Evidence of human impact in Antarctic region by studying atmospheric aerosols

Advocating microbial diversity conservation in Antarctica

Antarctica, a seemingly barren and icy wilderness, is home to a diverse array of microbial life that plays a critical role in sustaining its ecosystems. These resilient microorganisms drive nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration, but their function in global processes remains unclear. This pristine environment faces mounting threats from human activities, climate change, and increasing tourism. Contaminants, non-native species, and microplastics are increasingly reaching even the most remote regions, disrupting delicate microbial communities existing for millions of years. Antarctic microorganisms are not only ecologically significant but also valuable for biotechnological advancements, making their conservation imperative. Climate change exacerbates these threats, altering microbial habitats and promoting shifts in community structure. Tourism growth, though beneficial for education and economic reasons, poses significant challenges through biological and chemical contamination. Despite efforts under the Antarctic Treaty System to protect the region, there is a critical need for enhanced measures specifically targeting microbial conservation. This article underscores the importance of conserving Antarctic microbial diversity. It highlights the intricate microbial ecosystems and the urgency of implementing strategies such as stringent biosecurity measures, sustainable tourism practices, and comprehensive monitoring programs. Additionally, fostering international collaboration and research initiatives is vital for understanding and designing strategies to mitigate the impacts of environmental changes on microbial life. By prioritizing microbial conservation in policy frameworks and strengthening global cooperation, we can safeguard these unique ecosystems and ensure their resilience for future generations.

Airborne microplastic pollution detected in the atmosphere of the South Shetland Islands in Antarctica

Plastic pollution has emerged as a growing environmental concern, affecting even the most remote regions of the planet as the Antarctic continent, endangering its ecosystem and contributing to climate change. In this context, a continuous atmospheric microplastics monitoring study was conducted at Carlini Argentine Antarctic Station located in the southwest of 25 de Mayo (King George) Island (South Shetlands). Passive samplers were installed at three locations throughout the station, chosen based on the intensity of human activity and proved to be effective in collecting atmospheric particles over a one-year study period. Micro-FTIR and micro-Raman spectroscopies were used to characterize the suspected microplastic particles. These techniques revealed a wide variety of plastic polymers compositions and industrial dyes associated with textile and plastic materials. Microfibers were found to be the predominant particle form, constituting approximately 80% of the particles detected at each sampling point. Semi-synthetic cotton, polyester, and polyamide were widely detected, along with other plastic compositions. Micro-Raman spectroscopy confirmed the presence of indigo blue, reactive blue 238, and copper phthalocyanine on both synthetic and semi-synthetic fibers, representing the first report of these types of anthropogenic pigments in the Antarctic atmosphere. The results suggest a significant role of short-range transport from local human activities; however, the potential influence of large-scale atmospheric patterns should also be evaluated. Our findings highlight the need to expand the monitoring network to additional scientific stations and remote regions with minimal human activity. Increasing the number of observational sites and conducting complementary studies on airborne dispersion will strengthen assessments of potential long-range pollution sources.

Human Impacts on the Vegetation of the Juan Fernández (Robinson Crusoe) Archipelago

The human footprint on marine and terrestrial ecosystems of the planet has been substantial, largely due to the increase in the human population with associated activities and resource utilization. Oceanic islands have been particularly susceