S.N. Aguiar and L. M. M. Ceschim 

thank those responsible for the PQ-2 Grant (CNPq 

307110/2008-7), the scholarship (PIBIC/CNPq) and for 

DTI-3 scholarship (CNPq 382434/2009-9), respectively. 










Ministry Commission for Sea Resources (CIRM). The data 

set of this work were also published in Marine Pollution 

Bulletin v.64 (2012), p.2867–2870. 

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Green, G. & Nichols, P.D. (1995). Hydrocarbons and sterols in marine sediments and soils at Davis Station, Antarctica: a 

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Hughes, K.A. & Thompson, A. (2004). Distribution of sewage pollution around a maritime Antarctic research station indicated 

by faecal coliforms, Clostridium perfringens and faecal sterol markers. Environmental Pollution, 127: 315-21. 

Kawakami, S.K. & Montone, R.C. (2002). An efficient ethanol-based analytical protocol to quality fecal steroids in marine 

sediments. Journal of Brazilian Chemical Society, 13: 226-32. 

Martins, C.C.; Bícego, M.C. Mahiques, M.M. Figueira, R.C.L. Tessler, M.G. & Montone, R.C. (2010). Depositional history of 

sedimentary linear alkylbenzenes (LABs) in a large South American industrial coastal area (Santos Estuary, Southeastern 

Brazil). Environmental Pollution, 158: 3355-64. 

Martins, C.C.; Montone, R.C. Gamba, R.C. & Pellizari, V.H. (2005). Sterols and fecal indicator microorganisms in sediments 

from Admiralty Bay, Antarctica. Brazilian Journal of Oceanography, 53: 1-12. 

Martins, C.C.; Venkatesan, M.I. & Montone, R.C. (2002). Sterols and linear alkylbenzenes in marine sediments from Admiralty 

Bay, King George Island, South Shetland Islands. Antarctic Science, 14: 244-52. 

Martins, C.C.; Aguiar, S.N. Bícego, M.C. & Montone, R.C. (2012). Sewage organic markers in surface sediments around the 

Brazilian Antarctic station: Results from the 2009/10 austral summer and historical tendencies. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 

64: 2867-70. 

Montone, R.C.; Martins, C.C.; Bícego, M.C.; Taniguchi, S.; Silva, D.A.M.; Campos, L.S. & Weber, R.R. (2010). Distribution 

of sewage input in marine sediments around a maritime Antarctic research station indicated by molecular geochemical 

indicators. Science of the Total Environment, 408: 4665-71. 

Santos, I.R.; Fávaro, D.I.T.; Schaefer, C.E.G.R. & Silva-Filho, E.V. (2007). Sediment geochemistry in coastal maritime Antarctica 

(Admiralty Bay, King George Island): Evidence from rare earths and other elements. Marine Chemistry, 107: 464-74. 

United Nations Environment Programme – UNEP. (1992). Determinations of petroleum hydrocarbons in sediments. Reference 

methods for marine pollution studies. 


129

7 

FRACTIONATION OF TRACE METALS AND 

ARSENIC IN COASTAL SEDIMENTS FROM 

ADMIRALTY BAY, ANTARCTICA 

Andreza Portella Ribeiro 1,2,* , Keila Modesto Tramonte 1 , Miriam Fernanda Batista 1 , 

Alessandra Pereira Majer 1 , Charles Roberto De Almeida Silva 1 , Guilherme Demane 2 , 

Paulo Alves De Lima Ferreira 1 , Rosalinda Carmelo Montone 1 , Rubens Cesar Lopes Figueira 1 

1 

Instituto Oceanográfico, Universidade de São Paulo, Praça do Oceanográfico, 191, CEP 05508-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil 

2 

Diretoria da Saúde, Universidade Nove de Julho – UNINOVE, Rua Vergueiro, 235, CEP 01505-001, São Paulo, SP, Brazil 

*e-mail: andrezpr@usp.br 

Abstract: Sequential extraction, based on the method developed by the European Community Bureau of Reference, was performed 

to determine the mobile fractions of trace elements in sediments from Admiralty Bay, Antarctica. Except for As that is not certified, 

the quality of the data was found to be satisfactory for analysis as certified reference material, BCR-701, with recovery values for Cu, 

Ni, Pb and Zn, ranging from 90-115%. Zn and Ni were mainly found in the residual fraction, reflecting their natural contribution 

in the bay. As, Cu and Pb exhibited high potential mobility, above 60%, for most of the samples. Despite Pb contents being found 

mainly in the extractable fraction, its concentrations (ranging from 4.5 to 8.3 mg kg –1 ) were well below the Threshold Effect Levels. 

In general, As and Cu mobile contents were higher than the sediment quality values, according to the Canadian Environmental 

Guidelines, which indicates that adverse biological effects to aquatic organisms can occur. However, since disturbances in Admiralty 

Bay are seldom observed, it can be inferred that As and Cu are preferably bound to the organic matter. Otherwise, this study 

presents the data set regarding sediments collected before the accident that happened in Ferraz Station in February of 2012. That 

singular event may have caused a relevant increase of available contents of the trace elements in the local aquatic system. Thus, 

valuable information is being provided for the future environmental monitoring, control and mitigation of arsenic and metal 

contamination in sediments from Antarctica. 

Keywords: Antarctic sediments, arsenic, metals, sequential extraction method 

Introduction 

Anthropogenic trace-element contamination in aquatic 

systems can affect the diversity of benthic organisms 

(Stark et al., 2003). The intake body of contaminant includes 

three different paths, such as pore water intake or, only, 

sediment intake (Simpson et al., 2005). 

According to Sundaray et al. (2011), there is no 

correlation between the total concentration and the 

elemental toxicity. Otherwise, the chemical form and 

mobility are the principal parameters to assess the elemental 

toxicity in the environment. Hence, the ability to identify 

the chemical forms of elements in marine and freshwater 

sediments is very important to environmental monitoring 

studies. 

Thereafter, sequential extraction techniques have been 

used as an alternative to evaluate the history of elemental 

input, digenetic transformation within the sediments and 

the reactivity of trace-element species of both natural and 

anthropogenic sources (Passos et al., 2010; Sundaray et al., 

2011). 

Despite the importance of the Antarctic Continent 

to local and global environmental changes, the scientific 

studies regarding mobility of metals in sediments are 


still scarce (Cosma et al., 1994; Dalla Riva et al., 2004; 

Ianni et al., 2010). In fact, literature concerning Antarctic 

marine sediments focus mostly on total metal content 

(Negri et al., 2006; Santos et al., 2007), pseudo total content, 

using a mixture of strong acids, such as aqua regia (1 HNO 3 

: 

3 HCl v/v), or on extractable content by dilute acid, in most 

cases to HCl (Cosma et al., 1994; Dalla Riva et al., 2004) 

The aim of this work is to contribute to the knowledge 

on Antarctic geochemistry regarding metals (Cu, Ni, Pb and 

Zn) and arsenic availability to interact to benthic organism 

in the aquatic systems. Thus, a sequential extraction was 

performed according to the procedure recommended by 

the Standards, Measurements and Testing programme of 

the European Union, SM& T, so-called BCR, (Pueyo et al., 

2001) in sediments from four sampling sites in Admiralty 

Bay, Antarctica. 


Sampling 

Eight short sediment cores, with depth of 10 cm, were 

collected in Admiralty Bay, along the Martel (sampling 

sites: Ferraz, Botany Point and Ullman Point) and Mackellar 

Inlets (sampling site: Refúgio) during the 28 th Brazilian 

Antarctic Expedition in the 2009/2010 austral summer. 

To obtain undisturbed samples, the cores were sliced in 

0-2, 2-6 and 6-10 cm, using a stainless steel spatula, and 

the sediment samples were freeze-dried, further, they were 

carefully homogenized in mortar and stored in polyethylene 

bags until chemical analysis at LaQIMar (Marine Inorganic 

Chemistry Laboratory), located at the Oceanographic 

Institute of the University of São Paulo (Brazil). 

Analytical procedures 

Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer 

(ICP OES) was the analytical technique used to measure 

the levels of arsenic and metals in the sediment samples. 

The methodology for determining the fractionation of 

trace elements was the three step protocol proposed by the 

Standards, Measurements and Testing programme (SM & 

T, formerly BCR) of the European Community Bureau of 

Reference . BCR procedure consists of the following stages, 

respectively: STEP 1 (S1) – exchangeable and bound to 

carbonate (acid-labile fraction); STEP 2 (S2) – bound to 

Fe and Mn oxides and hydroxides (reducible fraction); 

STEP 3 (S3) – bound to organic and matter sulphides 

(oxidizable fraction). The content of residual stage (STEP 

4 – S4) was obtained from the difference between the total 

concentration of the elements, which was obtained by aqua 

regia digestion and the sum of stages 1, 2 and 3. Pueyo et al. 

(2001) describe the details of the BCR procedure. 

Results 

Except for As that is not certified, accuracy of the method 

was checked by analysis of six replicates of certified sediment 

reference material (BCR-701, European Community Bureau 

of Reference). For each extraction step, the experimental 

concentration of each metal was compared with the 

reference value, and the recovery calculated as the ratio (%) 

between measured and certified values. The quality data 

was found to be satisfactory with recovery values for Cu, 

Ni, Pb and Zn ranging from 93-113%, 109-113%, 93-111% 

and 90-115%, respectively. 

Figures 1 and 2 show the mobile fractions (%) and the 

concentrations (mg kg –1 ) for the sum of the steps (∑ S1; S2; 

S3). The elements presented the same behavior, i.e. their 

mobile fractions were in same order of magnitude, in each 

sampling site. Therefore, only the results for Ferraz and 

Refúgio are shown (Figures 1 and 2). 

Ni and Zn extraction were constant (their mobile levels, 

for the most sediment samples, were lower than 70 and 40%, 

respectively). The mobile fraction of As was higher than 

70% and Cu was above 60%. The highest Pb total content 

was 8.3 mg kg –1 . 

Discussion 

According to the Canadian Sediment Quality Guidelines 

(CCME, 1999), Zn total contents were well lower than the 

Threshold Effect Levels (TEL), indicating its lithogenic 

origins and limited potential bioavailabilities. 

The Canadian guidelines suggest two sediment 

quality assessments to define three ranges of chemical 

concentrations, those that are rarely, occasionally, and 

frequently associated with adverse biological effects. 

TEL is the upper limit of the range of sediment chemical 

concentrations that is dominated by no-effect data entries 

and PEL (Probable Effect Level) is the range above which 


131

a 

b 

Figure 1. Trace element mobile fractions, (a) in (%) and (b) in mg kg –1 , for Ferraz Station. 

adverse biological effects are usually observed. Accordingly, 

for As, Cu, Pb and Zn the respectively target values, 

in mg kg -1 were established: TEL – 5.9; 35.7; 35 e 123 and 

PEL – 17; 197; 91.3 e 315. 

Pb availability was mainly found in S2, suggesting the 

metal is bound to Fe-Mn oxides and can be released under 

anaerobic conditions. However, likewise Zn, Pb levels 

in sediments do not offer a negative risk to the aquatic 

organism in Admiralty Bay. Indeed, As and Cu levels were 

between TEL and PEL targets, indicating that adverse 

biological effects to aquatic organisms can be observed. 

Otherwise, As and Cu were mainly bound to the oxidizable 

fraction that is not considered to be mobile and bioavailable, 

but may be made mobilized by decomposition processes 


a 

b 

Figure 2. Trace element mobile fractions, in (a) in (%) and (b) in mg kg –1 , for Refúgio. 

in acid conditions (Baig et al., 2009). Disturbances are not 

frequent in the Antarctic environment, thus As and Cu are 

preferably bound to the organic matter. 

Conclusions 

Since there have been no relevant disturbances in the 

Antarctic environment until February of 2012, As and Cu 

mobilities to the local aquatic system could be suggested as 

negligible. Unfortunatly, the tragic event in Ferraz Station 

may have caused a significant antropoghenic input of 

chemical compounds into Admiralty Bay. Accordingly, the 

present study will provide substantial information to the 

future recovery works in the Antarctic landscape. 






133









References 

Baig, J.A.; Kazi, T.G.; Arain, M.B.; Shah, A.Q.; Afridi, H.I.; Kandhro, G.A.; Jamali, M.K. & Khan, S. (2009). Arsenic fractionation 

in sediments of different origins using BCR sequential and single extraction methods. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 

167: 745-751. 

Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment – CCME. (1999). Protocol for derivation of Canadian sediment guidelines 

for protection of aquatic life. CCME-EPC-98E. Prepared by Environment Canada Guidelines Division, Technical Secretariat 

of CCME Task Group on water quality guidelines, Otawa, Canada. Available from: < http://ceqg-rcqe.ccme.ca/download/ 

en/226/>. Accessed in: November 02 2012. 

Cosma, B.; Soggia, F.; Abelmoschi, M.L. & Frache, R. (1994). Determination of Trace Metals in Antarctic Sediments from 

Terra Nova Bay - Ross Sea. International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry, 55: 121-128. 

Dalla Riva, S.; Abelmoschi, M.L.; Magi, E. & Soggia, F. (2004). The utilization of the Antarctic environmental specimen bank 

(BCAA) in monitoring Cd and Hg in an Antarctic coastal area in Terra Nova Bay (Ross Sea-Northern Victoria Land). 

Chemosphere, 56: 59-69. 

Negri, A.; Burns, K.; Boyle, S.; Brinkman, D. & Webster, N. (2006). Contamination in sediments, bivalves and sponges of 

McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. Environmental Pollution, 143: 456-467. 

Ianni, C.; Magi, E.; Soggia, F.; Rivaro, P. & Frache, R. (2010). Trace metal speciation in coastal and off-shore sediments from 

RossSea (Antarctica). Microchemical Journal. 96 (2): 203-212. 

Passos, E.A.; Alves, J.C.; Santos, I.S; Alves, J.P.H.; Garcia, C.A.B & Costa, A.C.S (2010). Assessment of trace metals 

contamination in estuarine sediments using a sequential extraction technique and principal component analysis. 

Microchemical Journal, 96: 50-57. 

Pueyo, M.; Rauret G.; Lück D.; Yei-Halla M.; Muntau H.; Quevauviller, Ph. & López-Sánchez, J.F. (2001). Certification of the 

extractable contents of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in a freshwater sediment following a collaboratively tested and optimised 

three-step sequential extraction procedure. Journal of Environmental Monitoring, 3: 243-250. 

Santos, I.R.; Fávaro ,D.I.T.; Schaefer, C.E.R.G. & Silva-Filho, E.V. (2007). Sediment geochemistry in coastal maritime Antarctica 

(Admiralty Bay, King George Island): Evidence from rare earths and other elements. Marine Chemistry, 107: 464-474. 

Simpson, S.L.; Batley, G.E.; Chariton, A.A.; Stauber, J.L.; King, C.K.; Chapman, J.C.; Hyne, R.V.; Gale, S.A.; Roach, A.C. & 

Maher, W.A. (2005). Handbook for Sediment Quality Assessment. CSIRO, Bangor, NSW. 

Sundaray, S.K.; Nayak, B.B.; Lin, S. & Bhatta, D. (2011). Geochemical speciation and risk assessment of heavy metals in 

the river estuarine sediments - A case study: Mahanadi basin, India. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 186: 1837-1846. 

Stark, J.S.; Snape, I. & Riddle, M.J. (2003). The effects of petroleum hydrocarbon and heavy metal contamination of marine 

sediments on recruitment of Antarctic soft-sediment assemblages: a field experimental investigation. Journal of Experimental 

Marine Biology and Ecology, 283: 21-50. 


8 

BioacCumulation of potentially toxic Trace 

elements in BENTHIC ORGANISMS from Admiralty 

Bay, King George Island, Antarctica 

Alessandra Pereira Majer 1,* , Monica Angélica Varella Petti 2 , Thais Navajas Corbisier 2 , 

Andreza Portella Ribeiro 1 , Carolina Yume Sawamura Theophilo 3 , Rubens Cesar Lopes Figueira 1 

1 

Laboratório de Química Inorgânica Marinha – LAQIMAR, Departamento de Oceanografia Física, Química e Geológica, 

Instituto Oceanográfico, Universidade de São Paulo – USP, Praça do Oceanográfico, 191, Cidade Universitária, 

CEP 05508-120, São Paulo, SP Brazil 

2 

Laboratório de Bentos Antártico, Departamento de Oceanografia Biológica, Instituto Oceanográfico, 

Universidade de São Paulo – USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil 

3 

Programa de Pós-graduação em Oceanografia, Instituto Oceanográfico, Universidade de São Paulo – USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil 

*e-mail: lhemajer@gmail.com 

Abstract: The bioaccumulation of trace elements is defined as the uptake of a chemical by an organism from the abiotic and/or 

biotic (food) environment, and is a widely observed and very important process considering the impact assessment of anthropogenic 

activities. In Antarctica the main local source of metal and metalloid is related to the activities of research stations. In order to 

verify the contribution of the Comandante Ferraz Brazilian Antarctica Station (EACF- Portuguese acronym, in continuity) in 

the accumulation of these elements, and to supply baseline values to allow future monitoring, the concentration of Ag, As, Cd, 

Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn was measured in twelve benthic Antarctic species (Desmarestia sp, Himantothallus grandifolius, Laternula 

elliptica, Yoldia eightsi, Amphioplus acutus, Bovalia gigantea, Gondogeneia antarctica, Sterechinus neumayeri, Nacella concinna, 

Paraserolis polita, Parborlasia corrugatus and Glyptonotus antarcticus). A wide variation in metal content was observed depending 

on the species and the element. These concentrations were usually lower than those of other Antarctic areas, not indicating 

relevant anthropogenic impacts of EACF. However, considering the serious fire incident that occurred at the end of last summer 

(February/2012), and that relevant measures of heavy metals (such as Pb, Cd, and Zn) are released in this kind of event, this data, 

and the associated methodology, attains particular importance, due to their potential to enlighten the extension of this impact, as 

well as, the success of any recuperation strategy. 

Keywords: Antarctica, bioaccumulation, metal, metalloid 

Introduction 

The bioaccumulation of trace elements is defined as the 

uptake of a chemical by an organism from the abiotic and/ 

or biotic (food) environment (Gray, 2002), and is a widely 

observed process (e.g. Santos et al., 2006; Farías et al., 

2007; Gray et al., 2008; Grotti et al., 2008). For metals 

and metalloids the bioaccumulation may be the result of 

natural sources, since these elements are constituents of 

any ecosystem (Grotti et al., 2008). In Antarctica, like other 

remote regions of the Earth, the natural concentration of 

metals and metalloids in abiotic matrices (snow, ice, soil, 

sediment and air) of most areas are generally within or 

lower than the observed values of other polar areas, being 

considered as background levels (Sanchez-Hernandez, 

2000). However, near the research stations a lower but 

continuous kind of contamination is observed (Vodopivez 

& Curtosi, 1998), directly linked with activities such as 

garbage incineration, use of paints, fuel usage and sewage 

(Santos et al., 2004). The result is an increased concentration 

of both organic and inorganic contaminants, and their 

impacts are obviously linked with the increasing presence 


135

of humans (Bargagli et al., 1998). In order to monitor the 

effects of the activities in the surrounding biota, the potential 

bioaccumulation of a variety of metals and metalloids 

(Ag, As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) was verified for different 

Antarctic organisms sampled near EACF. 

Methodology 

Twelve benthic Antarctic species (macroalgae – 

Desmarestia sp, Himantothallus grandifolius, bivalves 

– Laternula elliptica and Yoldia eightsi, ophiuroid – 

Amphioplus acutus, amphipods – Bovalia gigantea and 

Gondogeneia antarctica, sea urchin – Sterechinus neumayeri, 

limpet – Nacella concinna, isopods - Paraserolis polita and 

Glyptonotus antarticus, nemertean - Parborlasia corrugatus) 

were sampled nearby EACF, located in Admiralty Bay, 

the largest bay of King George Island. Samples of benthic 

invertebrates and macroalgae were obtained manually in 

the intertidal zone, and between depths of 10-20 m onboard 

the R/B SKUA, using a van Veen grab, a dredge or by Scuba 

diving, from November/2005 to February/2006, during the 

austral summer of the 24 th Brazilian Antarctic Expedition. 

Methods followed those of a previous study performed by 

Corbisier et al. (2004). 

Silver (Ag), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), 

nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) concentrations on 

the organisms were obtained by the analytical technique 

of Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission 

Spectrometry (ICP OES). For that, 0.35 g of each dried 

sample was digested with 4 mL of nitric acid, to which, six 

hours later, was added 1 mL of hydrogen peroxide. After 

18 hours it was disposed in a heating block digester for 

3 hours, and the final solution was filtered and diluted to 

the final volume of 30 mL. The expressed concentrations 

of elements in the samples represent the mean of three 

independent determinations. Certified Reference Materials 

(CRM - Mussel Tissue – NIST-SRM2976) were analyzed in 

parallel with the trace element determinations, and reagent 

blanks were run with all sample analyses. 

Results 

The metal and metalloid concentrations for the several 

investigated species are summarized in Table 1. The species 

with the highest metal or metalloid concentration varied 

according to the analyzed element. The grazer S. neumayeri 

showed the highest concentration for Zn (353.91 µg g –1 ). 

High concentrations of Cu were observed for the carnivores 

G. antarticus and P. polita (126.18 and 115.71 µg g –1 

respectively). The suspension feeder L. elliptica showed 

the highest values for Ag and As (1.04 and 45.88 µg g –1 , 

respectively), while for Cd, Ni and Pb the highest values 

were observed for the carnivore P. corrugatus (5.02 µg g –1 ), 

Table 1. Concentration (µg g –1 dry wt) of Ag, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in invertebrates sampled in Admiralty Bay, Antarctica. *sample without enough mass for 

quantification. Data presented as mean ± SD. 

Species Ag As Cd Cu Ni Pb Zn 

Desmarestia sp 0.84 ± 0.03 20.96 ± 0.21 0.39 ± 0.01 4.56 ± 0.10 16.66 ± 0.03 4.45 ± 0.16 29.44 ± 0.09 

H. grandifolius 0.32 ± 0.03 14.84 ± 0.58 0.25 ± 0.02 3.53 ± 0.04 0.85 ± 0.06 4.55 ± 0.39 21.73 ± 0.15 

L. elliptica 1.04 ± 0.05 45.88 ± 1.06 1.07 ± 0.01 26.10 ± 0.52 2.10 ± 0.09 2.10 ± 0.09 53.08 ± 0.58 

Y. eightsi 0.51 ± 0.04 36.64 ± 1.47 0.22 ± 0.04 26.29 ± 0.42 0.35 ± 0.07 * 91.81 ± 1.10 

S. neumayeri 0.82 ± 0.08 5.03 ± 0.25 0.98 ± 0.02 3.60 ± 0.03 0.62 ± 0.05 8.93 ± 0.91 353.91 ± 7.43 

B. gigantea 0.87 ± 0.01 9.83 ± 1.01 2.29 ± 0.01 58.28 ± 0.76 1.77 ± 0.15 4.34 ± 0.52 52.53 ± 0.42 

A. acutus 0.21 ± 0.01 5.98 ± 0.04 0.93 ± 0.04 5.19 ± 0.15 1.16 ± 0.03 9.31 ± 0.84 58.61 ± 0.41 

N. concinna 0.74 ± 0.01 6.26 ± 0.60 1.76 ± 0.01 3.41 ± 0.02 0.37 ± 0.06 5.92 ± 0.38 53.72 ± 0.32 

G. antarctica 0.44 ± 0.02 7.82 ± 0.55 0.53 ± 0.02 40.83 ± 0.20 0.86 ± 0.13 4.26 ± 0.30 52.96 ± 0.11 

P. corrugatus 0.74 ± 0.01 18.59 ± 0.61 5.02 ± 0.03 18.51 ± 0.20 0.48 ± 0.09 2.60 ± 0.15 158.57 ± 0.32 

G. antarticus 0.99 ± 0.04 9.88 ± 0.34 0.44 ± 0.02 126.18 ± 0.5 0.97 ± 0.19 4.26 ± 0.30 78.19 ± 1.09 

P. polita 0.60 ± 0.07 8.39 ± 0.61 1.07 ± 0.04 119.12 ± 0.36 0.78 ± 0.08 8.66 ± 0.22 53.08 ± 0.27 


for the macroalgae Desmarestia sp (16.66 µg g –1 ), and for 

the ophiuroid A. acutus (9.31 µg g –1 ), respectively. 

Discussion 

Different factors can affect metal bioaccumulation in 

organisms, such as its environmental bioavailability (Gray, 

2002), but also the assimilation efficiency and efflux 

rate of the studied species (Wang & Ke, 2002). All these 

factors contribute to the variability of the results, however, 

comparing the concentration for each species with those 

in the literature, which for some species is scarce, lower 

or similar values were observed in our sampling point 

(Admiralty Bay) than for other Antarctic areas. For instance, 

the As concentration for H. grandifolius in Admiralty Bay 

was only 13% (112 µg g –1 ) of those observed by Farías et al. 

(2002) for samples from the Argentinian base at Potter 

Cove (King George Island), and 16% (91 µg g –1 ) for those 

obtained by Runcie & Riddle (2004) for Casey Station, East 

Antarctica. The same pattern was observed when comparing 

Cd concentration for S. neumayeri and P. corrugatus from 

Terra Nova Bay (Ross Sea–Northern Victoria Land), with 

our estimates being only 14 and 23%, respectively, of those 

observed by Dalla Riva et al. (2004). Only for Zn, and in 

this case in a closer sampling point (in front of EACF), our 

concentrations were slightly smaller than those observed 

by Santos et al. (2006) for B. gigantea, G. antarctica and 

N. concinna. These results agree with those obtained 

through sediment analysis for EACF, in which, despite being 

observed an enrichment of As, there were no indications 

of relevant anthropogenic impacts (Ribeiro et al., 2011). 

Conclusions 

These results contribute to the knowledge of the possible 

impacts of the Comandante Ferraz Brazilian Antarctica 

Station considering the liberation of metal and metalloids 

due to their routine activities. The temporal comparisons 

between this data and those of other monitoring 

samplings (previous and posterior to 2005/2006) will allow 

identification of any increment in terms of bioaccumulation 

in the surrounding biota. Especially, considering the serious 

fire incident that occurred at EACF at the end of last summer 

(Feb/2012), and that relevant amounts of heavy metals (such 

as Pb, Cd, Fe, Mo, and Zn) are released during this kind of 

occurrence, this data, and the associate methodology, attains 

particular importance, due to their potential to enlighten 

the extension of the impacts, as well as, the success of any 

recuperation strategy. 












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Santos, I.R.; Silva-Filho, E.V.; Schaefer, C.; Sella, S.M.; Silva, C.A.; Gomes, V.; Passos, M.J.A.C.R. & Ngan, P. V. (2006). 

Baseline mercury and zinc concentrations in terrestrial and coastal organisms of Admiralty Bay, Antarctica. Environmental 

Pollution, 140: 304-311. 

Vodopivez, C. & Curtosi, A. (1998). Trace metals in some invertebrates, fishes and birds from Potter Cove. Berichte zur 

Polarforschung, 299: 296-303. 

Wang, W. X. & Ke, C. (2002). Dominance of dietary intake of cadmium and zinc by two marine predatory gastropods. Aquatic 

Toxicology, 56: 153-165. 


9 

HISTOPATHOLOGICAL ALTERATIONS ON ANTARCTIC 

FISH Notothenia coriiceps AND Notothenia rossii AS 

BIOMARKERS OF AQUATIC CONTAMINATION 

Lucélia Donatti 1,* , Flávia Sant'Anna Rios 1 , Cintia Machado 1 , Maria Rosa Demengeon Pedreiro 1 , 

Priscila Krebsbach 1 , Claudio Adriano Piechnik 1 , Tânia Zaleski 1 , Mariana Forgati 1 , 

Luciana Badeluk Cettina 1 , Flavia Baduy Vaz da Silva 1 , Nadia Sabchuk 1 , Cleoni dos Santos Carvalho 2 , 

Edson Rodrigues 3 , Edson Rodrigues Junior 1,3 , Mariana Feijó de Oliveira 1,3 

1 

Laboratório de Biologia Adaptativa, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal do Paraná – UFPR, 

Rua Coronel Francisco Heraclito dos Santos, 210, Centro Politécnico, CEP 81531-970, Curitiba, PR, Brazil 

2 

Universidade Federal de São Carlos – UFSCar, Campus Sorocaba, 

Rod. João Leme dos Santos, Km 110, SP-264, CEP 18052-780, Sorocaba, SP, Brazil 

3 

Departamento de Biologia, Instituto Básico de Biociências, Universidade de Taubaté – UNITAU, 

Campus do Bom Conselho, Rua 04 de Março, 432, CEP 12020-270, Taubaté, SP, Brazil 

*e-mail: donatti@ufpr.br 

Abstract: The Antarctic continent is considered one of the most well preserved areas of the planet; however, human occupation of 

this environment, for research purposes, generates impacts on the ecosystem, especially near scientific stations. Studies on structural 

alterations, mainly of the liver and gills of fish are an important source of information of environmental toxicity. This work intended 

to evaluate histopathologically, the livers and gills of the Antarctic fish species Notothenia coriiceps and Notothenia rossii captured 

in Admiralty Bay, where the Comandante Ferraz Brasilian Antarctica Station is located. Histological and ultrastructure techniques 

were employed. The only liver diseases found were necroses and hyperplasia, aneurysm and branchial detachment were the diseases 

found on the gills. The occurrence of alterations, both in the liver and gills, was low and punctual, although with higher incidence 

in the N. coriiceps than N. rossii. It can be concluded that the low alteration occurrence rate, does not affect the functionality of 

the analyzed organs, as it presents no lethality to the species. 

Keywords: Antarctic nototenidae, gills, liver, aquatic contamination 

Introduction 

Studies reporting human activity in the Admiralty Bay 

date back to 1987, with the beginning of the analyzes of 

hydrocarbon concentrations in sediments and on the 

water surface (Bícego et al., 1996; Oliveira et al., 2007; 

Martins et al., 2010). The research about distribution 

and concentration patterns of waste indicators deriving 

from the station in soil samples (Montone et al., 2010), 

the biomonitoring of genotoxic potential through nuclear 

erythrocyte abnormalities (Ngan et al., 2007) and the 

evaluation of heavy metal concentration (Santos et al., 2006) 

are examples of well-studied cases. 

Histopathological and ultrastructure analyses are 

excellent methodological tools in studies of environmental 

biomonitoring with the fish as a biological model. Damage 

detected in cells, tissues or organs exposed to polluting 

agents represent an integration of cumulative effects of these 

substances in a physical and biochemical manner (Myers 

& Fournie, 2002). 

This work has the objective to evaluate, from a 

histological and ultrastructure aspect, the health of Antarctic 

fish Notothenia rossii and Nototehnia coriiceps, collected in 

different points of the Admiralty Bay – King George Island – 

South Shetlands Archipelago, Antarctic Peninsula. 


139


In Admiralty Bay, the Antarctic fish species 

Notothenia coriiceps (n = 36) and Notothenia rossii (n = 26) 

were collected with line and hook at depths ranging from 10 

to 25 meters and sacrificed, according to the Committee of 

Animal Experimentation-UFPR n°496. Five sampling 

stations were established: Comandante Ferraz Antarctica 

Station (EACF) (62° 04' 59,3" S and 58° 23' 23" W); Punta 

Plaza (PP) (62° 05' 26,9”S and 58° 24' 11,9”); Arctowski, in 

front of the Ecology Glacier (ECO) (62° 10’ 03,5” S and 58° 

26’ 59,8”); Botany Point (BO) (62° 06’ 15,7” S and 58° 21’ 

14,0”) and Refúgio 2 (R2) (62° 04’ 14,5” e 58° 25’ 16,5” W). 

For the light microscopic analysis (MO), liver and gills 

were fixed in ALFAC, included in Paraplast Plus® and 

stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H.E) (Clark, 1981). 

For electronic microscopy the gills and liver were fixed in 

Karnovsky (1965). The analyses and documentation of 

the material were made using an electronic transmission 

microscope JEOL 1200EX II. The liver and branchial 

histopathologies were analysed and identified according to 

Mallat (1985), Roberts (1989), Brasileiro-Filho (1994). The 

lesions were quantified according to Bernet’s index (Bernet 

et al., 1999). 

captured showed the lesion), while branchial detachment, 

aneurysm and hyperplasia were found in the gills of both 

species (Table 1; Figure 2). Analyzing the sampling stations 

and species collected, the occurrence of histopathologies 

was punctual and only affected a small number of animals. 

On the N. coriiceps a slightly higher occurrence rate was 

noted (Figure 1). The averages of the lesions indicated 

by Bernet’s Index in each sampling station and each species 

are shown in Figure 1, suggesting that the highest values 

for N. coriiceps indicate that the species is more sensitive. 

Discussion 

Studies report that Antarctica has been affected for some 

time by sporadic pollution events, generated by the intensity 

and variety of human activities, which have increased over 

recent years (Oliveira et al., 2007; Tin, 2008). The branchial 

detachment or edema was one histopathology found in all 

collected animals, regardless of the species or sampling 

Results 

Histologically, the liver and branchial tissue of the 

N. coriiceps and N. rossii follow the pattern described in 

literature. The liver is constituted of cells called hepatocytes 

and liver parenchyma (Figure 2) while the branchial strand 

is made of a primary lamella, which in turn is made of two 

rows of breathing or secondary lamellas (Table 1; Figure 2). 

Necrosis was the only liver alteration found and just 

in N. corriceps (20% BO, 25% EACF and 7.7% of the fish 

Figure 1. Average of Bernet’s Index (alterations in the gills and liver) for 

each sampling collection and species. Notothenia coriiceps: Columns filled 

and Notothenia rossii: Empty columns. BO = Botany; EACF = Comandante 

Ferraz Brazilian Antarctica Station; ECO = Ecology; PP = Punta Plaza and 

R2 = Refúgio 2. 

Table 1. Percentage of Nothotenia coriiceps (NC) and Nothotenia rossii (NR) gill lesions in each of the sampling station measured. BO = Botany; 

EACF = Comandante Ferraz Brazilian Antarctica Station; ECO = Ecology; PP = Punta Plaza and R2 = Refúgio 2. 

Detachment Aneurysm Hyperplasia 

Collection sampling NC NR NC NR NC NR 

BO 80,0 - 40,0 - 60,0 

EACF 75,0 100,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 33,3 

ECO 100,0 100,0 25,0 0,0 83,3 22,2 

PP 80,0 100,0 0,0 8,3 100,0 41,7 

R2 33,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 0,0 


a 

b 

c d e 

f 

g 

h 

i 

Figure 2. Light microscopic (a, b, e, h and i) and electron micrograph (c, d and g) of liver (g to i) and branchial (a to f) of N. coriiceps (c, d, e, f and i) and 

N. rossii (a, b, g and h). a) Cross-sections through the normal lamellae and detail in c; b) Branchial detachment and detail in d; e) Hyperplasia (*) and aneurysm 

(). f) Detail of aneurysm. h) Cross-sections through the liver and detail in g) () nucleolus; () lipid droplets. i) Necrosis. 


141

stations. This alteration acts as a defensive mechanism, 

decreasing the superficial area of the gills, and increasing 

the spreading distance to the harmful agent (Thophon et al., 

2003). Aneurysm was found only one N. rossi and 

five N. coriiceps, and for Van den Heuvel et al. (2000), 

this damage leads to death of the pillar cells, causing 

accumulation of blood cells in the region. Hyperplasia of 

the gills was the main pathology found, detected in both 

species but predominant in the N. coriiceps. Hyperplasia may 

be a typical defense mechanism which works by increasing 

the diffusal distance between the polluents and the blood 

flow, causing hindrance to gas exchanges (Dutta et al., 1993; 

Karan et al., 1998). 

Conclusion 

Liver and branchial alterations reported in this study are 

not specific of one harmful agent, with the possibility of 

being a result of physiological mechanisms or many types 

of physical, chemical and biological agents of Admiralty 

Bay. From the data analyzed, it can be concluded that the 

functionality of the analyzed organs was not affected and 

thus, may not be classified as lethal to the species under 

investigation. 




APA) that receive scientific and financial supports of the 


process: n° 574018/2008-5; and process: n° 52.0125/2008-8) 

and Research Support Foundation of the State of Rio de 




Environment (MMA), and Inter-Ministry Commission 

for Resource of the Sea (CIRM) and PQ for L. Donatti 

nr. 305562/2009-6. 

References 

Bernet, D.; Schmidt, H.; Meier, W.; Burkhardt-Holm, P. & Wahli, T. (1999). Histopathology in fish: proposal for a protocol to 

assess aquatic pollution. Journal of Fish Diseases, 22: 25-34. 

Bícego, M.C.; Weber, R.R. & Ito, R.G. (1996). Aromatic hydrocarbons on surface waters of Admiralty bay, King George Island, 

Antarctica. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 32:549-53. 

Brasileiro-Filho, G. (1994). Bogliolo Patologia. 5. ed. Rio de Janeiro: Guanabara Koogan. 

Clark, G. (1981). Staining procedures. Baltimore: Willians & Wilkins. 

Dutta, H. M.; Richmonds, C. R. & Zeno, T. (1993). Effects of Diazinon on the bluegill sunfish Lepomins macrochirus. Journal 

of Environmental Pathology, 12 (4): 219-27. 

Karan, V.; Vitorović, S.; Tutundžić, V. & Poleksić, V. (1998). Functional enzymes activity and gill histology of carp after copper 

sulfate exposure and recovery. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, B-40: 49-55. 

Karnovsky, M.J. (1965). A formaldehyde-glutaraldehyde fixative of high osmolality for use in electron microscopy. Journal of 

Cell Biology, 27: 137-8. 

Mallat, J. (1985), Fish gill structural changes induced by toxicants and others irritants: A statistical review. Canadian Journal 

of Fishes Aquatic Science, 42: 630-48. 

Martins, C.C; Rose, M.C.B.; Taniguchi, S.; Lourenço, R.A; Figueira, R.C.L.; Mahiques, M.M. & Montone, R.C. (2010). Historical 

Record of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and spheroidal carbonaceous particles (SCPs) in marine sediment 

cores from Admiralty Bay, King George Island, Antarctica. Environmental Pollution, 158: 192-200. 

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In: Adams, S.M. Biological indicators of aquatic ecosystem stress. American Fisheries Society: Bethesda, MD. 


Montone, R.C.; Martins, C.C.; Bícego, M.C.; Taniguchi, S.; Silva, D.A.M.; Campos, L.S. & Weber, R.R. (2010). Distribution 

of sewage input in marine sediments around a maritime Antarctic research station indicated by molecular geochemical 

indicators. Science of the Total Environment, 408: 4665-71. 

Ngan, P. V.; Gomes, V.; Passos, M.J.A.C.R.; Ussami, K.A.; Campos, D. Y. F.; Rocha, A. J. S. & Pereira, B.A. (2007). Biomonitoring 

of the genotoxic potential (micronucleus and erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities assay) of the Admiralty Bay water surrounding 

the Brazilian Antarctic Research Station “Comandante Ferraz”, King George Island. Polar Biology, 30: 209-17. 

Oliveira, L.M.; Mendonça, E.S.; Jham, G.; Schaefer, C.E.G.R.; Silva, I.R. & Albuquerque, M.A. (2007). Hidrocarbonetos em 

solos e sedimentos do entorno da Estação Antártica Brasileira Comandante Ferraz. Oecologia Brasiliensis 11 (1): 144-156. 

Roberts, R.J. (1989). Fish Pathology. 2nd. ed. London: Baillière Tindall. 

Santos, A.A.; Ranzani-Paiva, M.J.T.; Felizardo, N.N. & Rodrigues, E.L. (2006). Análise histopatológica de fígado de tilápiado-nilo, 

Oreochromis niloticus, criada em tanque-rede na represa de Guarapiranga, São Paulo, SP, Brasil. 

Thophon, S.; Kruatrachue, M.; Upatham, E.S.; Pokethitiyook, P.; Sahaphong, S. & Jaritkhuan, S. (2003). Histopathological 

alterations of white seabass, Lates calcarifer, in acute and subchronic cadmium exposure. Environmental Pollution, 

121:307-20. 

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of local human activities on the Antarctic environment. Antarctic Science 21: 3-33. 

Van Den Heuvel, M.R.; Power, M.; Richards, J.; Mackinnon, M. & Dixon, D.G. (2000). Disease and gill lesions in Yellow Perch 

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143

10 

A baseline studies on plasmatic constituents 

in the Notothenia rossii and Notothenia coriiceps in 

Admiralty Bay, King George Island, Antarctica 

Rodrigues Jr. 3,* , E.; Feijó-Oliveira, M. 3 ; Gannabathula, S. V. 1 ; Suda, C. N. K. 1 ; 

Carvalho, C. S. 4 ; Donatti, L. 3 ; Lavrado, H. P. 2 ; Rodrigues, E. 1 

1 

Universidade de Taubaté – UNITAU, Taubaté, SP, Brazil 

2 

Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro – URFJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 

3 

Universidade Federal do Paraná – UFPR, Curitiba, PR, Brazil 

4 

Universidade Federal de São Carlos - UFSCar, São Carlos, SP, Brazil 

*e-mail: edsonrodj@gmail.com 

Abstract: The Antarctic Peninsula, a pristine natural system has been found to be very sensitive to changes in the environment 

arising from climate changes and anthropic activities. The plasmatic levels of various metabolic constituents in fish have been 

used to identify the effect of environmental changes. The present study aims to establish base line of plasmatic constituents 

(glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, total protein and albumin) concentrations in two Antarctic fish species, Notothenia rossii and 

Notothenia coriiceps, which are abundant in Admiralty Bay, King George Island, Antarctica. Blood sample collection was done by 

caudal vessel puncture immediately after capture. Plasmatic levels of glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol were significantly higher 

in N. rossii, at Refuge 2 compared to the other two sites, whereas there was no significant difference in albumin and total protein 

concentrations from the three sites. For N. coriiceps, only the albumin levels were higher at Refuge 2 compared to the other sites. 

The differences in the plasma constituent’s levels may be due to the physical and chemical differences in marine environments at 

sampling sites, as well as the morphological and lifestyle behavior of the two fish species. 

Key words: Antarctica, Notothenia, biomarkers, blood 

Introduction 

Admiralty Bay is the largest embayment located in King 

George Island, South Shetland Islands, which presents 

characteristics of a fjord, with a branching system of inlets 

and is an Antarctic Specially Managed Area (ASMA #1) 

(Leal et al., 2008; Valentin et al., 2010). About 1300 species 

of benthic organisms are known, including 35 species of 

fish of 24 genera and 10 families, where Notothenia rossii 

and Notothenia coriiceps are in the four most abundant 

species (Skora & Neyelov, 1992; Siciński et al., 2011). 

The two species have different adaptations to the water 

column. N. coriiceps is demersal and sedentary, feeds on 

benthic organisms, undergoes dormancy and metabolic 

suppression during winter (Campbell et al., 2008). N. rossii 

is semipelagic, migratory and feeds on water column 

prey during the summer months (Barrera-Oro, 2003; 

Campbell et al., 2008). The present study aims to investigate 

levels of plasmatic glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, total 

proteins and albumin in two Antarctic fish species, N. rossii 

and N. coriiceps, at three different sites in Admiralty Bay. 

The studies were carried out to establish a baseline data 

for biochemical biomarkers and to understand the effects 

of climate change and pollutants on biological response of 

Antarctic organisms for monitoring Admiralty Bay. This 

is one of the goals in Antarctic Environmental research of 

the Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology- 

Antarctic Environmental Research (INCT-APA). 



Specimens of N. rossii and N. coriiceps were caught at 

Admiralty Bay, between December 2009 and March 2010, 

by hook and line fishing at depths between 10 m and 

20 m. The sampling sites were Glacier Ecology Inlet (ECO; 

62° 10’ 03.5” S 58° 26’ 59.8” W; close to penguin rookeries), 

Punta Plaza marine environment (PP; 62° 05’ 26.9” S and 

58° 24’ 11.9” W; at least 8 km from penguin rookery), 

and Refuge 2 (R2; 62° 04’ 24.1 S and 58° 25’ 19.2”; in the 

Mackeller Inlet near a glacier). In addition to these three 

areas, fish specimens of the two species were collected near 

the oil tank at EACF using fishing net. The data obtained 

for these samples were not used in this study, as the level 

of stress of the fish caught using the fishing net is very high 

compared to hook and line fishing. 

To minimize the effect of stress on fish specimens, the 

blood collection was done in less than 60 seconds after the 

fish was removed from the water. The blood samples were 

collected by caudal vessel puncture with a heparinized 

syringe. The samples were centrifuged for 10 minutes at 

2,000 g, The plasma was transferred to cryogenic tubes 

and frozen in liquid nitrogen. Plasma levels of glucose, 

triglycerides, cholesterol, total proteins and albumin, were 

determined using reagent kits of Labtest Diagnostic S/A. 

The spectrophotometer readings were carried out using a 

BMG Fluostar microplate reader on 96 wells microplates. 

The statistical analysis to compare the sampling sites of 

each species was done by one-way ANOVA followed by 

Tukey a posteriori multiple pair wise test. Differences were 

considered significant for p < 0.05. 

Results 

Plasmatic glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, total proteins 

and albumin levels of N. rossii and N. coriiceps from three 

sampling sites are summarized in Figure 1. In N. rossii the 

glucose, TG and cholesterol levels in R2 were significantly 

Figure 1. Plasma levels of glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol, total proteins and albumin of Antarctic fish N. rossi and N. coriiceps at the sampling sites Point 

Plaza (PP), Glacier Ecology (ECO) and Refuge 2 (R2). Asterisks above bars indicate significant difference between the sampling sites (*p < 0,05; **p < 0.01). 


145

higher than ECO and PP, where as total proteins levels in R2 

N. rossii were lower than PP. The plasmatic levels of glucose, 

TG and cholesterol in N. coriiceps of the three sampling 

sites were not significantly different, but were observed 

lower plasma total proteins and higher albumin levels in 

N. coriiceps of R2. 

Discussion 

ECO inlet is close to a large penguin colony under 

ornithogenic influence; R2 is located in the Mackellar inlet 

and close to a glacier; whereas the PP is far from Penguin 

rookeries, glaciers and scientific station. The differences 

in these three environments were not able to modulate 

the plasmatic levels of glucose, TG and cholesterol in 

N.coriiceps, but the same was not observed in N. rossii. 

The difference in the results for the two fish species could 

be due to functional capacities, which differ according 

to their lifestyle, and in turn defines their tolerance to 

environmental changes (Bilyk & DeVries, 2011; Mark et al., 

2012). Glycaemia has been used to indicate stress in fish 

(Pankhurst, 2011). The glucose metabolism has been 

considered of secondary energy importance, even though 

tissues such as brain, kidneys and gills have high glucose 

consumption (Enes et al., 2009). The branchial tissue of 

Antarctic fish has elevated oxidative potential for glucose, 

compared to monounsaturated fatty acid (Crockett et al., 

1999). This way, the glicemia rise in vertebrates has been 

associated with energy demands “fight to flight” reaction 

(Pottinger et al., 2000). The hyperglycaemia of N. rossii 

in R2 is not clear, but must be related to specific energy 

demands, inherent to the local marine environment, and 

must be the aim of future studies. 

The lipid transport in fish is similar to that of mammals. 

The very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) is the main 

carrier of TG (Nanton et al., 2006). The high levels of TG 

and cholesterol in N. rossii at R2 can be an indication of 

high levels of the VLDL. Hepatic, muscular and cardiac 

tissues of Antarctic fish have elevated oxidative potential 

for monounsaturated fatty acids and supports an energy 

metabolism based on lipid (Sidell et al., 1995). The cause of 

the higher plasmatic TG at R2 is not clear, but may have a 

relation with N. rossii feeding behavior. The Antarctic krill is 

part of N. rossii diet, which is capable of migrating vertically 

in the water column and feeding on this crustacean during 

the summer. The presence of elevated levels of fluoride in 

the krill carapace may have a relation with higher glucose 

and TG levels observed in R2. Fluoride studies with non- 

Antarctic organisms showed that this halogen is capable of 

increasing the blood levels of glucose and lipid. 

The albumin concentration in the fish blood is low 

and absent in some cases (Metcalf et al., 2007). The main 

physiological function of this protein includes the transport 

of fatty acids, ions and coloidosmotic pressure control. These 

differences can be related to the different physiological and 

environmental characteristics. Taking into account and 

comparing the base line data between the two species may 

be N. corriceps shows advantages in being used for bioassays 

for selection of biomarkers and monitoring programs. 

Conclusion 

The results presented showed that the marine environments 

of Admiralty Bay may have particularities capable of 

distinctly modulating glucose, TG, cholesterol, total proteins 

and albumin levels in the blood of Antarctic fish N. rossii 

and N. coriiceps. Therefore the levels of these plasmatic 

constituents cannot be taken as homogenous in Admiralty 

Bay for these fish species. This baseline study of plasmatic 

constituents is important to environmental monitoring in 

the context of climate changes. 


Donatti, L. , and Rodrigues, E. thank the Brazilian Federal 

Agency for the Support and Evaluation of Graduate 

Education (CAPES) for the PhD Fellow of Rodrigues Jr 3 . 

E. (Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, 

Federal University of Paraná). This work integrates the 

National Institute of Science and Technology Antarctic 

Environmental Research (INCT-APA) that receives 

scientific and financial support from the National 


n° 574018/2008-5) and Carlos Chagas Research Support 

Foundation of the State of Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ n° 

E-16/170.023/2008). The authors also acknowledge the 





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147

11 

Effect of diesel oil on gill enzymes of energy 

metabolism, antioxidant defense and arginase 

of the gastropod Nacella concinna (Strebel 1908) 

from King George Island, Antarctica 

Feijó de Oliveira, M 1 .; Rodrigues Júnior, E 1 .; Gannabathula, S. V 2 .; 

Suda, C. N. K 2 .; Donatti, L 1 .; Lavrado, H. P 3 .; Rodrigues, E 2,* 

1 

Departamento de Biologia Celular, Universidade Federal do Paraná – UFPR, Centro Politécnico, s/n, 

Jardim das Américas, CEP 81990-970, Curitiba, PR, Brazil 

2 

Instituto Básico de Biociências, Universidade de Taubaté – UNITAU, Av. Tiradentes, 500, Centro, CEP 12030-180, Taubaté, SP, Brazil 

3 

Departamento de Biologia Marinha, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro – UFRJ, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, 

Ilha do Fundão, CEP 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil 

*e-mail: rodedson@gmail.com 

Abstract: Raising human impact and pollution in Antarctica has focused studies to verify possible biomarker for environmental 

monitoring. Nacella concinna is the most conspicuous macro invertebrate of the Antarctic intertidal zone. The diesel oil leakage 

of icebreaker Bahia Paradise reduced in 50% N. concinna populations near Palmer Scientific Station. The aim of this study was 

to verify the effect of diesel oil on activity of enzymes hexokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, citrate synthase, malate dehydrogenase, 

glucose-6-phoshate dehydrogenase, glutathione reductase, catalase, superoxide dismutase and arginase of Nacella concinna gills. 

Specimens collected in Keller Peninsula were maintained in mini aquariums containing 1% or 5% of diesel oil. The results showed 

that the enzymes arginase, phosphofructokinase and catalase are potential biomarkers for diesel oil pollution. 

Keywords: Antarctica, Nacella concinna, diesel oil, biomarkers 

Introduction 

The gastropod Nacella concinna is the most conspicuous 

macro invertebrate in the Antarctic seas, with an ample 

geographic distribution, and has been postulated as a sentinel 

organism due to its capacity for bioaccumulation of heavy 

metals (Ahn et al., 2002). The exposure to climate to the 

terrestrial environment when the tide recedes, freezing in 

winter, friction of the ice on sediments and rocks, reduction 

of salinity due to the entry of melt waters in to the sea and 

the exposure to ultraviolet radiation have been considered 

the principal stress factors on the organisms that inhabit the 

Antarctic intertidal zones (Davenport, 2001; Peck et al., 2006; 

Barnes & Peck, 2008; Obermüller et al., 2011). 

Human presence in the Antarctic has increased 

significantly during the last few decades and has accelerated 

by international scientific efforts after the International 

Polar year 1957/58 (Tin et al., 2009). The concerns about 

the pollution around scientific stations and round the 

Anchorage locations of shipping vessels was justified after 

the sinking of the icebreaker Bahia Paradise in 1989, which 

resulted in the leakage of 600,000L of diesel oil in the Arthur 

Harbor, Antarctic Peninsula, close to the Palmer Scientific 

Station (USA) (Kennicutt II et al., 1992). In this case, the 

gastropod N. concinna population was reduced by 50% 

and only partially recovered after one year. Bioassays of 

N. concinna showed that diesel oil could elevate the protein 

oxidation and the levels of glutathione peroxidase, in 

addition to reducing the levels of the catalase in the digestive 


gland. Whereas the levels of he dismutase superoxide were 

not altered (Ansaldo et al., 2005). 

The present study aims to verify the effect of diesel oil 

on the concentrations of the energy metabolism enzymes, 

the antioxidant defense and metabolism of L-arginine in the 

gills, as possible biomarkers of the environmental impact. 


Specimens of N. concinna were collected from the Keller 

peninsula (62 o 05’ 28.8” S and 58 o 24’ 21.3” W), close 

to the Brazilian Antarctic station Commandant Ferraz 

(EACF), during the period January to March 2011. The 

experiments were conducted in mini aquariums (2.5 L) 

with 10 specimens/aquarium, subjected to thermo-saline 

condition 0 °C and 35 psu, with 5% and 1% diesel oil and 

control without diesel oil. The bioassays had duration of 

8 days, aerated continuously, water changed daily and 12 

hours of photoperiod without alimentation. Natural controls 

were established using specimens that were dissected 

immediately after the collection. All the tissue samples 

were frozen in liquid nitrogen for posterior analysis. The 

homogenates were prepared in the proportion of 1 g of gill 

for 10 mL of buffer Tris-HCL 50 mM, pH 7.4, sonicated for 

15 seconds, centrifuged at 12,000 x g, for 10 minutes, and the 

supernatants used to determine the activities of the enzymes: 

hexokinase (HK) (Baldwin et al., 2007); phosphofructokinase 

(PFK) (Baldwin et al., 2007); lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) 

(Thuesen et al., 2005); citrate synthase (CS) (Saborowski & 

Buchholz, 2002); malate dehydrogenase (MDH) (Childress 

& Somero, 1979); glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase 

(G6PDH) (Ciardiello et al., 1995); glutathione reductase 

(GRED) (Sies et al., 1979); superoxide dismutase (SOD) 

(Crouch et al., 1981); catalase (CAT) (Regoli et al., 1997); 

arginase (ARG) (Iyamu et al., 2008). The enzymatic activities 

were normalized with the concentrations of proteins, 

determined by the “bicinchoninic acid” (BCA, kit QuantiPro 

- Sigma) method. 

The statistical analysis was done using Statistica 5.0 

for Windows. The results are presented as mean ± SEM 

(standard error of the mean). Statistical comparison between 

groups was done using three way ANOVA, followed by the 

multiple pairwise Tukey “a posteriori” comparison test. 

Levene’s test was used to determine the homoscedasticity of 

the data, and a log x correction was applied when required. 

Differences were considered significant for p < 0.05. 

Results 

The effect of two different concentrations of diesel oil (D1% 

and D5%) on the gill levels of HK, PFK, LDH, CS, MDH, 

G6PDH, GRED, CAT, SOD and ARG, in the thermo-saline 

0-35 experimental condition are summarized in Figure 1. 

The increase in the levels of HK, GRED and SOD, as well as 

reduction of MDH and G6PDH, observed in the presence 

of diesel oil were not significant. The PFK levels were 

upregulated in the presence of diesel oil 5% (D5%), whereas 

CAT with D5% was downregulated. The levels of ARG were 

significantly upregulated in the presence of D%5. 

Discussion 

The enzymes LDH, MDH and CS have been used as markers 

of potential anaerobic and aerobic ATP generators in the 

cells (Torres & Somero, 1988) The branchial levels of LDH, 

MDH and CS are not influenced by the presence of diesel 

oil, indicating that the aerobic and anaerobic metabolic 

pathways may not be influenced by the diesel oil effect in this 

tissue. The principal glycolytic pathway regulator enzyme 

PFK levels were upregulated in the presence of diesel oil. The 

enzymes G6PDH, GRED and SOD, directly or indirectly, 

participate in the cellular antioxidant defense. G6PDH 

catalyze reducing reactions of NADP + to NADPH+H + , 

GRED reduces glutathione and SOD decomposes O 2– 

. SOD 

is often called the primary defense against oxidative stress 

because superoxide is strong initiator of chain reaction and 

may the raise in the levels of SOD can be related to the raise 

of superoxide in the presence of diesel oil. CAT is part of the 

antioxidant defense enzymes and does the decomposition 

of 2H 2 

O 2 

in H 2 

O and O 2 

. It was downregulated in the 

presence of diesel oil. The levels of ARG were upregulated 

in the presence of diesel oil. This enzyme participate in the 

intracellular control of phospo-L-Arginine, nitric oxide and 

polyamines levels (Wu & Morris Junior, 1998). 

The levels of CS, LDH and SOD are significantly higher 

in natural control than in experimental control (Figure 1). 

The elevated levels of SOD in the natural control can 

be related to this gastropod migration to the intertidal 

zone during the austral spring and its exposition to more 

elevated temperature, which could be inducing increase 

in SOD (Abele et al., 1998). The thermic stress has effect 

on the energy demand of N. concinna and is capable of 

reducing ATP levels, lift the oxygen consumption and down 


149

Figure 1. Activity of enzymes hexokinase (HK), phosphofrutokinase (PFK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), citrate synthase (CS), malate dehydrogenase 

(MDH), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), glutathione reductase (GRED), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and arginase (ARG) of 

Nacella concinna gills. Data are expressed as means ± SE. Asterisk indicates significant differences between nature control (NC) and experimental control 

(EC). Different letters indicate differences between treatments. 

regulate the CS levels in the foot muscle of this gastropod 

(Pörtner et al., 1999). 

Conclusion 

The elevated levels of enzymes CS, LDH and SOD in gills of 

nature controls in relation to experimental control (thermosaline 

condition 0-35), showed that natural stress imposed 

by the ambient conditions of the intertidal zone is capable 

of upregulating these enzymes levels. The enzymes ARG, 

PFK and CAT can be used as potential biomarkers for 

diesel oil pollution, considering that: a) the natural stress in 

the intertidal zone was not capable of inducing expressive 

alterations in these enzymes compared to experimental 

controls; b) diesel oil induced significant alterations in 


these enzymes levels; c) except PFK, the effect of diesel oil 

on the ARG and CAT enzymes levels was more intense in 

the experimental condition of 5% than at 1%. 












References 

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oxidative stress and antioxidant response in the Antarctic intertidal limpet Nacella concinna. Comparative Biochemistry 

and Physiology Part B: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 120(2): 425-35. 

Ahn, I.Y.; Kim, K.W. & Choi, H.J. (2002). A baseline study on metal concentrations in the Antarctic limpet Nacella concinna 

(Gastropoda: Patellidae) on King George Island: Variations with sex and body parts. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 44(5): 424-31. 

Ansaldo, M.; Najle, R. & Luquet, C.M. (2005). Oxidative stress generated by diesel seawater contamination in the digestive 

gland of the Antarctic limpet Nacella concinna. Marine Environmental Research, 59(4): 381-90. 

Baldwin, J.; Elias, J.P.; Wells, R.M.G. & Donovan, D.A. (2007). Energy metabolism in the tropical abalone, Haliotis asinina 

Linné: Comparisons with temperate abalone species. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 342(2): 213-25. 

Barnes, D.K.A. & Peck, L.S. (2008). Vulnerability of Antarctic shelf biodiversity to predicted regional warming. Climate 

Research, 37(2-3): 149-63. 

Childress, J.J. & Somero, G.N. (1979). Depth-related enzymic activities in muscle, brain and heart of deep-living pelagic 

marine teleosts. Marine Biology, 52(3): 273-83. 

Ciardiello, M.A.; Camardella, L. & Di Prisco, G. (1995). Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase from the blood cells of two 

antarctic teleosts: Correlation with cold adaptation. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Protein Structure and Molecular 

Enzymology, 1250(1): 76-82. 

Crouch, R.K.; Gandy, S.E.; Kimsey, G.; Galbraith, R.A.; Galbraith, G.M. & Buse, M.G. (1981). The inhibition of islet superoxide 

dismutase by diabetogenic drugs. Diabetes, 30: 235-41. 

Davenport, J. (2001). Meltwater effects on intertidal Antarctic limpets, Nacella concinna. Journal of the Marine Biological 

Association of the UK, 81: 643-9. 

Iyamu, E.W.; Asakura, T. & Woods, G.M. (2008). A colorimetric microplate assay method for high-throughput analysis of 

arginase activity in vitro. Analytical Biochemistry, 383(2): 332-4. 

Kennicutt II, M.C.; McDonald, T.J.; Denoux, G.J. & McDonald, S.J. (1992). Hydrocarbon contamination on the antarctic 

peninsula. II. Arthur Harbor inter- and subtidal limpets (Nacella concinna). Marine Pollution Bulletin, 24(10): 506-11. 

Obermüller, B.E.; Morley, S.A.; Clark, M.S.; Barnes, D.K.A. & Peck, L.S. (2011). Antarctic intertidal limpet ecophysiology: A 

winter-summer comparison. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 403(1-2): 39-45. 

Peck, L.S.; Convey, P. & Barnes, D.K.A. (2006). Environmental constraints on life histories in Antarctic ecosystems: Tempos, 

timings and predictability. Biological Reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society, 81(1): 75-109. 

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151

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12 

PHYTAL MACROFAUNA COMPOSITION OF 

THE Himantothallus grandifolius 

(HETEROKONPHYTA, DESMARESTIACEAE) 

FROM ADMIRALTY BAY (KING GEORGE ISLAND, 

SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS, ANTARCTICA) 

Tais Maria de Souza Campos 1,* , Ingrid Avila da Costa 2 , Geyze Magalhães Faria 1 , 

Yocie Yoneshigue-Valentin 1 , Adriana Galindo Dalto 1 

1 

Laboratório de Macroalgas Marinhas, Departamento de Botânica,Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro – UFRJ, 

Av.Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, bloco A, sala A1-094, Ilha do Fundão, 

CEP 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil 

*e-mail: tmscampos@yahoo.com.br 

Abstract: Phytal ecosystems are characterized as an important area of production and energy transference, due to the complex 

trophic web that naturally establishes between diverse organism groups that co-inhabit this eutrophic region. Benthic organisms, 

especially of the macro- and meiobenthic, constitute the associated fauna of the phytal kelps. Himantothallus grandifolius is the 

most prominent Antarctic kelp species. It is usually found in the Antarctic Peninsula Islands of the Maritime Antarctic region, 

despite the ecological importance of associated fauna. The present work has the objective to evaluate qualitatively and quantitatively 

the macrofauna phytal of the H. grandifolius collected in February 2011 at Mackelar inlet (Admiralty Bay), with special focus 

on taxonomic determination of the associated Isopods fauna. Preliminary results showed that the dominant faunal group was 

Amphipods (n = 1776), followed by Ectoprocta (n = 496). Isopods occurred in fewer density (n = 207 ind.) and so far have been 

identified at the following family level (Gnathiidae, Munnidae, Plakarthidae, Jaeropsidae , Sphaeromathidae and Janiridae). 

Keywords: Kelps, Himantothallus grandifolius, phytal fauna, Isopods 

Introduction 

The seaweed and seagrass communities have a great 

importance in the development of invertebrate and 

vertebrate communities, creating favorable conditions of 

habitat, shelter, feeding, reproduction and development 

for the life cycles of various marine organisms. The marine 

biocenosis constituted by animals that live associated to 

these plant-substrates is designated phytal (Masunari & 

Forneris, 1981; Remane, 1933; Masunari, 1987). Phytal 

communities are mainly composed by invertebrates of the 

macrofauna (0.5 to 2 mm) and meiofauna (0.045 to 0.5 mm) 

size classes. In Admiralty Bay Antarctica, especially in, 

phytal communities are very little studied (Pabis & Sincinski, 

2010; Sicinski et al., 2011). Over all, in Admiralty Bay there 

are some 36 macroalgae species (Zielinski, 1990) and the 

Desmarestiaceae is the most common family. From the 

36 species Himantothallus grandifolius is the most common 

kelp in the whole Bay. H. grandifolius a Heterokontophyta 

algae constituted by leaf-like thallus with corrugate edges 

narrowing downwards forming a short stipe, which can 

reach a large size both in width, more than 1m, and depth of 

between 5-15 m in total length. This kelp is found attached to 

rocks and stones by a great number of appendages forming 

a strong holdfast. Thallus and holdfast of these large brown 

algae are considered to be structurally complex habitats 


153

(Steneck et al., 2002), consisting in a rich aggregation in 

a sublittoral zone ranging within a depth of 10 to 90 m 

(Zielinski, 1990). 

Phytal fauna of the Admiralty Bay is often composed of 

Amphipods, Isopods, Polychaetes, bryozoans and ascidians 

like the phytal in other places of the world (Mukai, 1971; 

Kito, 1975; Hicks, 1977; Coull & Wells, 1983; Johnson 

& Scheibling, 1987; Preston & Moore, 1988; Curvêlo & 

Corbisier, 2000; Krzysztof & Sicinski, 2010). There are 

few studies on Antarctic macroalgae phytal communities, 

despite their great importance in marine coastal ecosystems. 

The aim of the present study was to describe phytal 

macrofauna composition associated to H. grandifolius in 

Admiralty Bay, emphasizing Isopod fauna composition. 


Admiralty Bay is located in the King George Island 

in the central region of South Shetlands Archipelago 

(Rakusa‐Suszczewski, 1980) 62° 05” S and 58° 24” W. The 

bay covers some 122.08 km 2 (Battke, 1990) and is comprised 

of three inlets, Martel, Mackelar and Ezcurra. It is the largest 

bay of King George Island, and about 30% of the bottom of 

Admiralty Bay is covered by macroalgae. The specimen of 

Himantothallus grandifolius was collected in Mackelar inlet 

near Peruvian Station of Machu Pichu up at 15 meters deep 

in February 2011. The specimen measured approximately 

8 m long and 60 cm wide. The holdfast was circular and the 

diameter was approximately 45 cm. After collecting this 

specimen, it was stored and frozen immediately. In Brazil, 

the specimen was thawed (defrosted) at room temperature 

(25 °C) in Macroalgae laboratory (Biology Institute/UFRJ). 

During thawing, the organisms associated to seaweed were 

carefully collected and immediately fixed in neutralizing 

formaldehyde 4%. The holdfast was washed to remove the 

sediment and organisms. The sediment was elutriated and 

the supernatant was poured on two sieves with meshes 

of 0.500 and 0.045 mm to separate the macrofauna and 

meiofauna organisms. Macrofauna organisms were sorted 

into higher taxonomic levels (Phylum, Class, Order, and 

others). The Isopods were separated for preliminarily 

taxonomic identification to Family level and expressed in 

number of individuals found across the seaweed thallus 

and holdfast. 

Table 1. Composition and density (n o .ind.) of phytal macrofauna organisms 

found on Himantothallus grandifolius. 

Taxon Holdfast region Tallus region 

Acari 2 0 

Amphipoda 1767 116 

Asteroidea 3 2 

Bivalvia 33 3 

Copepoda 181 0 

Cumacea 1 0 

Gastropoda 71 7 

Holoturoidea 2 0 

Nematoda 281 0 

Nemertea 3 0 

Ofiuroidea 3 5 

Oligochaeta 7 0 

Ostracoda 20 0 

Polyplacophora 19 4 

Polychaeta 158 9 

Ectoprocta 472 32 

Gnathiidae* 71 0 

Sphaeromatidae* 1 0 

Plakarthriidae* 74 0 

Munnidae* 41 0 

Janiridae* 3 0 

Jaeropsidae* 2 0 

Total 3215 178 

Total Holdfast 

and tallus 

* Isopod Families 

Results 

3393 

The preliminarily results showed that phytal fauna of 

Himantothallus grandifolius were composed by a diversity 

of organisms: Acari, Crustacea, Mollusca, Echinodermata, 

Nematoda, Nemertea, Annelida and Ectoprocta (Table 1). 

Amphipod was the dominant group (n = 1776 ind), 

followed by Ectoprocta (n = 496 ind). Isopod found in fewer 

individuals (n = 207 ind) and the families were Gnathiidae, 


a 

b 

c 

d 

e 

f 

Figure 1. Isopods families associated to Himantothallus grandifolius sampled in Admiralty Bay (King George Island, Antarctica). a) Plakarthriidae; b) Gnathiidae; 

c) Munnidae; d) Janiridae; e) Jaeropsidae; and f) Sphaeromathidae. 


155

Munnidae, Plakarthidae, Jaeropsidae, Sphaeromathidae and 

Janiridae (Figure 1). 

The holdfast was the thallus region with the greater 

diversity. There are a relatively small number of studies 

focused on the fauna of Antarctic and Subantarctic 

macroinvertebrates associated with holdfasts of various 

macroalgae (Arnaud, 1974). 

Discussion 

Frequently, the dominant groups of the phytal fauna are 

Peracarids Crustacea, especially Amphipods, Isopods, 

Tanaidaceans (Mukai, 1971; Kito, 1975; Hicks, 1977; Coull 

& Wells, 1983; Johnson & Scheibling, 1987; Preston & 

Moore, 1988; Curvêlo & Corbisier, 2000), similar with the 

faunal composition observed in the present work. Through 

the taxonomic identification it has been possible from the 

results obtained so far to suggest that holdfast was the region 

with the greatest diversity of organisms. The latter can be 

explained by the morphological aspects of the holdfast such 

as textures and interstitial spaces that accumulate sediment, 

debris and epiphytes, in addition to providing a greater 

degree of protection from as wave exposure and predators 

(Muralikrishnamurty, 1983; Preston & Moore, 1988). 

The Antarctic marine environment is very peculiar, and 

presents features like extremely low and stable seawater 

temperature, 4 °C a –70 °C, marked differences in the 

incidence of light throughout the year, small fluctuations 

in salinity during the summer and a marked seasonality 

in food resource input in relation to the annual cycle of 

primary productivity (Gutt, 2007). In this environment, 

large macroalgae (Kelps) modify physical factors such as 

light or water movement and can play a fundamental role 

on the distribution patterns and diversity of the marine 

organisms (Reed & Foster 1984, Bulleri et al., 2002). 




APA) that receive scientific and financial supports of 


(CNPq process: n° 574018/2008-5) and Research Support 

Foundation of the State of Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ 



and Innovation (MCTI), of Environment (MMA) and 

Inter-Ministry Commission for Sea Resources (CIRM). 

The authors also acknowledge the research fellows for 

Scientific Initiation (Tais Maria de Souza Campos, - CNPq 

110657/2011-0) and Post-doctoral (Adriana Galindo Dalto 

CAPES/FAPERJ E-26/102.016/2009). 

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ecossistemas da costa sul e sudeste Brasileira. 459 p. 

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seasonal fluctuations. Marine Biology, 8: 170-182. 

Muralikrishnamurty, P.V. (1983). Intertidal phytal fauna of Gangavaram, east coast of India. Indian Journal of Marine Sciences, 

2(2): 85-89. 

Pabis, K. & Siciski, J. (2010). Distribution and diversity of polychaetes collected by trawling in Admiralty Bay—and Antarctic 

glacial fiord. Polar Biology, 33: 141-151. 

Preston, A. & Moore, P.G. (1988). The flora and fauna associated with Cladophora albida Kutz. From rockpools on Great 

Gambrae Island, Scotland. Ophelia, 29: 169-186. 

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a part of the near shore Antarctic ecosystem. Polish Polar Research, 1: 11-27. 

Reed, D.C. & Foster, M.S. (1984). The effects of canopy shading on algal recruitment and growth in a giant kelp forest. 

Ecology, 65(3): 937-948. 

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Abt Kiel, 21: 163-221. 

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Paszkowycz, M.; Krzysztof, P. Jaz˙dz˙ewska, A. & Campos, L.S. (2011). Admiralty Bay Benthos Diversity A census of a 

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157

13 

TRACKING NON-NATIVE SPECIES IN THE 

ANTARCTIC MARINE BENTHIC ENVIRONMENT 

Andrea de Oliveira Ribeiro Junqueira 1,* , Ana Carolina Fortes Bastos 1 , Bruna Rachel Rocha 1 

1 

Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro – UFRJ, 

Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, CCS, bloco A, sala 089, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro,RJ, Brazil 

*e-mail: ajunq@biologia.ufrj.br 

Abstract: Antarctica is not as isolated as once thought. Although persistent and invasive species have not been detected in the 

marine environment, some transient species have been. In the present study we investigate the biogeographical patterns of 529 

benthic species of 5 target phyla recorded in the Admiralty Bay considering that it is an important tool for the identification of 

species origin. Most species of Admiralty Bay of the studied phyla are endemic to Sub Antarctica and Antarctica. The second 

highest percentage was of species with continuous distribution. Chordata and Annelida presented the highest number of disjoint 

species. However most disjoint species predominate in Antarctica and Sub Antarctica indicating their origin in the Southern 

Ocean. Cosmopolitan patterns appear to be correlated to taxonomic misidentification or to the occurrence of cryptic species that 

are being revealed by molecular studies. Only a few disjoint species deserve further investigation. 

Keywords: bioinvasion, biogeographical patterns, endemism 

Introduction 

Bioinvasion means the movement of species into an area 

beyond their natural range, as a result of human activity. 

In Antarctica this includes movement of species between 

biogeographic zones. The main barrier to introductions 

of non indigenous species (NIS) in the Southern Ocean 

is the physical dissimilarity between donor and recipient 

areas. There are no records of persistent and invasive non 

indigenous species in the Antarctic marine environment. 

So, why are we concerned about bioinvasion in maritime 

Antarctica? 

We know now that Antarctica is not as isolated as once 

thought (Clarke et al., 2005). Non native organisms including 

terrestrial invertebrates and plants, marine Crustacean 

(adult and larvae) and algal dense mats of an introduced 

species (Enteromorpha intestinalis) have already been found 

in the Antarctic environment (Frenot et al., 2005). The 

rapid regional warming of the Antarctic Peninsula during 

the last 50 years also leads to more favorable conditions of 

establishment of non indigenous species (Convey, 2006). 

Another factor that influences bioinvasion rates is the 

transport of people and goods that are increasing due to 

logistic, scientific, fisheries and tourism activities every 

year. Finally, non native species is the highest priority issue 

in the CEP (Committee on Environmental Protection) five 

year work plan highlighting that we need to be proactive. 

Carlton (2009) listed 12 potential sources of errors 

that have led to invader underestimation. The lag time in 

recognizing that an introduced species has been mistakenly 

redescribed ranges from months to over 100 years. Although 

two hundred terrestrial plants and animals have been 

recognized as introduced in the sub Antarctic islands there 

are no records for the marine environment. 

Considering these facts, the investigation of 

biogeographical patterns is an important tool for the 

identification of species origin. This study has investigated 

biogeographical patterns of benthic species recorded in 

Admiralty Bay. 



The study of species distribution focused on species of five 

target phyla (Mollusca, Echinodermata, Annelida, Artropoda 

and Chordata) found in Admiralty Bay and are available in a 

list at the site www.abbed.uni.lodz.pl, referring to the survey 

conducted by Sicinski et al. (2011). The study was made using 

the online database OBIS – Ocean Biogeography Information 

System (OBIS, 2012) and GBIF – Global Biodiversity 

Information Facility (GBIF, 2012). According to the 

distribution pattern in marine biogeographic zones proposed 

by Rass (1986), species were classified as: I) cosmopolitan: for 

those of wide distribution and that are present in at least three 

ocean basins; II) continuous: for species located in adjacent 

biogeographic areas (but at a lower rate than required for 

classification as cosmopolitan), III) disjoint: species that 

have occurrences in distinct biogeographic regions (separated 

by areas of non-occurrence); IV) endemic: for species 

distributed within the boundaries of the Southern Ocean 

(Sub Antarctica and Antarctica). 

Results 

The number of macrozoobenthos taxa of the phylum 

Annelida, Arthropoda, Mollusca, Echinodermata and 

Chordata recorded by Sicinski et al. (2011) was 603. In 

this study, we analyzed the distribution pattern of taxa 

identified at species level, totalling 529 species (87.7%). 

The phylum Arthropoda showed the largest number of taxa 

(257), proving to be the one with the greatest biodiversity 

in the marine environment of Admiralty Bay from the 

phyla studied. The phylum Chordata registered the lowest 

number of taxa (16). 

Most species of Admiralty Bay phyla studied are endemic 

to Sub Antarctica and Antarctica (Figure 1). The highest 

percentage of endemic species was found to the phylum 

Echinodermata. The second highest percentage was of 

species with continuous distribution. The phylum Chordata 

had the highest percentage of species with this distribution. 

Most cosmopolitan species were from the phyla Annelida. 

The percentage of disjoint species of Chordata and Annelida 

were the highest among the phyla studied. Some species were 

not found in databases, and the phylum Annelida presented 

the highest percentage of species with no data (Figure 1). 

Cosmopolitan (Table 1) and Disjoint (Table 2) species were 

classified according to their dominance pattern in Antarctica, 

Sub Antarctica, South America and other bioregions. 

Discussion 

The introduction of a species is not always documented. 

Species that were introduced many years ago (historical 

introductions) are already in complete equilibrium with 

the native biota (Villac et al., 2008). Cosmopolitan species 

are often classified as cryptogenic, species that cannot be 

recognized as native or introduced (Carlton, 2009). In NIS 

surveys cryptogenic species are often indicated as potential 

introduced species to avoid underestimation of bioinvasion 

under a precautionary approach. 

Figure 1. Distribution patterns of the 539 benthic species of Admiralty Bay of five target phyla (Mollusca, Echoinodermata, Annelida, Artropoda and Chordata). 


159

Table 1. Percentage of records in the Southern Ocean, South America and other bioregions of cosmopolitan species with their respective dominance pattern. 

I- Substantial number of records in Antarctic and Sub Antarctic 

Number of records Antarctic Sub Antarctic South America Others 

Hauchiella tribullata 88 15.9 0 0 84.1 

Leucothoe spinicarpa 527 11.2 3.4 5.1 80.3 

Molpadia musculus 283 16.6 2.5 12.4 68.5 

Neanthes kerguelensis 271 18.8 5.5 2.2 73.5 

II-Few records in Antarctic an Sub Antarctic in relation to total 


Artacama proboscidea 320 1.2 0 0 98.8 

Brada villosa 673 0.9 0 0 99.1 

Capitella capitata 6468 0.1 0 0.6 99.3 

Levinsenia gracilis 3684 0.3 0 0.5 99.2 

Mystides borealis 184 6.5 0 0 93.5 

Notomastus latericeus 5967 0.6 0.1 0.4 98.9 

Ophelina cylindricaudata 862 4.9 0 1.0 94.1 

Pista cristata 1773 0.4 0 0 99.6 

Scalibregma inflatum 4600 0.05 0.05 0.05 98.5 

Syllis armillaris 589 3.9 0 0.8 95.3 

Thelepus cincinnatus 827 6.2 0.4 0.1 93.3 

In the present study we investigated the species origin of 

44 species that presented a disjoint or cosmopolitan pattern 

of distribution from their dominance pattern in Antarctica, 

Sub Antarctica, South America and other bioregions. 

The biogeographical patterns of species with few records 

cannot be well established. Cosmopolitan patterns appear 

to be correlated to taxonomic misidentification or to the 

occurrence of cryptic species. Particularly cosmopolitan 

patterns with few records in Antarctica and Sub Antarctica 

are probably a complex of species that are being revealed 

by molecular studies. Most disjoint species predominate 

in Antarctica and Sub Antarctica indicating their origin in 

the Southern Ocean. Only a few disjoint species, especially 

for the most number of records in South America, deserve 

further investigation. 

Conclusion 

The great majority of investigated species were endemic 

to the Southern Ocean. The second highest percentage 

was of species with continuous distribution. Disjoint and 

cosmopolitan species represented only 8.3% of the total. 

The results obtained do not allow us to make conclusions 

about which species were introduced to the Southern Ocean. 

However they provide detailed information about disjoint 

and cosmopolitan species indicating which species deserve 

further investigation. 













Table 2. Percentage of records in the Southern Ocean, South America and other bioregions of disjoint species with their respective dominance pattern. 

I- Dominance in Antarctic and Sub Antarctic 


Cirrophorus brevicirratus 21 81.0 0 0 19.0 

Hippomedon kergueleni 46 74.0 21.7 0 4.3 

Iathrippa sarsi 18 66.7 27.8 0 5.5 

Laetmonice producta 199 66.3 9.1 1.5 23.1 

Mirandotanais vorax 37 70.3 10.8 0 18.9 

Neobuccinum eatoni 190 91.0 8.4 0 0.6 

Ophiolimna antarctica 120 61.7 16.2 1.7 20.0 

Ophioplocus incipiens 202 54.5 44.0 0.5 1.0 

Praxillella kerguelensis 7 85.7 0 0 14.3 

Syllides articulosus 42 92.9 0 0 7.1 

Synoicum adareanum 173 96.5 0 0.6 2.9 

Tanaopsis gallardoi 9 88.9 0 0 11.1 

II- Dominance in Antarctic. Sub Antarctic and South America 


Amphiura joubini 245 49.4 3.7 46.5 0.4 

Cnemidocarpa verrucosa 257 82.9 10.5 5.8 0.8 

Laevilitorina caliginosa 66 16.7 34.8 42.4 6.1 

Laonice weddellia 92 81.5 15.2 3.3 0 

Lissarca miliaris 52 25.0 9.6 63.5 1.9 

Polycheria antactica 63 35.0 25.4 19.0 20.6 

Travisia kerguelensis 66 59.1 9.1 21.2 10.6 

Yoldia eightsi 132 78.1 11.4 8.9 1.6 

II- Dominance in Antarctic and South America 


Astyra antarctica 5 80.0 0 20.0 0 

Brania rhopalophora 28 50.0 0 3.6 46.4 

Corella eumyota 187 65.8 0.5 8.6 25.1 

Lumbrineris magalhaensis 137 48.9 0.7 18.2 32.2 

Natatolana meridionalis 28 78.6 0 21.4 0 

Pista corrientis 13 76.9 0 23.1 0 

Pseudharpinia dentata 61 63.9 0 34.4 1.7 

Scoloplos marginatus 82 90.2 0 7.3 2.5 

Trypanosyllis gigantea 24 66.7 0 12.5 20.8 


161

References 

Carlton, J.T. (2009). Deep invasion ecology and the assembly of communities in historical time. In: Rilov, G. & Crooks, J. 

Biological Invasions in marine ecosystems: Ecological, management and geographic perspectives. Heidelberg: Springer. 

Ecological Studies 204. 641 p. 

Clarke, A.; Barnes, D.K.A. & Hodgson, D.A. (2005). How isolated is Antartica? Trends in Ecology and Evolution, 20(1): 1-3. 

Convey, P. (2006). Non-native species in the Antarctic terrestrial environment – presence, sources, impacts and predictions. 

In: De Poorter, M.; Gilbert, N.; Storey, B. & Rogan-Finnemore, M. (Orgs.). Non-native species in the Antarctic – Final Report. 

New Zealand: University of Canterbury Christchurch. 40 p. 

Frenot, Y.; Chown, L.S.; Whinam, J.; Selkirk, P.M.; Convey, P.; Skotnicki, M. & Bergstrom, D.M. (2005). Biological invasions in 

the Antarctic: extent, impacts and implications. Biological Reviews, 80: 45-72. 

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Rass, T. S. (1986). Vicariance ichtyogeography of Atlantic Ocean pelagial. Pelagic Biogeography, (49): 237-241. 

Sicinski, J.; Jazdzewski, K.; De Broyer, C.; Presler, P.; Ligowski, R.; Nonato, E.F.; Corbisier, T.N.; Petti, M.A.V.; Brito, T.A.S.; 

Lavrado, H.P.; Błazewicz-Paszkowycz, M.; Pabis, K.; Jazdzewska, A. & Campos, L.S. (2011). Admiralty Bay Benthos 

Diversity – A census of a complex polar ecosystem. Deep-Sea Research II, 58: 30-48. 

Villac, M.C.; Ferreira, C.E.L & Junqueira, A.O.R. (2008). Bioinvasão. In: Baptista Neto, J.A.; Wallner-Kersanach, M. & 

Patchineelam, S.M. Poluição marinha. Rio de Janeiro: Interciência. 412 p. 


14 

Dominance of Tardigrada in associated 

fauna of terrestrial macroalgae Prasiola crispa 

(Chlorophyta: Prasiolaceae) from a 

penguin rookery near Arctowski Station 

(King George Island, South Shetland 

Islands, Maritime Antarctica) 

Adriana Galindo Dalto 1,* , Geyze Magalhães de Faria 1 , 

Tais Maria de Souza Campos 1 , Yocie Yoneshigue Valentin 1 

1 

Laboratório de Macroalgas Marinhas, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro – UFRJ, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 

373, sala A1-94, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Ilha do Fundão, CEP 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil 

*e-mail: agdalto@gmail.com 

Abstract: Tardigrada are among the microinvertebrates commonly associated to terrestrial vegetation, especially in 

extreme environments such as Antarctica. In the austral summer 2010/2011, Tardigrada were found in high densities on 

Prasiola crispa sampled at penguin rookeries from Arctowski Station area (King George Island). Taxonomic identifications 

performed to date suggest that the genus Ramazzottius is the dominant taxa on P. crispa. This genus has been reported for West 

Antarctica and Sub-Antarctic Region. In this context, the present work intends to contribute to the knowledge of the terrestrial 

invertebrate fauna associated to P. crispa of the ice-free areas around Admiralty Bay. 

Keywords: microinvertebrates, terrestrial macroalgae, tardigrada, Ramazzottius 

Introduction 

Tardigrada are micrometazoans (average 250-500 µm) that 

present a large distribution in variety of diverse habitats, from 

rain forests to arid polar environments, including nunataks 

and mountain tops to abyssal plains of the oceanic regions 

(Brusca & Brusca, 2007; McInnes, 2010a). In terrestrial 

environments, Tardigrada are abundant, especially in 

mosses and lichens, which is the main component of the 

crypticfauna. Many linmo-terrestres tardigrades can survive 

to total desiccation in a state of cryptobiosis (ametabolic 

state) that is a protection against desiccation and freezing 

under natural conditions, but anydrobiosis also allows a 

resistance against unnatural abiotic extremes (Jönsson & 

Bertolani, 2001). Actually, about 800 species of Tardigrada 

have been described from marine, freshwater and terrestrial 

environments (Nelson & Marley, 2000). 

Antarctic Tardigrada were at the beginning described 

by Murray (1906) and Richters (1908) (apud Convey & 

McInnes, 2005), after species lists of Antarctic Tardigrada 

were prepared by Morikawa (1962), Sudzuki (1964), 

Jennings (1976, 1979) and Utsugi & Ohyama (1989, 1993). 

Tardigrada species are currently known from the continental 

and Maritime Antarctica biogeographical zones (Pugh, 

1993; Convey & McInnes, 2005). Actually, 17 genera and 

48 species have been described for associated fauna of 

terrestrial vegetation of ice-free areas in Antarctica and Sub- 

Antarctica regions (McInnes, 2010b), 11 of these species 

were reported for King George Island (South Shetland 

Islands, Maritime Antarctica) by Utsugi & Ohyama (1993). 

In King George Island, terrestrial vegetation is almost 

exclusively cryptogamic, comprising mostly mosses, 


163

liverworts, lichens, algaes (Smykla et al., 2007). In this 

island, mats of the nithphilous algae Prasiola crispa occupy 

wet areas extremely high nutrient concentration at active 

rookeries at the coastal regions around Admiralty Bay (South 

Shetland Islands, Maritime Antarctica) (Smykla et al., 2007). 

According to Jennings (1976, 1979) this foliaceae algae is 

among the substrates with higher faunal species richness 

and Tardigrada is among these organisms (Broady, 1989). 

Nevertheless, Antarctic terrestrial biota is known to 

have low diversity, a high degree of endemism and clear 

patterns of biogeographic distribution defined by consistent 

biological and climatic differences (Convey & McInnes, 

2005; Convey & Stevens, 2007). Added to this, the Antarctic 

terrestrial biota include organisms ecophysiology adapted to 

environmental pressures involving very low temperatures, 

nutrient limitation, environmental radiation, lack of liquid 

water, desiccation and physical abrasion (Convey et al., 

2008). Recent studies have shown that this biota has an 

ancient origin and has persisted in isolation for ten million 

years (Convey & Stevens, 2007; Convey et al., 2009; 

Chow & Convey, 2007). These characteristics result in the 

terrestrial communities of Antarctica being particularly 

sensitive to the effects of human presence in the region 

and to climate change. In this context, the present study 

intends to contribute to the knowledge of the composition 

of the Tardigrada assemblages on the terrestrial macroalgae 

Prasiola crispa of the ice-free areas around Admiralty Bay. 


Prasiola crispa were sampled on the rocks and soil adjacent 

to the penguin rookeries of Ornithologist Stream area (Polar 

Polish Arctowski Station, King George Island) in January 

2011 (XXIX Brazilian Antarctic Operation) (Figure 1). 

Three samples of 3 cm² were observed in vivo and 

later preserved in formaldehyde 4% for posterior analysis, 

quantification and identification of the fauna. In the 

Figure 1. Location of Admiralty Bay (King George Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula), highlighted the scientific stations of Brazil and Poland. 

Illustration: Rafael Bendayan de Moura. 


laboratory the organisms were separated through sieves 

(500 and 38 µm size meshes). After the total organism 

quantifications under stereoscopic microscope, Tardigrada 

specimens were removed and post fixed in GAW solution 

(Glycerin - Acetic acid - Water), before being passed 

through a glycerol series and mounted in Faure’s medium 

(McInnes et al., 2001). After drying, slides were ringed with 

glycerol. Taxonomic identifications were performed by 

optical microscopy and based on Pilato & Binda (2010) keys. 

Results 

The associated microfauna of Prasiola crispa were composed 

by Rotifera, Nematoda, Tardigrada, Acari and Collembola. 

Tardigrada was the taxa found in greatest density, up to 

7002,67 ind.cm –2 (x = 2842,11 ind.cm –2 , n = 3) (Table 1), 

representing 66% of the total microfauna. The taxonomic 

identifications conducted so far indicate that the specimens 

found Tardigrada specimens belong to the Family 

Hypsibiidae, genus Ramazzotius Binda & Pilato, 1986. Other 

identifications still in progress, and at the end identified 

specimens will be deposited in the collection. 


Jennings (1976) when studied the Tardigrada from the 

Antarctic Peninsula and Scotia Ridge Region found a 

high dominance of tardigrada only on sites of the foliose 

alga Prasiola crispa. According Convey & McInnes (2005) 

some terrestrial ecosystems dominated by Tardigrades, and 

organisms which would generally be ubiquitous such as 

Nematode can also very often be absent. This showed the 

Tardigrada preference for the relatively rich organic soils 

rather than moss and peat substrates. 

At the moment, taxonomic identifications showed 

that Tardigrada specimens founded on the Prasiola 

crispa samples from Ornithologist Stream are the family 

Hypsibiidae and genus Ramazzotius Binda & Pilato, 1986. 

The Hypsibiidae family are a significant and dominant in 

polar habitats (McInnes & Pugh, 2007). This dominance 

cannot be explained only by the fact that it possesses features 

such as cold tolerance (Cryptobiosis), aerial dispersion or 

partenogenisis, whereas other families (e.g. Macrobiotidae, 

Echiscidae) also have such features. McInnes (2007) suggest 

that this dominance was more likely to food sources, 

many Hypsibiidae are hydrophilic, bactereophages and/ 

or algivores, a factor that can be an advantage to colonize 

polar habitats. 

Ramazzottius are cosmopolitan genus (Ramazzotti & 

Maucci, 1983). Ramazzottius are widespread throughout 

the world (Ramazzotti & Maucci, 1983; McInnes, 1994), 

including the previous record of Antarctica continental and 

sea. Among the many collection of bryophytes, species of 

Echiniscus, Hypsibius, Macrobiotus (and segregate genera), 

Milsenium and Ramazzottius seem particularly common. 

The genus Ramazzottius is characterized by Hypsibius-type 

claws, but only Ramazzottius has a long and straight basal 

portion on the outer claw more strongly developed than 

the secondary branch in addition to a thin main branch 

inserted high on the basal portion by means of a flexible 

tract (C) (Bertolani & Rebecchi 1993). Sometimes this 

tract is very lightly sclerified and the primary branch seems 

almost completely separate from the rest of the claw (Nelson 

Table 1. Composition and density (ind.cm –2 ) of microfauna associated to Prasiola crispa. 

Taxa Arctowski 22 Arctowski 23 Arctowski 24 Sum Ind.cm –2 DP 

Relative 

abundance (%) 

Tardigrada 147,67 1376,00 7002,67 8526,33 2842,11 2984,39 66,0 

Nematoda 88,67 112,67 3965,33 4166,67 1388,89 1821,85 32,3 

Acari 1,67 45,00 67,33 114,00 38,00 27,26 0,9 

Rotifera 74,00 0,00 0,00 74,00 24,67 34,88 0,6 

Collembola 1,00 2,67 28,67 32,33 10,78 12,67 0,3 

Total Microfauna 314,00 1536,33 11064,00 12914,33 4304,78 4805,47 100,0 


165

a 

b 

c 

d 

Figure 2. Taxonomic details of genus Ramazzottius. a) animal in dorso-lateral; b) bucco-pharyngeal apparatus (b1: buccal armature Hypsibius type - pharyngeal 

apophyses and macroplacoids and b2: stylet furcae shape (typically-shaped); c) Ramazzotius-type claw d)s Sensory organs. 


& Marley, 2000), a blunted apophysis, asymmetric on the 

frontal plane, for stylet muscle insertion onto the buccal 

tube (B); two paired anteriorly located elliptical sensory 

organs and dorsolaterally (D) (Bertolani & Rebecchi 1993) 

(Figure 2). 

Specific taxonomic identification is in process, 

furthermore, recent research studies have shown that 

Prasiola crispa possesses potential bioactive substances for 

insecticide activity, which is indicative of how important 

it is to increase the knowledge about this alga and all the 

associated microfauna related to it. 











Ministry Commission for Sea Resources (CIRM). Adriana 

G. Dalto, Geyze M. Faria and Tais M. S. Campos thank those 

responsible for the Postdoctoral Research Fellow (CAPES/ 

FAPERJ E-26/102.016/2009), Technical Support fellow 

(DTI-3 CNPq/INCT-APA 383830/2011-7) and Scientific 

Initiation fellow (CNPq/INCT-APA 110657/2011-0), 

respectively. 

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169


ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 

172 Zaganelli, D. M. and Alvarez, C. E. Relationship Between Noise and Psychological Comfort of the 

Users in the Comandante Ferraz Antartic Station. 

178 Pagel, E. C., Beghi, S. P., Alvarez, C. E., Reis Junior, N. L. C., Antunes, P. W. P., Cassini, S. T. and 

Santos, J. M. Analysis of Indoor Aldehydes in the Comandante Ferraz Antarctic Station. 

184 Leripio, A. A., Pereira, B. B., Echelmeier, G. R. and Pavani, L. Results of Internal Audit in the 

Environmental Management System of Brazilian Antarctic Scientific Station Comandante Ferraz. 

188 Cury, J. C. Jesus, H. E., Villela, H. D. M., Peixoto, R. S., Schaefer C. E. G. R., Bícego, M. C., 

Jurelevicius, D. A., Seldin, L., Rosado, A. S. Bioremediation of the Diesel-Contaminated Soil of the 

Brazilian Antarctic Station. 



Dr. Cristina Engel de Alvarez 


Dr. Alexandre de Avila Leripio 

The issues related to comfort and security for a building in 

Antarctica are also, necessarily, related to environmental 

factors, due to the specific characteristics of the Antarctic 

environment. Thus, over the years, the group of researcher 

scientists related to technology and environmental 

management have sought to improve specific aspects, at 

certain moments having as their objective the efficacy of 

systems already adopted by Brazil at their Brazilian Station 

– Comandante Ferraz (from now on EACF, Portuguese 

acronym), and at other times opening new frontiers of study 

from the previous results obtained. 

This year, among the main results obtained, the most 

noteworthy was the research in the field of acoustics, now 

with a focus on its influence on the psychological behaviour 

of the users. The article, “Relationship between noise and 

psychological comfort of the users in the Comandante Ferraz 

Antarctic Station” evaluates the question of noise using as 

instrument correlated national and international norms, and 

furthermore, offers a warning regarding the conditions of 

specific exposure to be considered in different ambiences 

such as might be found in a building in Antarctica. 

Attention is called to pioneer research undertaken in this 

period, “Analysis of Indoor Aldehydes in the Comandante 

Ferraz Antarctic Station”, which studied the quality of indoor 

air, with strong emphasis on volatile organic composites, 

especially the aldehydes, whose presence in the flooring and 

the furniture has reinforced the need for monitoring. In the 

research it was established that in some locations of EACF, 

the concentration of formaldehyde surpassed the directives 

proposed by the WHO – World Health Organization, 

making evident the necessity for more attention to this 

matter. 

The article “Results of internal audit in the environmental 

management system of Brazilian Antarctic Scientific Station 

Comandante Ferraz” shows the results of the internal audit 

undertaken between December 2011 and January 2012 at 

EACF, having as principle references the Madrid Protocol 

and the standard ISO 14001:2004. It was verified that 

EACF has a partial level of conformity of 86.2% in relation 

to the requirements of ISO 14001:2004, which serves as 

fundamental information in delineating an Environmental 

Management Programme. 

If on the one hand there is vital concern in reducing the 

impacts occasioned by human occupation of Antarctica, on 

the other hand, it is necessary to deal with strategies that 

seek to recover the consolidated impacts. In this respect, 

the article “Bioremediation of the diesel-contaminated soil 

of the Brazilian Antarctic Station”, presents an alternative 

proposal for the treatment of areas contaminated by oil – 

which includes the essential deepening of the research -, 

especially of those related to the leakage of fuel. The partial 

results were obtained from the carrying out of a successful 

experiment undertaken ex situ. 

Thus, Thematic Area 4, restates it vocation of incentivising 

research in the areas of technology and management 

considering the useful lifecycle of a building, which 

extends from planning (prevention); usage and operation 

(management) until the final destination, recycling or 

removal of the installations (recovery). 


171

1 

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NOISE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL 

COMFORT OF THE USERS IN THE COMANDANTE 

FERRAZ ANTARCTIC STATION 

Deborah Martins Zaganelli 1,* , Cristina Engel de Alvarez 1 

1 

Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo – UFES, Av. Fernando Ferrari, 514, Goiabeiras, CEP 29075-910, Vitória, ES, Brazil 

* e-mail: debbiezaganelli@yahoo.com 

Abstract: The Comandante Ferraz Antarctic Station is a base camp and working place, housing a diversity of individuals in a 

restricted environment. Comfort is an essential criterion for the residence time to be effectively productive, in particular in relation 

to acoustics. The relevance of this study is based on the correlation between noise levels data and potential effects on the human 

body, in addition to contributing to the creation of noise prevention methods. The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of 

noise levels on psychological comfort of the researchers of that Station. The data was gathered in situ, during XXVIII Antarctic 

Operation, according to the Brazilian Technical Standard for measurement procedures and additional parameters developed for 

the Station. Then, the systematization and analysis were carried out, and subsequently a mapping with mean noise levels was 

developed and the potential correlations with physical, physiological and psychological effects on human beings were verified. 

In some working environments the noise levels did not meet the comfort parameters; however they consider an 8-hour workday. 

In the remaining environments whose activities are of rest and work, only the adjacent outdoor points were analyzed, where the 

required isolation standards for sealing materials were found. Even though additional actions for further research were required, 

such as questionnaires and users physical evaluation, the outcomes obtained so far will serve as aid for the construction of new 

buildings that will make up the Station, with emphasis on the necessity of acoustic treatment of the environments to reduce noise 

from outdoor and indoor activities, especially in long term research locations. 

Keywords: acoustic, noise, psychological comfort, Antarctic 

Introduction 

Sound is the propagation of mechanical energy through 

material medium in the form of wave motion, irradiated 

three-dimensionally in all directions. While sound has a 

defined frequency, noise is a vibratory physical phenomenon 

with undefined characteristics of pressure and frequency, 

disharmoniously mixed with each other (Grandjean, 1988 

apud Abrahão et al., 2009). It is the ear that captures the 

sounds and noise vibrations, allowing communication and 

as well acting as an alarm system for the body. When the 

hearing system is exposed to high magnitude sounds and 

noises, not only is its function affected but it also results 

in physical, psychological and physiological harm. Longterm 

exposure can lead to hearing loss and extra-hearing 

disorders. 

The purpose of this research was to assess the impact of 

noise levels on the psychological comfort of the researchers 

of the Comandante Ferraz Antarctic Station (EACF, 

Portuguese acronym). The hypothesis was that the noise 

levels generated by maintenance and operational equipment 

both outdoors and indoors at EACF may cause acoustic 

discomfort to the users. 

The relevance of this study is based on the correlation 

between the noise level data, according to the environments, 

and the potential effects on the human body. It has also 

contributed with data to create prevention methods in 

buildings based in Antarctica, such as using techniques 

and materials that do not demand using noisy equipment 

for their maintenance and the specification of more silent 


operating equipment, and also ways to control noise, with 

materials such as acoustic isolation (soundproofing) of the 

environments that have transmitting equipment. This study 

also generates additional reflections that can be used outside 

the Antarctic environment, with application to the reality 

of urban spaces, for example. However, the great difference 

between the comfort conditions for an urban worker and 

the specific condition of the users of a Scientific Station are 

highlighted, where the stress situation and the confinement 

may contribute to enhance the sensation of discomfort. 


The data was collected in situ by trained researchers from 

the Planning and Projects Laboratory of the Federal 

University of Espírito Santo during the XXVIII Antarctic 

Operation in a period of 15 nonconsecutive days (due to 

climatic variations), from 02 to 22 December 2009. The 

measurement procedure followed the recommendations of 

the Brazilian Technical Standard NBR 10151 (ABNT, 1987a) 

and a methodology developed specifically for EACF, because 

it is a different environment from the Brazilian one, where 

some additional parameters were set up such as compliance 

with factors compromising the reliability of measurements, 

according to Alvarez & Yoshimoto (2004). 

Initially, the identification of main sound sources that 

generate discomfort to users was undertaken and 13 and 

10 points of outside and inside measurements were set 

up, respectively, as well as the measurement times: during 

daytime, with higher levels resulting from the operation 

of several types of equipment, and during night time, 

with lower sound levels. The equipment used was a digital 

sound level meter with calipers (Extech TM ) set at weighing 

A. This setting has been justified in several studies showing 

that sound levels measured in dB(A) are the closest to the 

perceptual characteristics of human hearing (Grandjean & 

Kroemer, 2005). 

For the analysis of collected data, the mean and 

standard deviation values of the noise levels measured 

at each point were calculated in order to show their 

degree of variability. Then, the analysis of data for every 

environment was performed observing the variation 

during different collection days and during two periods, 

daytime and night time, as well as active noise sources 

at the time of the measurements. This was followed by 

acoustic mapping of EACF according to the comfort levels 

established by standard NBR 10152 (ABNT, 1987b). The 

data of the standard and measurement were overlapping 

and their differences were noted, and subsequently possible 

correlations with physical, physiological and psychological 

effects from noise on human beings were carried out. 

Results 

During the period of measurement, the main noise sources 

identified in the inner environments of the Comandante 

Ferraz Antarctic Station (EACF) were the electric power 

generators, located in the Machinery Room and Garage, 

and the air compressors of the Aquariums and Carpentry. 

In the outdoor environment, the noisiest were the vehicles – 

tractor and boat – in operation, including all night on one 

of the days. 

The largest variations in noise levels throughout the study 

occurred on days when two electric power generators had 

been replaced, mainly at point B, in the Machinery Room, 

where the noise reduction was more significant in the days 

following the change of the electric power generators. 

It was also found that the operational equipment, such 

as generators, compressors and trash incinerator led to 

alterations in the noise level not only in the measurement 

environments, but also in the adjacent ones too. 

It is noteworthy that the interior of the cabins was not 

considered, since the settings of reduced dimensions did not 

allow using the methodological determinants required by 

specific standard to use the sound level meter. However, the 

assessment of environment is considered to be of essential 

importance as negative effects of noise interferes with the 

length and quality of sleep, in addition acts indirectly leading 

to decrease of the daily performance of the human being, 

mainly in tasks requiring concentration. The collected data 

were systematized and appear in the Figure 1. 

Discussion 

When the data related to daytime and night time periods 

of measurement were compared, reduced noise mean 

value was found at some points. In general, the places of 

measurement are passage environments (points A, Garage; 

B, Machinery Room; C, Old Garage; E, Triage Room), except 


173

a 

b 

Figure 1. EACF acoustic mapping showing the (a) average daytime noise level and the (b) average night time noise level, compared with the NBR 10152. 


the points D (Carpentry) and E (Screening Room), where 

the standing time was lower. 

In these places, the inner measurement of the environment 

could be ascertained, at which point E the mean noise levels 

during daytime and night time were 64.44 dB(A) and 

54.73 dB(A), respectively, noting a decrease of 9.01 dB(A) 

for the night time period. The standard deviation values 

showed a range of 3.84 dB(A)/daytime and 4.33 dB(A)/night 

time. The time of louder noise was during the measurement 

on December 12th, at 10 am, reaching 72 dB(A) when 

impact noise (from a hammer) occurred in the Carpentry. 

In order to adequate this environment to a level 

considered comfortable, 40 dB(A), according to standard 

NBR 10152 (ABNT, 1987a), it would be necessary to reduce 

this average to 24.44 dB(A)/daytime and 14.73 dB(A)/night 

time. In order to achieve the level considered acceptable, 50 

dB(A), it would be necessary to reduce 14.44 dB(A)/daytime 

and 4.73 dB(A)/night time. However, by applying the NR 15 

(Brasil, 1978) the standing time in this environment could be 

an 8-hour working day, although it is already characterized 

as a situation of discomfort. 

In the Carpentry (point D), higher sound level also was 

found on December 12 th , at 10 am, recording 89.9 dB(A). 

According to the mean of the environment of 72.33 dB(A), 

the standing time inside it also could be an 8-hour working 

day, as reported in the NR 15, in a discomfort situation. 

Murgel (2009) have reported that exposure to noise levels 

above 70 dB(A) may lead to sensitive neuropsychological 

changes whose symptoms are increased heart and 

respiratory rates and high blood pressure, effects from an 

alert and defense status to which the body is subjected. 

Above this level the body stress increases, and at around 

100 dB(A) there may be immediate loss of the hearing 

(Souza, 1992). 

In the remaining points, the significance for analysis was to 

confirm whether the indoor working and rest environments 

needing less noise level and having higher standing time 

were in accordance with the recommendations of standard 

NBR 10152, such as the Cabins, Ward, Department of 

Communication, Library, Audio and Video Room and 

Laboratories. As the EACF is a Scientific Station, one aspect 

considered is that its environments are used both during 

daytime and night time periods, thus the levels should be 

compatible in both situations, since in these places the use 

of alternatives to protect the user against noise are difficult, 

such as using earplugs and controls to reduce the exposure 

time, are hampered. 

By observing the measurement points next to the Cabins 

(9, 10, 11 e 12), at point 9 a decrease of 7.04 dB(A) during the 

night time period was found; at points 10 and 11 an increase 

of 2.45 dB(A) and 0.85 dB(A), respectively were found; and 

at point 12 a decrease of 1.62 dB(A) was noted. In order 

to adequate to the level of 35 dB(A), the level considered 

comfortable according to NBR 10152 (ABNT, 1987b), would 

require sealing materials to isolate the external noise during 

the daytime period, reducing its level of transmission into 

the environment in 28.17 dB(A), 20.40 dB(A), 23.00 dB(A) 

and 21.57 dB(A), respectively at points 9, 10, 11, and 12. In 

order to achieve the level of 40 dB(A), the level considered 

acceptable, would require a decrease of 23.17 dB(A), 15.40 

dB(A), 18.00 dB(A) and 16.57 dB(A), respectively. 

Hearing, being the first alert sense of the human being, 

is always active even during sleep and according to the 

World Health Organization (WHO, 1980), the effects of 

noise on sleep starts from 35 dB (A), thus beginning of 

alertness. Above the mentioned level deep sleep time is 

reduced, in addition it extends beyond sleep time by a 

further 20 minutes for levels higher than 65 dB(A) and up 

to 10 minutes for levels up to 55 dB(A), according Murgel 

(2009). Thus, the importance of meeting the standard is 

noted, mainly in the dormitory environments, in order to 

ensure deep sleep, which is the most restorative sleep phase 

and which will allow the good performance of tasks on the 

following day. 

In Laboratory and Library Rooms, which require 

intellectual work, the need to keep noise below 55 dB (A) 

is justified to avoid losses in productivity and the likelihood 

of errors in tasks requiring concentration and memory 

(Murgel, 2009). 

In environments where intelligible verbal communication 

is important, such as the Department of Communication 

and the Audio and Video Room, it is recommended to keep 

the noise level up to 45 dB(A), so that the conversation 

be performed in a normal tone of voice. When the level 


175

increases to 55 dB (A) the speech recognition has become 

difficult, and when it reaches 65 dB (A) a higher vocal effort is 

required. The necessary reductions in the daytime period in 

order to reach both the comfortable and the acceptable levels 

for theses environments to meet the standard, respectively, 

would be: in the Department of Communication, point I, 

24.69 dB(A) and 19.69 dB(A); point J, 21.79 dB(A) and 16.79 

dB(A). In the Audio/Video Room, point G, 35.24 dB (A) 

and 25.24 dB(A); point H, 27.98 dB(A) and 17.98 dB(A); 

point I, 24.69 dB(A) and 14.69 dB(A); point J, 21.79 dB(A) 

and 11.79 dB(A). For the night time period, the reductions 

to reach both the comfortable and acceptable levels would 

be: Department of Communication, point I, 23.20 dB(A) 

and 18.20 dB(A); point J, 19.39 dB(A) and 14.39 dB(A). In 

the Audio/Video Room, point G, 35.04 dB(A) and 25.04 

dB(A), point H, 27.81 dB(A) and 17.81 dB(A); point I, 23.20 

dB(A) and 13.20 dB(A); point J, 19.39 dB(A) and 9.39 dB(A). 

Conclusion 

In order to measure the actual noise level from environments 

of the EACF the internal measurement of their rooms would 

be required, which was expected to occur in the summer of 

2012/2013. However, on 25 February, 2012, a fire destroyed 

part of the EACF, creating discontinuity of all the studies. 

Thus, the data obtained and measured will serve mainly to 

aid in the preparation of the Reference Term that will guide 

the construction of new buildings that will comprise the 

EACF, standing out as desirable the need for more research 

regarding the sealing materials of environments and their 

contribution to isolation of the sources of noise, whether 

outdoors or indoors. The application of questionnaires to 

users for subjective assessing of the noise that points out 

psychological changes, as well as physical evaluations to 

verify the hearing thresholds of the users and the time of 

exposure to noises with the aid of professionals from other 

fields of science also would complement this research. 

In environments directly analyzed, namely Carpentry 

and Screening Room, the mean noise levels showed 

differences with the standards parameters; thus, in the 

future specific solutions should be applied to reduce the 

noise. In these cases the options are: to reduce the noise 

at source, to diminish the noise in the environment 

where the source is located, to decrease the noise between 

the environment where it is produced and the other 

environment, or to minimize the noise at the own hearing 

organ. In environments indirectly analyzed, namely 

Cabins, Ward, Department of Communication, Library, 

Laboratories, and Audio/Video Room, further research 

of construction materials is recommended to achieve the 

correct measurement of indoor noise level. 

Acoustic mapping is an important tool that can help in 

design decisions such as the location of noisy equipment, 

specification of less noisy equipment, use of materials with 

acoustic qualities and use of materials that do not require 

maintenance with noisy equipment. 







State of Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ n° E-16/170,023/2008). 




for Resources of the Sea (CIRM). 

References 

Abrahão, J.; Sznelwar, L.; Silvino, A.; Sarmet, M. & Pinho, D. (2009). Introdução à ergonomia: da prática à teoria. São Paulo: 

Blucher. 

Alvarez, C.E. & Yoshimoto, M. (2004). Avaliação de impacto acústico na Estação Antártica Comandante Ferraz: resultados 

preliminares. In: Anais da XV Reunion de Administradores de Programas Antárticos Latinoamericanos – RAPAL; 2004; 

Guayaquil. 


Associação Brasileira de Normas Técnicas – ABNT. (1987a). NBR 10151: Avaliação do ruído em áreas habitadas visando 

o conforto da comunidade. Rio de Janeiro: ABNT. 

Associação Brasileira de Normas Técnicas – ABNT. (1987b). NBR 10152: Níveis de ruído para conforto acústico. Rio de 

Janeiro: ABNT. 

Brasil. Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego. (1978). Norma Regulamentadora NR 15. Atividades e operações insalubres. 

Brasília: Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego. 

Grandjean, E. & Kroemer, K.H.E. (2005). Manual de ergonomia: adaptando o trabalho ao homem. Tradução de Lia Buarque 

de Macedo Guimarães. 5. ed. Porto Alegre: Bookman. 

Murgel, E. (2009). Fundamentos de acústica ambiental. São Paulo: Senac São Paulo. 

Souza, F.P. (1992). Efeitos da Poluição Sonora no Sono e na Saúde em Geral - Ênfase Urbana. Revista Brasileira de Acústica 

e Vibrações, 10: 12-22. 

World Health Organization – WHO. (1980). Noise. Geneva: WHO. 


177

2 

ANALYSIS OF INDOOR ALDEHYDES IN THE 

COMANDANTE FERRAZ ANTARCTIC STATION 

Érica Coelho Pagel 1,* , Sandra P. Beghi 1 , Cristina Engel de Alvarez 1 , Neyval Costa Reis Júnior 1 , 

Paulo Wagnner P. Antunes 1 , Sérvio Túlio Cassini 1 , Jane M. Santos 1 

1 

Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo – UFES, Av. Fernando Ferrari, 514, Goiabeiras, CEP 29075-910, Vitória, ES, Brazil 

*e-mail: erica.pagel@gmail.com 

Abstract: The study of indoor air quality has recently increased since most of the time people are in closed spaces. A large contribution 

to the emission of indoor pollutants is originated from human activities and building processes. Volatile Organic Compounds, 

mainly from the aldehydes group are present in most parts of new flooring and furnishing, furthermore, these substances have 

adverse effects on human health. This study investigated the aldehyde concentration using passive samplers in many places of 

Comandante Ferraz Brazilian Antarctic Station. The results showed compounds like formaldehyde, acrolein, acetaldehyde and 

hexanaldehyde with significant concentration indoors, in that formaldehyde concentration in new rooms exceeded the guidelines 

of The World Health Organization. Therefore, these results show the need for monitoring these compounds as well as the study 

of the sources of emission. 

Keywords: aldehydes, indoor air quality, passive sampling, building materials 

Introduction 

Over the last half-century there have been major changes 

in building materials, personal habits and consumer 

products used indoors: composite-wood, synthetic carpets, 

polymeric flooring, foam cushioning, plastic items, scented 

cleaning agents, time spent indoors, air- conditioning and 

others have become ubiquitous (Weschler, 2008). These 

new habits and new chemical substances in indoor spaces 

other than architectural typology can intensify low rates 

of air exchange and contribute significantly to indoor air 

quality of a building. 

Studies have shown that building materials are responsible 

for about 40% of the level of emissions of indoor pollutants, 

with significant amounts of emission coming from Volatile 

Organic Compounds (VOCs) present in these materials 

(Missia et al., 2010). Among compounds, aldehydes are of 

particular interest due to their impact on health and because 

they are mainly domestic environment pollutants. 

Most studies of aldehydes are related to formaldehyde, 

classified in Group 2A by the International Agency of 

Research on Cancer due to its carcinogenicity. It has an effect 

on health depending on environment levels. The olfactory 

detection threshold is 60 µg/m³ and varies according to 

each person; it can cause headaches, nausea or dizziness. It 

can also cause mucous irritations as a result of exposure at 

levels from 10 µg/m³ and chronic exposure of formaldehyde 

can induce conjunctivitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, bronchitis 

or coughing (Clarisse et al., 2003). The World Health 

Organization recommended an exposure limited to 

100 µg/m³ for about 30 minutes to prevent long-term effects 

on human health including cancer (WHO, 2010). It is known 

that other specific aldehydes like acrolein and acetaldehyde 

also cause irritation of eyes, skin and mucous membranes of 

the human respiratory tract. The acetaldehyde, for example, 

has been classified as B2, as a likely human carcinogen of 

low carcinogenic hazard (Weng et al., 2009). 

The purpose of our work is to identify and quantify 

VOCs of the aldehyde group inside Comandante Ferraz 

Antarctic Station located in Admiralty Bay, King George 


Island, South Shetlands archipelago. The results will 

evaluate the contribution of pollution sources from human 

activities and building materials, as Antarctica is a natural 

environment without the anthropogenic interference of 

urban centers. Moreover, a large time spent indoors at the 

Antarctica Station with probable indoor sources of emission 

is a motivation of studies related to health and Sick Building 

Syndrome (SBS). 


The experiment was carried out from January 14 th to 

February 3 rd in the Comandante Ferraz Antarctic Station. 

The sampler spaces were selected because of their high usage 

with likely indoor pollution sources. 

The study considered ten indoor spaces. Three spaces of 

general use: living room, library and gym. Three bedrooms: 

two for two people and the third being the Arsenal 

accommodation (twelve people). Four work spaces: kitchen, 

carpentry, “Ferrazão” and a space near the incinerator. The 

kitchen was located inside the main body of the station and 

the other workspaces were located outside the main body of 

the station, without a heating system, but with roof cover. 

In general, the mean indoor temperature of the spaces is 

22 °C and the relatively humidity around 33%. In the outside 

working area the mean temperature is 9 °C and the relatively 

humidity, 26%. The space distribution samplers were placed 

according to Figure 1. 

Aldehydes were sampled using Radiello® Aldehydes 

Samplers (Fondazione Salvatore Maugeri, 2011). These 

are passive samplers that are impregnated cartridges with 

2,4-dinitrophenyhydrazones adsorbent in a cylindrical 

body. The samplers were left about 3, 6 or 7 days according to 

manufacturer’s recommendation and the potential pollution 

of space. A total of 16 samplers and four blanks (samplers 

that were not exposed to the environment in order to detect 

back noise or transport contamination) were placed. The 

samplers were exposed at a standard height of 1.5 m (The 

European Standard, 2006), which is the medium height of 

human breathing, and when possible in the space centre 

(Figure 2). 

A questionnaire was also made for each space, 

summarizing the present building material, the human 

activities during the sampling and other pollution sources. 

After exposure the cartridge was set in a specific and 

identified glass tube and stored in the refrigerator (below 

4 °C) in the station to be transported in the same conditions 

to Brazil. In Brazil the adsorbent was put into a tube with 

2 mL of acetonitrile, and then it was closed and sonicated 

for 30 minutes. The final solution of each sampler was then 

Figure 1. Floor map of the Brazilian Antarctic Station showing the sites of aldehydes passive samplers. 


179

filtered and stored in vials, below 4 °C, awaiting analysis 

(Fondazione Salvatore Maugeri, 2011). 

Sampler analyses were performed by reverse-phase High 

Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) using an UV 

detector operated at a wavelength of 365 nm. The hydrazone 

separation was carried out on Agilent Technologies C18 

column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) associated with a precolumn. 

Two solutions were used for gradient elution: solution A 

contained water and solution B contained acetonitrila. 

Starting conditions: 40% of solution A and 60% of solution 

B for seven minutes, then a linear gradient was applied over 

20 minutes with 100% of solution B. After, between 21 and 

30 minutes 40% of solution A and 60% of solution B were 

applied again. The eluent flowing rate was 2.0 mL/min, the 

temperature was constant in 37 °C (Collins, 2007, modify). 

The determination of the carbonyls was done according 

to the Environment Protect Agency methodology (EPA, 

1999). The aldehydes quantification was done using a 

standard hydrazone solution TO11/IP-6A (cod. 47285- 

U - Supelco, Bellefonte PA, USA). Both detection and 

quantification limits were calculated for all samplers 

according to the guide for validation of analytical and 

bioanalytical methods (ANVISA, 2003). 

Results 

Figure 3 shows the aldehydes concentration found for each 

sampler place. The average concentration of total indoor 

air carbonyls was 196.06 µg/m³. The acrolein was the 

most abundant carbonyls in most air samples, followed by 

acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, hexanaldehyde, butyraldehyde, 

pentanaldehyde, isopentanaldehyde, propinaldehyde 

and benzaldehyde with the average value of respectively 

44.41 µg/m³; 38.33 µg/m³; 33.68 µg/m³; 30.88 µg/m³; 

21.80 µg/m³; 9.01 µg/m³; 8.45 µg/m³; 8.30 µg/m³ and 

1.21 µg/m³. Acrolein, acetaldehyde, formaldehyde and 

hexanaldehyde accounted for respectively 22%, 20%, 17% 

and 16% of total aldehydes indoor air. 

The acetaldehyde concentration was higher in the 

living room (70.02 µgm³; 81.28 µg/m³; 58.13 µg/m³) and 

kitchen (70.63 µg/m³; 80.22 µg/m³; 108.86 µg/m³) than 

other places. The formaldehyde concentration was higher 

in the bedrooms (100.93 µg/m³ for bedroom 10 and 

131.67 µg/m³ for bedroom 21). Bedroom 21 had a significant 

concentration of hexanaldehyde too (97.52 µg/m³) contrary 

to the concentration for bedroom 10 (13.58 µg/m³). In 

the library the main compounds found were: acrolein 

(61.84 µg/m³; 58.54 µg/m³), formaldehyde (36.10 µg/m³; 

39.48 µg/m³), acetaldehyde (20.66 µg/m³; 24.1152/m³) and 

hexanaldehyde (18.76 µg/m³; 19.11 µg/m³). 

The least concentration from all the compounds was found 

in the gym, “Ferrazão”, carpentry and incinerator. The 

concentration of propinaldehyde and benzaldehyde was 

found in minor importance, similar to the concentration 

found by Clarisse et al. (2003). 

a 

b 

Figure 2. a and b): Passive samplers located 1,5 m high in the living room. 


Figure 3. Concentration of indoor air aldehydes in the Comandante Ferraz Antarctic Station rooms. 

Discussion 

Levels of acrolein, acetaldehyde and formaldehyde are the 

most studied in relation to indoor air quality (Andrade et al., 

2002). Studies related to heated cooking oils produce 

considerable amounts of acrolein. Cooking is an important 

source of indoor acrolein. In addition it is also formed by 

the oxidation of voltatic organic carbon species released 

by building materials (Seaman et al., 2009). The abundant 

concentration of acrolein found in the cartridges in our 

work can be explained by the activity of frying in a closed 

building like the Antarctic Station. Some spaces like living 

room and kitchen sometimes have open windows but the 

bedrooms and the library were closed most of the time 

resulting in higher concentration. 

There are three main sources of acetaldehyde: cleaning 

agents, people and building materials. The higher 

acetaldehyde concentration in the kitchen and living room 

can be related to a constant use of cleaning agents in this 

place. In the Brazilian Antarctic Station the living room 

and kitchen are cleaned about four times a day. Moreover 

these rooms have a large number of people during breakfast, 

lunch, dinner and parties. Andrade et al. (2002) stated that 

the main source of acetaldehyde in human organism is 

the metabolism of ethanol. Part of this concentration can 

also result from wood products such as doors, walls and 

plywood floor (Marchand et al., 2005) found in the living 

room of the station. 

Many studies reported that formaldehyde is released by 

various building materials mainly wood-pressed products 

and the levels are significantly greater in new buildings 

(Missia et al., 2010). The rooms that had the highest 

concentration for formaldehyde were the bedrooms. The 

highest concentration was found in bedroom 21 probably 

because it is one of the most recently built bedrooms of 

the station. It was first utilized in this campaign. There was 

laminated wood flooring and composite-wood furnishings. 

Bedroom 10 had the same building materials but it was 

older, although this bedroom showed significant levels of 


181

formaldehyde concentration too. Despite many studies 

associated VOCs concentration in new buildings, little is 

known about the behavior of these indoor compounds after 

a certain period of time (Clarisse et al., 2003). 

It is important to note that the formaldehyde 

concentration in bedroom 21 for an exposure of seven days 

was greater than the limit of the World Health Organization, 

which is 100 µg/m³ for 30 minutes exposition. Lower values 

were found in other studies. Missia et al. (2010) found 

5.8‐62.6 µg/m³ inside three buildings with different ages 

and different ventilation systems and Weng et al. (2009) 

found a mean concentration for formaldehyde of 90.61 µg/ 

m³ inside supermarkets, stores and cinemas. 

Bedroom 21 showed the highest hexanaldehyde 

concentration compared to bedroom 10, which had the 

same building materials. This is due to the new plywood 

sub floor in bedroom 21, which is a probable major hexanal 

source, this compound is observed in abundance in new 

spaces with less than two years of construction using 

this material (Marchand et al., 2005). The library showed 

significant levels of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. A 

variety of VOCs are known to be emitted from paper and 

other cellulose-based materials during degradation, this 

includes the aldehydes as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde 

(Fenech et al., 2010). 

The least concentration of aldehydes was shown in the 

places with greater air exchange, such as the gym, where 

the windows are frequently opened, and also in “Ferrazão”, 

carpentry and incinerator that are located outside the main 

body of the station. 

Conclusion 

Compounds such as acrolein, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde 

and hexanaldehyde make a significant contribution to 

indoor air quality. Regarding building material, it is very 

likely that the pressed wood used in the floor, walls and 

furnishing present in the Antarctic Brazilian Station are 

responsible for many emissions of these pollutants. The 

formaldehyde, that is dangerous to health, showed higher 

levels in bedrooms mainly the new bedroom. Furthermore, 

the human activities such as cooking and cleaning agents 

were also responsible for some of the compounds detected. 

This may indicate the need to review the building materials 

and indoor ventilation strategy, as an important instrument 

of control of the sources of pollutant emissions. 












References 

Agência Nacional De Vigilância Sanitária – ANVISA. (2003). Resolução nº 899, de 29 de maio de 2003. Diário Oficial da 

República Federativa do Brasil, Brasília, maio. 

Andrade, M.A.S.; Pinheiro, H.L.C.; Pereira, P. & Andrade, J. (2002). Compostos carbonílicos atmosféricos. Química nova, 

25(6): 1117-1131. 

Clarisse, B.; Laurent, A.M.; Seta, N.; Moullec, Y.; Le; Hasnaoui, A.E. & Momas, I. (2003). Indoor aldehydes: measurement of 

contamination levels and of their in Paris dwellings. Atmospheric Environment, 92(3): 245-53. 

Collins, C.H.; Braga, G.L. & Bonato, P.S. (2007). Fundamentos de cromatografia. São Paulo: Ed. Unicamp. 453 p. 

European Standard. (2006). EN ISO 16000-1: Indoor air: general aspects of sampling strategy. Bruxelas. 


Fenech, A.; Strlic, M.; Cigic, I.; Levart, A.; Gibson, L.; Bruin, G.; Ntanos, K.; Kolar, J. & Cassar, M. (2010). Volatile aldehydes 

in libraries and archives. Atmospheric Environment, 92(3): 245-53. 

Fondazione Salvatore Maugeri (2011). Manual Radiello. Ed. Supelco. 

Marchand, C.; Bulliot, B.; Calve, S.; Mirabel, P. Aldehyde measurements in indoor environments in Strasbourg – France. 

(2005). Atmospheric Environment, 40(7): 1336-1345. 

Missia, D.; Demetriou, E.; Michael, N.; Tolis, E.I. & Bartzis, J.G. (2010). Indoor exposure from building materials: a field study. 


Seaman, V.; Bennett, D.; Cahill, T. (2009). Indoor acrolein emission and decay rates resulting from domestic cooking events. 


U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – EPA. (1999). TO-11A: Determination of Formaldehyde in Ambient Air Using Adsorbent 

Cartridge Followed by HPLC.USA. 

Weng, M.; Zhu, L.; Yang, K. & Chen, S. (2009). Levels and health risks of carbonyl compounds in selected public places in 

China. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 164(2-3): 700-6. 

Weschler, C.J. Changes in indoor pollutants since the 1950s. (2008). Atmospheric Environment, 43(1): 153-169. 

World Health Organization - WHO. (2010). Guidelines for indoor air quality. Europe. 


183

3 

RESULTS OF THE INTERNAL AUDIT IN THE 

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OF 

THE BRAZILIAN ANTARCTIC SCIENTIFIC STATION 

“COMANDANTE FERRAZ” 

Alexandre de Avila Leripio 1,* , Bruna Barni Pereira 2 , Gustavo Rohden Echelmeier 2 , Leda Pavani 2 

1 

Programa de Mestrado em Gestão de Políticas Públicas, Universidade do Vale do Itajaí – UNIVALI, 

Rua Uruguai, 458, Sala 401, Bloco 16, CEP 88302-202, Itajaí, SC, Brazil 

2 

Centro de Ciências Tecnológicas da Terra e do Mar, Universidade do Vale do Itajaí – UNIVALI, 

Rua Uruguai, 458, Sala 10, Bloco 26, CEP 88302-202, Itajaí, SC, Brazil 

*e-mail: leripio@terra.com.br 

Abstract: With the purpose of strengthening and formalizing the fulfillment of the principles relating to the Antarctic environment 

protection established in the Madrid Protocol, an Environmental Management System certifiable to ISO14001:2004 was set up at 

the Brazilian Antarctic Scientific Station “Comandante Ferraz” (EACF, from now on), to limit the negative environmental impacts. 

The internal audit of the Environmental Management System of EACF was conducted between December 2011 and January 

2012, to verify the compliance of facilities and activities of the EACF in relation to the requirements established by the standard, 

aiming at the certification audit, scheduled for November 2012.The audit was conducted through interviews, data collection, 

observations and analysis of documents and records, and then the findings were discussed and the non-conformities identified. 

The level of compliance of the EACF with reference to the requirements of the standard ISO 14.001:2004 came to 86,2%. The 

conclusion arising from the findings is that the organization is in a situation of partial compliance with the requirement staken 

as a reference and scope of the environmental audit. 

Keywords: Environmental Management System, Antarctica, Comandante Ferraz, ISO 14.001:2004 

Introduction 

The concern with the quality of the environment is not new, 

but it was in the late twentieth century that it was finally 

inserted in the plans of the governments of many countries 

and different segments of society such as among economists, 

scientists and as part of technological concerns. 

In this same period, there was an advance in terms 

of institutionalizing a new political world aimed at 

environmental responsibility and sustainable development, 

result of a more critical analysis of the relationship between 

society and the environment that goes beyond geographical 

and temporal boundaries. 

The organizational responsibility of the environment 

stopped being only a mandatory feature to become a 

voluntary action, exceeding the expectations of society. 

Antarctica is the continent whose natural conditions 

are most preserved, where environmental impacts can 

cause irreversible consequences and, for this reason, it 

is appropriate to be above the legal requirements. Given 

this, the Environmental Management System (EMS from 

now on) goes beyond being just a preventive strategy to 

constitute a need in itself, this because, environmental 

quality requires at least a more rational use of inputs, an 

aspect of great importance when we speak of supply logistics 

for Antarctic stations. 

In order that the commitments made by Brazil for the 

international community are met with an emphasis on 

preventive attitudes, during the years 2010 and 2011 the 

certifiable EMS ISO 14001:2004 was set up at EACF, which 


had the objective of strengthening and formalizing the 

fulfillment of the principles relating to protection of the 

Antarctic environment established in the Madrid Protocol, 

to limit the negative environmental impacts in the Antarctic 

environment. 

Indispensable to the EMS, the internal audit was 

conducted between December 2011 and January 2012 

with the objective of verifying the compliance of EACF 

installations and activities with requirements established 

by ISO 14001:2004 aiming at the certification audit, which 

was scheduled for November 2012. 

It was observed with the internal audit that the 

organization is in a situation of partial conformity with 

the requirement staken as a reference and the scope of the 

environmental audit, reaching 86.2% of compliance with 

the requirements of ISO14001:2004. 

It is noteworthy that, the EMS of EACF will not obtain a 

certification audit pass, because on February 25th, after the 

internal audit, a serious accident occurred with the outbreak 

of fire at EACF, destroying it completely and causing the 

deaths of two Brazilian military. 


The internal environmental audit was carried out to verify 

the compliance of EACF installations and activities, in 

relation to the requirements of ISO 2004, which provides 

for Environmental Management System - Specification with 

Guidance for Use (ISO 14001, 2004). 

The internal audit process was applied in all EACF 

installations and activities that were covered by the EMS. 

The focus of the internal audit concerned the processes 

that have activities with aspect and impact significance and 

so have specific procedures developed in the EMS of EACF. 

The steps of the audit were conducted in modules that 

had activities contemplated in the EMS of EACF. Firstly the 

objective and scope of the audit was defined, and then the 

documents requested for preliminary analysis. 

After the preliminary analysis of the documents, the 

preparation stage for the audit was initiated, which defined 

the Audit Plan, for this, the audit team was selected and 

trained, and finally the work documentation, the check-list 

and audit protocols were developed. 

The checklist was developed and used to facilitate and 

ensure that the observations and search of non-compliances 

were conducted on all the EACF modules contemplating 

all the procedures established in the EMS documentation. 

The audit team consisted of the group-base of Brazilian 

Navy and researchers from the National Institute of 

Environmental Science and Technology of Antarctic 

Environmental Research (INCT-APA). 

With the documents and team ready, the audit was 

initiated, first undertaking the opening meeting, which 

presented the objective and scope, the audit team, the timing 

of the audit and the guides who accompanied the audit by 

the audited. 

The audit was conducted through interviews, data 

collection, observations and analysis of documents and 

records, and then the findings were discussed and the nonconformities 

defined. 

The audit report was presented to the management 

representative, to show the collected data and the 

conclusions of the audit, and so, confirm the proposed plans 

of action or suggest other strategies for the correction of 

non-conformities. 

Results 

The completion of the internal audit counted with the full 

support of everyone in the EACF, especially the members 

of Brazilian Navy, sometimes acting like internal auditors 

or like support team to achieve this important stage of EMS 

of the EACF. 

With the realization of the Environmental Audit 

inside the installations and processes of the organization, 

some evidence that formed the basis for findings was 

collected, which indicates the need for corrective and 

preventive actions in order to fully attend the established 

recommendations set by default reference adopted. 

As a summary of the findings we have made the 

identification of five non-conformities of great importance, 

non-conformity with less significance and ten observations. 

The conclusion resulting from the findings is that the 

organization is in a situation of Partial Compliance with 

the requirements taken as a reference and scope of the 

environmental audit. 


185

Figure 1. Requirements of ISO 14.001:2004. 

Grouping the results obtained for each requirement of 

ISO 14.001:2004 in applying the evaluation tool allowed the 

results shown in Figure 1. 

Overall, the level of attendance of EACF in reference to 

the requirements of the ISO 14.001:2004 was 86.2%, where 

the principle “Environmental Policy” was the only one 

which achieved 100% of compliance. 

Discussion 

By reason of non-registration of new activities with potential 

impact on the environment and no clear definition of 

the plan presented at the Expedition XXIX about the 

objectives, the principle of “planning” which involves items 

Environmental Aspects, Legal Requirements and Objectives, 

Targets and Programs reached a level of 80% compliance. 

The highest level of compliance was observed in the 

requirements referred to “Implementation and Operation” 

at 88%: Resources, roles, responsibilities and authorities 

(93%), Competence, training and awareness (100%), 

Communication (80%), Documentation (92%), Control 

of Documents (100%), Operational Control (90%) and 

Emergency Preparedness and Response, however, the latter 

was the item with the lowest attendance requirements (60%), 

special attention should be given to the implementation of 

corrective actions related to it. 

The group of items “Monitor and Measure” reached a 

level of compliance with the requirements of 83%, requiring 

corrective actions, in relation to registration and updating 

procedures adopted in EACF. 

Finally, the principle of “Review and Improvement” 

scored the second lowest compliance with the requirements 

of the standard, 80%, due to the administrative disputes 

involving EMS of EACF. 

Conclusions 

Some observations have resulted in adapting the EMS 

documents of EACF when the way the activity was 

performed was more appropriate or more applicable to 

the reality of the Antarctic environment, otherwise, when 

non-conformities were identified, the best way to solve them 

was sought through discussions with stakeholders in the 


area, or by bibliographic research, resulting in the proposed 

recommendations for each finding. 

Special attention on the part of the organization with 

respect to major non-conformities mentioned in the report 

was recommended, noting that the internal audit function 

is to check the pending items and record them properly, 

being the Chief of EACF, as management representative, 

the responsible for reporting and performing periodic 

requests for PROANTAR (Brazilian Antarctic Program) 

based also on the internal audit report, with the support 

of the coordinator of internal audit, Sub-Chief of EACF. 












References 

International Organization for Standardization – ISO. (2004). NBR ISO 14.001:04: Environmental Systems Management - 

Specifications and Directives of Usage. Rio de Janeiro: ABNT. 


187

4 

BIOREMEDIATION OF THE DIESEL-CONTAMINATED 

SOIL OF THE BRAZILIAN ANTARCTIC STATION 

Juliano C. Cury 1,* , Hugo E. Jesus 2 , Helena D. M. Villela 3 , Raquel S. Peixoto 2 , Carlos E. G. R. Schaefer 4 , 

Marcia C. Bícego 5 , Diogo A. Jurelevicius 2 , Lucy Seldin 2 , Alexandre S. Rosado 2 

1 

Universidade Federal de São João del Rei – UFSJ, Campus Sete Lagoas, 

Rod. MG 424, Km 47, Itapuã, CP 56, CEP 35701-970, Sete Lagoas, MG, Brazil 

2 

Laboratório de Ecologia Microbiana Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro – UFRJ, 

Av. Brigadeiro Trompowsky, Ilha do Fundão, CEP 21949-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil 

3 

Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo – USP, 

Av. Professor Lineu Prestes, 748, Bloco 9 Superior, Sala 0970, Butantã, CEP 05508-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil 

4 

Departamento de Solos, Universidade Federal de Viçosa – UFV, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, s/n, 

Campus Universitário, CEP 3657-000, Viçosa, MG, Brazil 

5 

Instituto Oceanográfico, Universidade de São Paulo – USP, Praça do Oceanográfico, 

Cidade Universitária, CEP 05508-120, São Paulo, SP, Brazil 

*e-mail: jccury@hotmail.com 

Abstract: Antarctic soils are under constant risks of oil contamination due the presence of scientific stations. Bioremediation is 

the best choice for their recovery. However, before taking the initiative, it is important to test their effect on hydrocarbon depletion 

and microorganisms. Furthermore, it is important to search for hydrocarbon degraders and bioindicators for monitoring. Our 

studies showed that the low concentration of N may be causing the recalcitrance of the hydrocarbons in the soil. The microbial 

characterization revealed alteration of structure and low diversity of the microbial communities in the diesel-polluted soils. The 

results of an ex situ microcosm experiment revealed depletion of the hydrocarbons content due the aeration and the application 

of N fertilizer, as well as effects under the microbial communities. An in situ microcosm experiment with the application of N 

fertilizer and oil-degrader bacterial species previously isolated confirmed the changes under the microbial community. However, 

it is important to point out that the impact of the fertilizer under microbial community is lower than the oil impact. The present 

data provides information that allows us to propose the appropriate methodology that can be applied in the area of the Brazilian 

Antarctic Station for the bioremediation process. In addition, to provide information that allows us to propose an appropriate 

action plan using better recommended materials (e.g. type and dose of fertilizer; stock of consortia of degraders strains) that will 

be available for immediate use in the case of new contaminations due to fuel spills in the new Brazilian Antarctic Station. 

Keywords: Bioremediation, hydrocarbons, Antarctic, soil 

Introduction 

Since the installation of scientific stations, Antarctic soils 

are under constant risk of fuel spills, especially due to the 

leaking of tanks, diesel transference and vehicle refueling 

(Aislabie et al., 2004). Anthropogenic activities like these 

spills can damage the equilibrium of the delicate Antarctic 

environments, which used to possess the last remaining 

pristine zones on Earth (Reinhardt & Van Vleet 1986; 

Delille et al., 2004). 

In some cases, the attempt to cleanup can be made 

using physical and chemical methods. However, for the 

Antarctic environments this is not so simple. Displacement 

of the machinery necessary for the application of physical 

methods would be very expensive, whereas the application 

of chemical methods would be dangerous considering 

the risks of additional environmental impacts. Therefore, 

bioremediation techniques have been considered an 

appropriate remediation technology for polar soils, being 


elatively more cost-effective and benign (Aislabie et al., 

2006). 

Bioremediation techniques are based on the ability of 

some microorganisms to use the petroleum hydrocarbons 

as energy source (Alexander, 1994). The monitored natural 

attenuation is the best cost-effective choice to be applied in 

oil-polluted sites considering the low-risk and presenting 

high rates of hydrocarbon degradation. However, in polar 

soils the environmental conditions are suboptimal for 

biodegradation (Aislabie et al., 2006). As for some soils out 

of the Polar Regions, a cause of hydrocarbon recalcitrance 

can be the depletion of nutrients (especially N and P). 

An alternative to overcome this problem is the technique 

of biostimulation (Alexander, 1994), with the addition 

of fertilizers (e.g. N-P-K, MAP, DAP). However, these 

additions must be made carefully due the typical coarsetextured, 

low-moisture Antarctic soils because excess levels 

of fertilizers can inhibit hydrocarbon biodegradation by 

decreasing soil water potentials (Aislabie et al., 2006). Other 

potential limitations for the activity of degraders present 

in Antarctic soils include low temperature and moisture, 

alkalinity and the potentially inhibitory effect of toxic 

hydrocarbons (Aislabie et al., 2006). 

Since the microorganisms are responsible for the 

degradation of the hydrocarbons, it is very important to 

know their dynamics. According to Aislabie et al. (2006), 

studies have confirmed the presence of hydrocarbondegrading 

bacteria in polluted polar soils. Beside, 

Luz et al. (2004, 2006) demonstrated that genes involved in 

hydrocarbons degradation are present in the region of the 

Brazilian Antarctic Station (EACF). Additionally, it is known 

that the presence of oil can change the microbial diversity 

of Antarctic soils (Saul et al., 2005), and the knowledge of 

how it occurs may be important for bioindicators selection 

and further monitoring. 

The aim of this work was to characterize the soil 

properties, the extent of oil contamination and the microbial 

diversity of polluted and adjacent unpolluted soils of the 

Brazilian Antarctic Station. Beyond that, we aimed to test 

the impact of the application of different doses of fertilizer 

and previously selected degrader strains on depletion of 

the hydrocarbons and changes in microbial community 

structure, to propose an efficient and sustainable alternative 

to minimize the oil pollution at EACF. 


The sampling site is located on the front of the Brazilian 

Antarctic Station. The area close to the fuel tanks was 

subjected to a 20,000-L diesel spill in 1986. Previous 

analysis indicates that the reached soil contains variable 

concentrations of hydrocarbons in its subsurface (0.5-1.0 m) 

(data not shown). Subsurface staining and smell was evident 

at several areas near the fuel tanks, indicating the presence 

of the hydrocarbons. Five superficial (1 m) soil samples were 

collected in triplicate in March 2010, during the Antarctic 

Summer. Three samples (1, 2 and 3) were collected in the 

oil-polluted area, whereas the other two samples (4 and 5) 

were collected in the oil-unpolluted area (Figure 1). 

The structure and diversity of the microbial communities 

of the soil samples are characterized using DGGE and SSU 

rDNA sequencing methods, respectively. To confirm the 

indigenous bacterial hydrocarbons degrading potential we 

performed a survey by PCR using specific primers for genes 

involved in degrading pathways. 

We performed ex situ and in situ microcosm 

bioremediation experiments to test the hydrocarbons 

depletion and the impact of the treatments under the 

microbial communities. In the ex situ experimental doses 

of MAP fertilizers (biostimulation) were tested, whereas 

in the in situ microcosm a concentration of MAP plus the 

reintroduction of bacterial degraders previously isolated 

from the contaminated soil (bioaugmentation) were tested. 

Results 

Nitrogen is present in extremely low levels in the soil 

samples collected in the Brazilian Antarctic Station before 

the fertilizer application. After two months since the 

application of the MAP fertilizer, the content of N became 

detectable and ranged from 0.02 to 0.08 dag.kg –1 in the 

soil of the in situ microcosm experiment. Figure 2 shows 

the content of hydrocarbons of the original soil samples 

collected in oil-polluted (1 to 3) and oil-unpolluted (4 and 

5) areas and in oil-contaminated and oil-uncontaminated 

soils after the microcosm experiment. We can observe a 

linear decrease of hydrocarbons amount from point 1. After 

60 days of incubation, the hydrocarbons content decreased 

linearly until the treatment with 250 mg N.kg –1 . 

The DGGE analyses revealed that the collection points 

harbor different bacterial community structures since 


189

Figure 1. Soil sampling points in the front of the Brazilian Antarctic Station. Samples 1 to 3 were collected in the oil-polluted area whereas the samples 4 and 

5 were collected in the oil-unpolluted area. 

Figure 2. TPHs (total petroleum hydrocarbons) content of soil samples 

collected in the front of the Brazilian Antarctic Station and after the 

microcosm experiment. Samples 1 to 3 were collected in the oil-polluted 

area whereas the samples 4 and 5 were collected in the oil-unpolluted 

area. I: initial content, calculated as the mean of content of the original 

soil samples. N: mixture (1:1) of the oil-unpolluted soil samples (4 and 5). 

C: mixture (1:1:1) of the oil-polluted soil samples (1, 2 and 3). Numbers 

after the letters indicate the amount of added Nitrogen (mg.kg –1 ). 

the repetitions of the triplicate or duplicate used always 

grouped together (Figure 3). The dendrograms shows 

a strong tendency of grouping due to the presence or 

absence of the hydrocarbon pollution. Furthermore, the 

DGGE analysis showed that the application of fertilizer 

and the reintroduction of bacterial degraders influence the 

determination of the structure of the bacterial communities 

of the soil (Figure 4). The SSU rDNA sequence results 

indicate a tendency of higher bacterial and microeukaryotic 

diversity in the oil-uncontaminated soil (Figure 5), 

indicating a toxic effect of the diesel present in the area. 

The results from PCR amplification of key genes 

encoding bacterial hydrocarbon degradation pathways 

showed that expected fragments of alkB gene, encoding for 

aerobic alkane degradation, and bamA gene, the biomarker 

of aromatic degradation by anaerobic bacteria, were found 

in both contaminated and uncontaminated soils. The Grampositive 

α-subunit-RHD do not presented amplification in 

the oil-uncontaminated soil samples and the α-subunit- 


RHD from Gram-negative was not amplified only for the 

samples of the oil-uncontaminated soil of the sampling 

point 4. Fragments of the expected size of benzyl- and 

alkylsuccinate synthase genes (bssA and assA) were only 

detected on lower oil-contamination level soil (sampling 

point 3), and in all oil-uncontaminated soils. 

a 

b 

Figure 3. DGGE profiles of PCR-amplified 16S rDNA gene fragments of bacterial communities of the soil samples collected in oil-polluted (1 to 3) and oilunpolluted 

(4 and 5) areas of the Brazilian Antarctic Station. a) Samples 1, 2, 4 and 5 where the triplicate was used. b) Samples 1 and 2 in duplicate, sample 

3 in triplicate and samples 4, 5, N (mixture 1:1 of samples of oil-unpolluted area), C (mixture 1:1:1 of samples of oil-polluted area) and M (mixture 1:1 of C and 

N). Clustering analysis was based on Pearson’s correlation index and the unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic averages. 

C BE BA BEBA 

a 

C BE BA BEBA 

b 

Figure 4. DGGE profiles of PCR-amplified 16S rDNA gene fragments of bacterial communities of soil with a history of contamination a) and soil uncontaminated 

added with 2% of diesel. C: control; BE: biostimulation (250 mg.kg –1 N); BA: bioaugmentation; BEBA: biostimulation plus bioaugmentation. 


191

Bacteria 

a 

Archaea 

b 

c 

Microeukaryotes 

Figure 5. Rarefaction curves calculated using DOTUR 0.03 

. The partial sequences of microbial SSU rRNA genes from Antarctic oil-contaminated and oiluncontaminated 

soils (mixture 1:1:1 and 1:1 of samples of oil-polluted and oil-unpolluted areas of the Brazilian Antarctic Station, respectively) was used. a, 

b, c) curves of each library of each bacterial, archaeal and microeukaryotic domains respectively. 


The recalcitrance of hydrocarbons in cold soils may be due 

characteristics as: low temperatures (Haider, 1999), lack of 

final electron acceptors (especially oxygen) (Johnsen et al., 

2005), low nutrient concentrations or availability 

(especially N and P) (Aislabie et al., 2006), or the absence of 

microorganisms capable of using hydrocarbons as C source 

(Johnsen et al., 2005; Huesemann et al., 2002). Two of the 

cited factors must be contributing to the hydrocarbon 

recalcitrance in the soil of the Brazilian Antarctic Station: 

the nutrient content, especially Nitrogen, considering 

the negligible amounts of this element in soil; and the 

lack of oxygen as electron acceptor, considering that the 

polluted area remains under constant water logging and 

soil compression due the thaw of the upstream snow 

and the constant traffic of vehicles, respectively, which 

decreases the oxygen diffusion. The absence of degrading 

microorganisms not seems to be one recalcitrance factor 

considering the positive results obtained in the PCR of 

the tested genes involved in the hydrocarbon degradation. 

These results indicate that the microbial community of 

the oil-polluted soil of the Antarctic Brazilian Station is 

able to perform metabolic pathways of the hydrocarbon 

degradation. An indication of the microorganisms 

participation in the hydrocarbon depletion via degradation 

is the dose-response effect observed with the application 

of the Nitrogen. The application of N at a rate between 125 

and 250 mg.kg –1 seems to be sufficient to promote further 


degradation of the hydrocarbons regardless the effect of 

the aeration. 

The present data provides information that allows 

us to propose the appropriate methodology that can be 

applied in the area of the Brazilian Antarctic Station for the 

bioremediation process. In addition, it provides information 

that allows us to propose an appropriate action plan using 

better recommended materials (e.g. type and dose of fertilizer; 

stock of a consortia of degraders strains) that will be available 

for immediate use in the case of new contaminations due to 

fuel spills in the Brazilian Antarctic Station. 












References 

Aislabie, J.; Balks, M.R.; Foght, J. & Waterhouse, E.J. (2004). Hydrocarbon spills on Antarctic soils: effect and management. 

Environmental Science & Technology, 38(5): 1265-1274. 

Aislabie, J.; Sauld, D.J. & Foght, J.M. (2006). Bioremediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated polar soils. Extremophiles, 10: 

171-179. 

Alexander, M. (ed.) (1994). Biodegradation and Bioremediation. San Diego: Academic Press Inc. 

Delille, D.; Coulon, F. & Pelletier, E. (2004). Biostimulation of natural microbial assemblages in oil-amended vegetated and 

desert sub-Antarctic soils. Microbial Ecology, 47:407-415. 

Haider, K. (1999). Microbe-soil-organic contaminant interactions. In: Adriano, D.C.; Bollag, J.M.; Frankenberger, W.T. & Sims, 

R.C. (Eds.). Bioremediation of contaminated soils. Madison: ASA/CSSA/SSSA. p. 33-51. 

Huesemann, M.H.; Hausmann, T.S. & Fortman, T.J. (2002). Microbial factors rather than bioavailability limit the rate and extent 

of PAH biodegradation in aged crude oil contaminated model soils. Bioremediation Journal, 6(4): 321-336. 

Johnsen, A.R.; Wick, L.Y. & Harms, H. (2005). Principles of microbial PAH-degradation in soil. Environmental Pollution, 

133(1): 71-84. 

Luz, A.P.; Pellizari, V.H.; Whyte, L.G. & Greer, C.W. (2004). A survey of indigenous microbial hydrocarbon degradation genes 

in soils from Antarctica and Brazil. Canadian Journal of Microbiology, 50: 323-333. 

Luz, A.P.; Ciapina, E.M.P.; Gamba, R.C.; Lauretto, M.S.; Farias, E.W.C.; Bicego, M.C.; Taniguchi, S.; Montone, R.C. & Pellizari, 

V.H. (2006). Potential for bioremediation of hydrocarbon polluted soils in the Maritme Antarctic. Antarctic Science, 18(3): 

335-343. 

Reinhardt, S.B. & Van Vleet, E.S. (1986). Hydrocarbons of Antarctic midwater organisms. Polar Biology, 6:47–51. 

Saul, D.J.; Aislabie, J.M.; Brown, C.E.; Harris, L. & Foght, J.M. (2005). Hydrocarbon contamination changes the bacterial 

diversity of soil from around Scott Base, Antarctica. FEMS Microbiology Ecology, 53: 141-155. 


193

EDUCATION AND 

OUTREACH ACTIVITIES 

Deia Maria Ferreira 1,* , Benedita Aglai Oliveira da Silva 1 , Rômulo Loureiro Casciano 1,2 , 

Leilane Fasollo de Azevedo 1 , Francine Nascimento Quintão Costa 1 , Bianca Sousa Gonçalves 1 , 

Jenifer Souza 1 , Luiz Gustavo Fernandes de Sousa 1 

1 

Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro – UFRJ, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, bloco 

A, sala A2-102, Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, CEP 21.941-902, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil 

2 

Professor das Escolas Municipais Santos Anjos Custódios e Américo Vespúcio, Cabo Frio, RJ, Brazil 

*e-mail: deia@biologia.ufrj.br 

Abstract: The educational materials and activities presented arose from the need to publicize the results of research carried out by 

the National Institute of Science and Technology - Antarctic Environmental Research (INCT-APA) to basic education students and 

teachers and to the general public. The materials are intended to provide a sample of those investigations and to present the work 

of researchers who are in Antarctica. The methodology consists in transcribing the scientific language of the published articles to 

an easier-to-understand language for the school frequenter public and for those who visit exhibitions for scientific dissemination. 

Two exhibitions were held, the FAPERJ Fair and the VIII National Week of Science and Technology, both in Rio de Janeiro city. 

For the exhibitions, information and educational materials about the Antarctic ecosystems were developed: interactive theater, an 

activity using cut and painted Styrofoam hats shaped like animals (krill, fish, seal, seabird, penguin and whale); two informative 

panels about Antarctica and the research undertaken; a model of Brazilian Antarctic Station Comandante Ferraz; collections of 

animals and plants of the continent; the game A Tour of the Antarctica, where participants are the pieces themselves; an interactive 

media which focuses on the continent, the story of its occupation and environmental problems generated by human occupation is 

presented by a whale and her calf born in Brazil, a seal and a penguin. An Agenda and t-shirts complete the work. 

Keywords: Antarctic, scientific popularization, teaching sciences, teaching ecology 

Introduction 

Research centers and universities, which usually concentrate 

a large amount of researchers, are often isolated spheres 

of knowledge in society. Dissemination of science can be 

understood as an action of social commitment, by citizens 

who have the opportunity and the privilege of participating 

in university institutions of higher education. As a rule, 

the scientific language of articles is very peculiar and its 

understanding is carried out by peers and/or those interested 

in that specific area of knowledge, a restricted set of people. 

It is know that science should be one of the conditions 

necessary for the formation and training of individuals to 

deal with the world in which they are inserted. 

To transpose this language, the choice was for the 

development of educational and playful materials, which 

have been successfully used in the teaching/learning 

process in various areas of knowledge such as Biology, 

Mathematics and Chemistry (Melim et al., 2009; Rossetto, 

2010; Alves, 2001; Barbosa et al., 2004; Zanom et al., 2008; 

Domingos & Recena, 2010). Analyzing didactic games, 

Gomes & Friedrich (2001) recognize the pedagogical value 

of the didactic game, as well as an effective contribution to 

the teaching-learning process in the areas of Science and 

Biology. 

In this project, the purpose has been, the dissemination 

and popularization of science integrated actions aimed at 

getting to know the Antarctic region with its peculiarities, 

what the INCT-APA researchers do and to contribute 

to this knowledge to enable it to reach basic education 

and the general public. The project has been developed 

by Undergraduate Degree Course students in Biological 

Sciences and Fine Arts. It integrates a set of educational 

materials, activities and actions for planning, developing 

and implementing exhibitions for scientific exhibitions to 

the general public. 


The methodology consists of transcribing the language 

of scientific articles developed by INCT-APA researchers 

in different areas of knowledge for the development 

of educational materials. Teaching materials about the 


Antarctic ecosystems are developed, emphasizing the 

importance of these environments to existing conditions 

in South America, in particular Brazil’s coastline and these 

and other materials are used on large exhibitions for schools 

and for the general public. 

The production of materials for scientific dissemination 

related to the knowledge of the coastal ecosystems of the 

State of Rio de Janeiro has formed the basis of materials 

developed about Antarctica since 2010 (Bozelli & Ferreira, 

2009, 2010) 

Experiences in ecology contributions to the teaching 

practice (Bozelli et al., 2011) offers a compilation of 

educational practices, games and dynamics of eleven out of 

the twenty-seven courses for teachers developed and carried 

out by the team. Playful activities as a facilitator of the 

teaching/learning process must be highlighted. The area of 

education in particular should take on renewed assignments, 

developing projects of educational experimentation, 

elaboration of teaching materials and implementation of 

new pedagogical methods. 

The transcription of language takes different forms, 

namely: games, booklets, fact sheets, material for theater 

and exhibitions, using these and other materials, such as 

fixed specimens of Antarctic plants and animals. 

Results 

The Exhibitions: 

• The FAPERJ Fair of Science, Technology & Innovation 

2011 is an event of the Carlos Chagas Research Support 

Foundation of the State of Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ) 

open to the public to bring together researchers and 

entrepreneurs, where visitors can see, in a vast panorama, 

the diversity of products and processes resulting from 

investigations and relevant projects developed with 

the support of the Foundation in the areas of Science, 

Technology and Innovation. It was held at the Centro 

Cultural Ação da Cidadania, located in the port area 

of Rio de Janeiro. The stand especially attracted the 

attention of children and adolescents. Animals, algae 

and plants of the continent were exposed, as well as a 

replica of the Comandante Ferraz Antarctic Station and 

a banner about what the INCT-APA researchers do in 

Antarctica. The best researchers from the State of Rio de 

Janeiro exposed and visited the exhibition and received 

FAPERJ funding, among others (Figure 1). 

• VIII National Week of Science and Technology/ CNPq 

(2011) The National Week of Science and Technology 

is an event of the National Council for Research and 

Development (CNPq) that aim the mobilization of 

public, in particular children and youngsters, around 

themes and activities of science and technology. It 

was held in 2011 in the hall of the rectory of Federal 

University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) and attracted 3,000 

visitors among basic educations schools, general public 

and the university public itself. The stand was 60 m² and 

it was divided into five activities, each involving one to 

two mediators, undergraduate students of Biological 

Sciences and Fine Arts (Figure 2). 

Figure 1. The FAPERJ Fair of Science, Technology & Innovation 2011. 

Photo: Geyze M. Faria. 

Figure 2. VIII National Week of Science and Technology/CNPq (2011). 

Photo: Rafael B. Moura. 

Education and Outreach Activities | 

195

Informative and educational materials 

developed: 

1. Game “A Tour of the Antarctica”: The game consists of 

a path divided into gaps of different alternating colors 

(yellow, green, pink and blue) and for each color there 

are their respective cards. These cards, in addition to 

determining the course of the game, contain information 

and fun facts about interactions among marine 

organisms, about birds and mammals, about the icy 

continent, as well as aspects of man’s relationship with the 

Antarctic environment. Players are the pins themselves 

and the number of spaces to move is determined by 

rolling a giant dice, which contains numbers from 1 to 6. 

The objective of the game is to get children, adolescents 

and young people to know a little of the ecosystems of 

this region in an enjoyable and dynamic way (Figure 3). 

2. Interactive panel magnetized: an interactive panel 

illustrating the antarctic environments with the different 

Magnets shaped like animals and plants for the children 

to place, choosing the most appropriate place for each 

species and discussing with the mediator (Figure 4). 

3. DVD: Antarctica is first shown in a short animated 

video by these characters: the blue whale, the blue whale 

cub, Weddell the seal and Gentoo the Penguin. In this 

animation the blue whale takes its calf, which was born 

near the Brazilian coast, to discover Antarctica for the 

first time. It uses the long journey to tell a little about the 

Antarctic continent and, when they arrive there, with 

the help of the seal and the penguin, news things will 

happen. After this brief introduction, the public is invited 

to interact with various topics present in the DVD, 

including a history of discovery and exploration, fauna, 

flora and the Comandante Ferraz Antarctic Station, 

where the researchers stay. The Antarctic ecosystems, 

their biodiversity, importance to global climate dynamics 

and some of the environmental problems created by 

human presence are presented. In this DVD there is 

also an interactive game of questions and answers for 

checking learning. Links to interesting websites on the 

topic will also be made available (Figure 5). 

4. Antarctic animal hats: developed with painted 

craft foam, these were used to dramatize ecological 

interactions among marine organisms: krill, fish, seal, 

skua, penguin and whale (Figure 6). 

5. Informative panels, EACF model and Antarctic 

clothes: two panels inform the visitor about what the 

Figure 4. Interactive panel magnetized. Photo: Rômulo L. Casciano. 

Figure 3. Game “A Tour of the Antarctica”. Photo: Rômulo L. Casciano. 

Figure 5. DVD with Antarctic environment images and interactive game 

of questions and answers for checking learning. Photo: Rafael B. Moura. 


esearchers do and what the station where they stay 

during research is like. EACF Model with the size 

of 1m², showing the Comandante Ferraz Antarctic 

Station to the participants in the event. It was 

developed on a base of wood and Styrofoam, painted 

cardboard paper modules and accessories adapted 

by an undergraduate student at the School of Fine 

Arts. The Antarctic clothes provided by the Navy of 

Brazil (ESANTAR-RJ) were displayed on a mannequin 

(Figure 7). 

Figure 6. Antarctic animal hats krill, fish, seal, skua, penguin and whale. Photos: Rafael B. Moura; Jenifer Souza. 

Figure 7. Informative panels, EACF model and Antarctic clothes. Photos: Geyze M. Farias. 


197

6. T-shirts: for each exhibition, t-shirts identifying the 

INCT-APA team were created (Figure 8). 

7. Folder: an educational folder is currently being 

developed, where there will be illustrations, stories and 

activities about the Antarctic ecosystems and some of 

their species, especially chosen since they generate great 

interest in the school public. The activities are games such 

as word search, crossword puzzles and cryptograms in 

which readers can apply in a playful way the knowledge 

the acquired throughout the booklet. 

8. Agenda 2012: a diary has been developed in 2011 for the 

year 2012 (Figure 9). 

9. Exhibition of plants and animals: collections of Antarctic 

plants and animals were exposed for observation 

(Figure 10). 

Figure 9. Agenda 2012 developed in 2011 for the year 2012. 

Figure 10. Exhibition of the Antarctic plants and animals. Photo: Rafael 

B. Moura. 

Figure 8. T-shirts for the INCT-APA team. 














References 

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199

FACTS AND FIGURES 

Human Resources: Capacity Building 

The research activities of INCT-APA involved undergraduate 

and postgraduate students. The fellowships was focus 

especially at Master of Science, PhD and Postdoctoral 

fellows, but students of scientific initiation had also been 

engaged in the studies, as well as trained technical staff. 

The illustration below highlights the Antarctic capacity of 

developed human resources during the three years of the 

INCT-APA, taking into account all the funding provided 

by CNPq, CAPES, FAPERJ and others regional institutions 

for scientific support. 


2 POST-DOCTORATE FELLOWS 



1 MScs STUDENTS 

1 PhD STUDENT 

5 GRADUATE TECHNICAL FELLOW (AT-NS) 


5 UNDERGRADUATE SCIENTIFIC FELLOW (IC) 


5 TECHNICAL ASSISTANTS FELLOW (AT-NM) 




1 PhD STUDENTS 




4 PhD STUDENTS 

1 GRADUATE FELLOW (DTI-3) 



7 GRADUATE FELLOW (DTI-3) 



Facts and Figures | 

201

publications 

Papers 

Bageston, J.V.; Wrasse, C.M.; Hibbins, R.E.; Batista, P.P.; 

Gobbi, D.; Takahashi, H.; Andrioli, V.F.; Fechine, J.; 

Denardini, C.M. Case study of a mesospheric wall event 

over Ferraz station, Antarctica (62&deg; S). Annales 

Geophysicae, v. 29, p. 209-219, 2011. 

Bageston, J.V.; Wrasse, C.M.; Batista, P.P.; Hibbins, R.E.; 

Fritts, D.C.; Gobbi, D.; Andrioli, V.F. Observation of a 

mesospheric front in a dual duct over King George 

Island, Antarctica. Atmospheric Chemistry and 

Physics Discussion (Online), v. 11, p. 16185-16206, 

2011. 

Barboza, C.A.M.; Moura, R.B.; Lanna, A.M.; Oackes, T.; 

Campos, L.S. Echinoderms as clues to Antarctic South 

American connectivity. Oecologia Australis, v. 15, p. 

86-110, 2011. 

Campos, L.S.; Bassoi, M.; Nakayama, C.R.; Yoneshigue- 

Valentin, Y.; Lavrado, H.P.; Menot, L.; Sibuet, M. Antarctic 

South American interactions in the marine environment: 

a COMARGE and CAML effort through the South 

American consortium on Antarctic marine biodiversity. 

Oecologia Australis, v. 15, p. 5-22, 2011. 

Cipro, C.V.Z.; Yogui, G.T.; Bustamante, P.; Taniguchi, S.; 

Sericano, J.L.; Montone, R.C. Organic pollutants and 

their correlation with stable isotopes in vegetation 

from King George Island, Antarctica. Chemosphere 

(Oxford) v. 85, p. 393-398, 2011. 

Correia, E. Study of Antarctic-South America connectivity 

from ionospheric radio soundings. Oecologia Australis, 

v. 15, p. 10-17, 2011. 

Correia, E.; Kaufmann, P.; Raulin, J.P.; Bertoni, F.C.; Gavilán, 

H.R. Analysis of daytime ionosphere behavior between 

2004 and 2008 in Antarctica. Journal of Atmospheric 

and Solar-Terrestrial Physics, v. 73, p. 2272-2278, 

2011. 

Costa, E. S.; Ayala, L.; Sul, J.A.I.; Coria, N.R.; Sánchez- 

Scaglioni, R.E.; Alves, M.A.S.; Petry, M.V.; Piedrahita, P. 

Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic seabirds in South America: 

a review. Oecologia Australis (Press), v. 15, p. 59-68, 

2011. 

Guerra, R.; Fetter, E.; Ceschim, L.M.M.; Martins, C.C. Trace 

metals in sediment cores from Deception and Penguin 

Islands (South Shetland Islands, Antarctica). Marine 

Pollution Bulletin, v. 62, p. 2571-2575, 2011. 

Miloslavich, P.; Klein, E.; Díaz, J.M.; Hernández, C.E.; 

Bigatti, G.; Campos, L.S. ; Artigas, F.; Castillo, J.; 

Penchaszadeh, P.E.; Neill, P.E.; Carranza, A.; Retana, 

M.V.; Díaz de Astarloa, J.M.; Lewis, M.; Yorio, P.; Piriz, 

M.L.; Rodríguez, D.; Yoneshigue-Valentin, Y.; Gamboa, 

L.; Martín, A.; Thrush, S. Marine Biodiversity in the 

Atlantic and Pacific Coasts of South America: Knowledge 

and Gaps. Plos One, v. 6, p. e14631, 2011. 

Nakayama, C.R.; Kuhn, E.; Araújo, A.C.V.; Alvalá, P.C.; 

Ferreira, W.J.; Vazoller, R.F.; Pellizari, V.H. Revealing 

archaeal diversity patterns and methane fluxes in 

Admiralty Bay, King George Island, and their association 

to Brazilian Antarctic Station activities. Deep-Sea 

Research. Part 2. Tropical Studies in Oceanography, 

v. 58, p. 128-138, 2011. 

Ribeiro, A.P.; Figueira, R.C.L.; Martins, C.C.; Silva, C.R.A.; 

França, E.J.; Bícego, M.C.; Mahiques, M.M.; Montone, 

R.C. Arsenic and trace metal contents in sediment 

profiles from the Admiralty Bay, King George Island, 

Antarctica. Marine Pollution Bulletin, v. 62, p. 192- 

196, 2011. 

Rodrigues, E.; Suda, C.N.K; Rodrigues Jr, E.; Oliveira, 

M.F.; Carvalho, C.S; Vani, G.S. Antarctic fish metabolic 

responses as potential biomarkers of environmental 

impact. Oecologia Australis, v. 15, p. 124-149, 2011. 

Sicinski, J.; Jazdzewski, K.; Broyer, C.; Presler, P.; Ligowski, 

R.; Nonato, E. F.; Corbisier, Thais N.; Petti, M.A.V.; 

Brito, T.A.S.; Lavrado, H.P. Admiralty Bay benthos 

diversity a census of a complex polar ecosystem. 

Deep-Sea Research. Part 2. Tropical Studies in 

Oceanography, v. 58, p. 30-48, 2011. 

Sul, J.A.I.; Barnes, D.K.A.; Costa, M.F.; Convey, P.; Costa, 

E.S.; Campos, L.S. Plastics in the antarctic environment: 

are we looking only at the tip of the iceberg? Oecologia 

Australis, v. 15, p. 150-170, 2011. 

Yogui, G.T.; Sericano, J.L.; Montone, R.C. Accumulation 

of semivolatile organic compounds in Antarctic 

vegetation: a case study of polybrominated diphenyl 

ethers. Science of the Total Environment, v. 409, p. 

3902-3908, 2011. 


Monographs (2009-2011) 

Gomes, P. F. Proposta de metodologia para avaliação 

de impacto paisagístico: aplicação nas instalações 

brasileiras na Antártica. Monografia em Arquitetura. 

Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, UFES, Brasil, 

2009. 

Wisnieski, E. Esteróis Marcadores Geoquímicos em 

Colunas Sedimentares da Enseada Martel, Baía 

do Almirantado, Península Antártica. Monografia 

em Oceanografia. Universidade Federal do Paraná, 

UFPR, Brasil, 2009. 

Aguiar, S. N. Geoquímica de esteróis biogênicos em 

sedimentos de duas enseadas (Mackelar e Ezcurra) 

na Baía do Almirantado, Península Antártica. 

Monografia em Oceanografia. Universidade Federal 

do Paraná, UFPR, Brasil, 2010. 

Duarte, D. Efeito da salinidade, temperatura e fluoreto 

na atividade enzimática da ATPase Na/K branquial 

do peixe antártico Notothenia rossii (Richardson, 

1844). Monografia em Ciências Biológicas. Universidade 

de Taubaté, UNITAU, Brasil, 2010. 

Lanna, A. M. Composição específica e distribuição 

espacial de Echinodermata da zona costeira rasa 

na Baía do Almirantado, Ilha Rei George, Antártica. 

Monografia o em Ciências Biológicas. Universidade 

Federal do Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, Brasil, 2010. 

Pedreiro, M. R. D. Estudo comparativo da ação do 

fluoreto na morfologia branquial de Notothenia 

rossii e Notothenia corriceps sob estresse 

térmico e salino. Monografia em Ciências Biológicas. 

Universidade Federal do Paraná, UFPR, Brasil, 2010. 

Prado, C. P. B. (2010). Efeito da salinidade, temperatura 

e fluoreto sobre os níveis teciduais da enzima 

arginase em brânquias do peixe antártico 

Notothemis rossii (Richardson, 1844). Monografia 

em Ciências Biológicas. Universidade de Taubaté, 

UNITAU, Brasil. 

Teixeira, M. G. Efeito da salinidade e da temperatura na 

atividade de enzimas do metabolismo energético 

de brânquias do peixe antártico Notothenia rossii 

(Richardson,1844). Monografia em Ciências Biológicas. 

Universidade de Taubaté, UNITAU, Brasil, 2010. 

Medina, R. G. Análise da divergência genética e 

morfológica em populações naturais de Polytrichum 

juniperinum hedw. da Antártica e América do Sul. 

Monografia em Ciências Biológicas. Universidade 

Federal do Pampa, UNIPAMPA, Brasil, 2011. 

Krebsbach, P. Histologia e caracterização 

histoquímica da estrutura estomacal do peixe 

antártico Notothenia rossii (Richardson, 1844) 

sob condições de estresse térmico. Monografia em 

Ciências Biológicas. Universidade Federal do Paraná, 

UFPR, Brasil, 2011. 

Segadilha, J. L. Tanaidacea de duas enseadas da 

Baía do Almirantado, Ilha Rei George, Antártica. 

Monografia em Biologia. Universidade Federal do Rio 

de Janeiro, UFRJ, Brasil, 2011. 

Souza, T. C. Asteoidea (Equinodermata) coletados 

durante o Programa Antártico Brasileiro nas Ilhas 

Shetland do Sul e Estreito de Bransfields, Antártica. 

Monografia em Ciências Biológicas. Universidade 

Federal do Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, Brasil, 2011. 

Master of Science Dissertations (2010-2011) 

Ceschim, L. M. M. Estudo das variações temporais no 

aporte de matéria orgânica sedimentar das Ilhas 

Deception e Pingüim, Península Antártica: uma 

aplicação dos esteróis como marcadores de processos 

geoquímicos. Dissertação em Sistemas costeiros e 

oceânicos. Universidade Federal do Paraná, UFPR, 

Brasil, 2010. 

Rodrigues Júnior, E. R. Impacto do fluoreto na resposta 

metabólica do peixe Antárticos Notothenia rossii 

(Richardson, 1844) aclimatado sob condições de 

estresse térmico e hiposmótico. Dissertação em 

Biologia Celular e Molecular. Universidade Federal do 

Paraná, UFPR, Brasil, 2010. 

Soares, G. R. Desenvolvimento de soluções alternativas 

para conservação de água na Estação Antártica 

Comandante Ferraz. Dissertação em Engenharia 

Ambiental. Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, 

UFES, Brasil, 2010. 

Cruz-Kaled, A. C. Variação temporal e espacial de 

larvas de invertebrados marinhos da Baía do 

Almirantado, Ilha Rei George, Antártica. Dissertação 

em Oceanografia. Universidade de São Paulo, USP, 

Brasil, 2011. 

Publications | 

203

Fanticele, F. B. Avaliação de conforto térmico da 

estação Antártica Comandante Ferraz. Dissertação 

em Engenharia Civil. Universidade Federal do Espírito 

Santo, UFES, Brasil, 2011. 

Monteiro, G. S.C. Variação temporal de pequena escala 

da macrofauna bentônica da zona costeira rasa da 

Enseada Martel (Baía do Almirantado, Antártica), 

com ênfase nos anelídeos poliquetas. Dissertação 

em Oceanografia Biológica. Universidade de São Paulo, 

USP, Brasil, 2011. 

Seibert, S. Ecologia Reprodutiva de Catharacta 

lonnbergi, na Ilha Elefante e na Ilha Rei George, 

Antártica. Dissertação em Biologia. Universidade do 

Vale do Rio dos Sinos, UNISINOS, Brasil, 2011. 

Sodré , E. D. Emissões Atmosféricas e Implicações 

Potenciais Sobre a Biota Terrestre, Devido às 

Atividades Antrópicas, na Baía do Almirantado/ Ilha 

Rei George – Antártica. Dissertação em Biociências. 

Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, UERJ, 

Brasil, 2011. 

PhD Thesis 

Sodré, E.D. Emissões atmosféricas e implicações 

potenciais para a biota terrestre devido às 

atividades antrópicas na Baía do Almirantado/ 

Ilha Rei George-Antártica. Tese de Doutorado. 

Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de 

Janeiro. p 168. 2011. 


Publications | 

205

e-mails 

inct – apa reserach team 


ANTARCTIC ATMOSPHERE AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS IN SOUTH AMERICA 

Dr. Neusa Maria Paes Leme (INPE) – Team Leader of Thematic Area 1 

neusa_paesleme@yahoo.com.br 

Dr. Emília Correia (INPE – CRAAM) – Vice-Team Leader of Thematic Area 1 

ecorreia@craam.mackenzie.br 

Dr. Amauri Pereira de Oliveira (IAG/USP) 

apdolive@usp.br 

Dr. Damaris Kirsch Pinheiro (UFSM) 

damariskp@gmail.com / damaris@lacesm.ufsm.br 

Dr. José Henrique Fernandez (UFRN) 

jhenrix@gmail.com 

Dr. José Valentin Bageston (INPE) 

bageston@gmail.com 

Dr. Jacyra Ramos Soares (IAG/USP) 

jacyra@usp.br 

TECHNICAL ASSISTANTS AND STUDENTS 

José Roberto Chagas (DGE/INPE) 

chagas@dge.inpe.br 

Marilene Alves da Silva (CPTEC/INPE) 

marilene.alves@cptec.inpe.br 

Marcelo Romão Oliveira (INPE) 

marcromao@hotmail.com 

André Barros Cardoso da Silva (INPE) – MSc. Student 

andrebcs@hotmail.com 


IMPACT OF GLOBAL CHANGES ON THE ANTARCTIC TERRESTRIAL ENVIRONMENT 

Dr. Antonio Batista Pereira (UNIPAMPA) – Team Leader of Thematic Area 2 – Vegetal communities 

antoniopereira@unipampa.edu.br 

Dr. Maria Virginia Petry (UNISINOS) – Vice-Team Leader of Thematic Area 2 – Marine seabirds communities 

vpetry@unisinos.br 

Adriano Luis Shünnemam (UNIPAMPA) 

als@unipampa.edu.br 

Dr. Alexandre Soares Rosado (IMPPG/UFRJ) 

arosado@globo.com / asrosado@micro.ufrj.br 

Dr. Cháriston André Dal Belo (UNIPAMPA) 

charistondb@gmail.com 

Dr. Frederico Costa Beber Vieira (UNIPAMPA) 

fredericovieira@unipampa.edu.br 

Dr. Luiz Fernando Würdig Roesch (UNIPAMPA) 

luizroesch@unipampa.edu.br 

Dr. Jair Putzke (UNISC) 

jair@unisc.br 

Dr. Jeferson Luis Franco (UNIPAMPA) 

jefersonfranco@unipampa.edu.br 

Dr. Juliano de Carvalho Cury (UFSJ) 

jccury@hotmail.com 

Dr. Ricardo José Gunski (UNIPAMPA) 

rgunski@yahoo.com.br 

Dr. Larissa Rosa de Oliveira (UNISINOS) 

larissaro@unisinos.br 

Dr. Uwe Horst Schulz (UNISINOS) 

uwe@unisinos.br 

Dr. Analía del Valle Garnero (UNIPAMPA) 

analiagarnero@unipampa.edu.br 

Dr. Adriano Afonso Spielmann (UFMS) 

adrianospielmann@yahoo.com.br 

Dr. Filipe de Carvalho Victória (UNIPAMPA) 

filipevictoria@gmail.com 


Dr. Juliano Tomazzoni Boldo (UNIPAMPA) 

julianoboldo@unipampa.edu.br 

Dr. Margéli Pereira de Albuquerque (UNIPAMPA) 

margeli_albuquerque@hotmail.com 

Dr. Paulo Marcos Pinto (UNIPAMPA) 

paulopinto@unipampa.edu.br 

Dr. Roberta da Cruz Piucco 

ropiuco@gmail.com 

Dr. Thais Posser (UNIPAMPA) 

thaisposser@hotmail.com 

Dr. Valdir Marcos Stefenon (UNIPAMPA) 

valdirstefenon@unipampa.edu.br 

Dr. Victor Hugo Valiati (UNISINOS) 

valiati@unisinos.br 

Dr. Luis Fernando da Costa Medina (UNISINOS) 

lfmedina@unisinos.br 

TECHNICAL ASSITANTS AND STUDENTS 

Hugo Emiliano de Jesus (UFRJ) – MSc. student 

hugoemil@gmail.com 

MSc. Jacqueline Brummelhaus – PhD student 

jaquebrummelhaus@gmail.com 

MSc. Elisa de Souza Petersen – PhD Student 

elisapetersen@yahoo.com.br 

MSc. Lucas Krüger Garcia 

biokruger@gmail.com 


IMPACT OF HUMAN ACTIVITIES ON ANTARCTIC MARINE ENVIRONMENT 

Dr. Helena Passeri Lavrado (IB/UFRJ) – Team Leader of Thematic Area 3 

hpasseri@biologia.ufrj.br/ hplavrado@gmail.com 

Dr. Edson Rodrigues (UNITAU) – Vice-Team Leader of Thematic Area 3 

rodedson@gmail.com 

Dr. Adriana Galindo Dalto (IB/UFRJ) 

agdalto@gmail.com 

Dr. Ana Carolina Vieira Araujo (IOUSP) 

acvaraujo@gmail.com 

Dr. Andrea de Oliveira Ribeiro Junqueira (UFRJ) 

ajunq@biologia.ufrj.br 

Dr. Andreza Portella Ribeiro (IOUSP) 

aportellar@yahoo.com.br 

Dr. Arthur José da Silva Rocha (IOUSP) 

arthur@usp.br 

Dr. Cecilia Nahomi Kawagoe Suda (UNITAU) 

cnksuda@hotmail.com 

Dr. César de Castro Martins (UFPR) 

ccmart@ufpr.br 

Dr. Cleoni dos Santos Carvalho (UFSCar) 

carvcleo@yahoo.com.br 

Dr. Cristina Rossi Nakayama (IOUSP) 

crnakayama@gmail.com 

Dr. Denise Rivera Tenenbaum (IB/UFRJ) 

deniser@biologia.ufrj.br 

Dr. Edmundo Ferraz Nonato (IOUSP) 

efnonato@usp.br 

Dr. Fernanda Imperatrice Colabuono (IOUSP) 

ferimp@hotmail.com 

Dr. Flavia Sant’Anna Rios (UFPR) 

flaviasrios@ufpr.br 

Dr. Gannabathula Sree Vani (UNITAU) 

srvani@hotmail.com 

Dr. Joel Campos de Paula (UNIRIO) 

depaula.joelc@gmail.com 

Dr. José Juan Barrera Alba (IB/UFRJ) 

juanalba@usp.br 

Dr. Lucélia Donatti (UFPR) 

donatti@ufpr.br 

Dr. Lúcia de Siqueira Campos (IB/UFRJ) 

campos-lucia@biologia.ufrj.br 

Dr. Manuela Bassoi (IB/UFRJ) 

manu.bassoi@gmail.com 

Dr. Marcelo Renato Lamour (UFPR–CEM) 

mlamour@ufpr.br 

E-mails | 

207

Dr. Márcia Caruso Bícego (IOUSP) 

marciacaruso@usp.br 

Dr. Márcio Murilo Barboza Tenório (IB/UFRJ) 

mbtenorio@hotmail.com 

Dr. Maurício Osvaldo Moura (UFPR) 

mauricio.moura@ufpr.br 

Dr. Mônica Angélica Varella Petti (IOUSP) 

mapetti@usp.br 

Dr. Rolf Roland Weber (IOUSP) 

rweber@usp.br 

Dr. Rosalinda Carmela Montone (IOUSP) - Vice–coordinator 

of INCT–APA 

rmontone@usp.br 

Dr. Rubens Cesar Lopes Figueira (IOUSP) 

rfigueira@usp.br 

Dr. Rubens Duarte (IOUSP) 

rubensduarte13@yahoo.com.br 

Dr. Sandra Bromberg (IOUSP) 

bromberg@usp.br 

Dr. Satie Taniguchi (IOUSP) 

satie@usp.br 

Dr. Silvio Tarou Sasaki (IOUSP) 

ssasaki@usp.br 

Dr. Susete Wambier Christo (UEPG) 

wambchristo@yahoo.com.br 

Dr. Tânia Zaleski (UFPR) 

taniazaleski@gmail.com 

Dr. Thais Navajas Corbisier (IOUSP) 

tncorbis@usp.br 

Dr. Theresinha Monteiro Absher (UFPR) 

tmabsher@ufpr.br 

Dr. Vivian Helena Pellizari (IOUSP) 

vivianp@usp.br 

Dr. Vicente Gomes (IOUSP) 

vicgomes@usp.br 

Dr. Yocie Yoneshigue Valentin (IB/UFRJ) – General 

Coordinator of INCT–APA 

yocie@biologia.ufrj.br/ yocievalentin@gmail.com 


Andre Monnerat Lanna (UFRJ) 

andrebioufrj@gmail.com 

MSc. Cintia Machado (UFPR)– PhD student 

cin_machado@yahoo.com.br 

MSc. Claúdio Adriano Piechnik (UFPR) – PhD student 

claudio.sapiens@gmail.com 

MSc. Edson Rodrigues Junior (UFPR) – PhD Student 

edsonrodj@gmail.com 

Geyze Magalhães de Faria (UFRJ) 

geyzefaria@gmail.com 

Mariana Feijó-Oliveira (UNITAU) – MSc. Student 

mari.feijo@bol.com.br 

MSc. Gabriel Sousa Conzo Monteiro (IOUSP) 

gabrielmonteiro@usp.br 

MSc Josilene da Silva (IOUSP) 

josilenehsilva@gmail.com 

MSc. Maria Isabel Sarvat de Figueiredo (UFRJ) 

belfig@gmail.com 

MSc. Paula Foltran Gheller (IOUSP) – PhD student 

paulafgheller@usp.br 

MSc. Rafael Bendayan de Moura (UFPE) – PhD student 

lytechinusvariegatus@gmail.com 

MSc. Priscila Ikeda Ushimaro (IOUSP) 

priscobain@yahoo.com.br 

Tais Maria de Souza Campos (UFRJ) 

tmscampos@yahoo.com.br 

MSc. Yargos Kern (UFPR) 

ykern@cem.ufpr.br 



ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 

Dr. Cristina Engel de Alvarez (UFES) – Team Leader of Thematic Area 4 

cristinaengel@pq.cnpq.br / engelalvarez@hotmail.com 

Dr. Alexandre de Ávila Lerípio (UNIVALI) – Vice-Team Leader of Thematic Area 4 

leripio@terra.com.br 

Dr. Domingos Sávio Lyrio Simonetti (UFES) 

d.simonetti@ele.ufes.br 

Dr. Jussara Farias Fardin (UFES) 

jussara@ele.ufes.br 

Dr. Ricardo Franci Gonçalves (UFES) 

franci@fluir.eng.br 

MSc. Anderson Buss Woelffel (UFES) 

andersonbwarquiteto@gmail.com 

Dr. Neyval Costa Reis Junior (UFES) 

neyval@inf.ufes.br 

Dr. Paulo Sérgio de Paula Vargas (UFES) 

paulo.s.vargas@ufes.br 


Deborah Martins Zaganelli - MSc student 

MSc. Érica Coelho Pagel - PhD student 

Education and Outreach Activities 

MSc. Déia Maria Ferreira dos Santos (IB/UFRJ) 

deia@biologia.ufrj.br 

Rômulo Loureiro Casciano (IB/UFRJ) – Biologist 

rlcasciano@yahoo.com.br 

Dr. Benedita Aglai Oliveira da Silva (IB/UFRJ) 

aglai@biologia.com.br 

EXTERNAL COLLABORATORS 

Thematic Module 1 

ANTARCTIC ATMOSPHERE AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS IN SOUTH AMERICA 

Dr. Alberto Waingort Setzer – Brazil 

(INPE/REDE CLIMA/ INCT para Mudanças Climáticas) 

alberto.setzer@cptec.inpe.br 

Dr. Heitor Evangelista da Silva – Brazil 

(UERJ/INCT–Criosfera) 

heitor@uerj.br/ evangelista.uerj@gmail.com 

Dr. Luciano Marani – Brazil 


lmarani@dge.inpe.br 

Dr. Plínio Carlos Alvalá – Brazil 


plinio@dge.inpe.br 

E-mails | 

209

Tecnologista Heber Passos 

(INPE/INCT REDE CLIMA) 

heber.passos@cptec.inpe.br 

Dr. Eduardo J. Quel – Argentina 

(Argentine Armed Forces Scientifi c and Technical Research 

Institute – CITEFA) 

eduardojquel@gmail.com; quel@citefa.gov.ar 

Dr. Elian Wolfram – Argentina 



ewolfram@gmail.com; ewolfram@citefa.gov.ar 

Dr. Jacobo Salvador – Argentina 



jsalvador@citefa.gov.ar 

Dr. Francesco Zaratti – Bolivia 

(University of San Andrès) 

zaratti@entelnet.bo 

Dr. Cláudio Cassicia R. Salgado – Chile 

(University of Magallanes – UMAG) 

c.casiccia@gmail.com; claudio.casiccia@umag.cl 

Dr. Félix Zamorano – Chile 

(University of Magallanes – UMAG) 

felix.zamorano@umag.cl 

Dr. Kazuo Makita – Japan 

(Takushoku University) 

kmakita@la.takushoku-u.ac.jp 

Dr. Hiromasa Yamamoto – Japan 

(Rikkyo University) 

yamamoto@rikkyo.ac.jp 

Thematic Module 2 

IMPACT OF GLOBAL CHANGES ON THE ANTARCTIC TERRESTRIAL ENVIRONMENT 

Lubomir Kowacik – Slovakia 

(Comenius Univiversity) 

kovacik@fns.uniba.sk 

Dr. Heitor Evangelista da Silva – Brazil 

(UERJ/INCT–Criosfera) 

heitor@uerj.br/ evangelista.uerj@gmail.com 

Dra. Guendalina Turcatto(PUCRS) 

guendato@pucrs.br 

Dr. Gisela Dantas (UFMG) 

dantasgpm@gmail.com 

Dr. Maria Angélica Oliveira (UFSM) 

angelcure@gmail.com 


www.editoracubo.com.br 

São Carlos, SP 

Formato: 210 × 297 mm. Tipologia: Minion Pro. Corpo: 9,5. 

Capa em papel couché 230 g/m 2 com 4 × 4 cores. Miolo em papel couché 115 g/m 2 . 

Acabamento: lombada quadrada e costurada. Capa com laminação fosca e verniz com reserva. 

Impressão: Gráfica Santa Terezinha, Jaboticabal, SP

Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia 

Antártico de Pesquisas Ambientais (INCT-APA) 

Instituto de Biologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS) 

Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) 

Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373 - Sala A1-94 • Bloco A 

Ilha do Fundão, Cidade Universitária - CEP: 21941-902 

Rio de Janeiro- RJ, Brazil 

+55 21 2562-6322 / +55 21 2562-6302 

yocie@biologia.ufrj.br/ inctapa@gmail.com 

www.biologia.ufrj.br/inct-antartico

1 - Instituto de Biologia da UFRJ

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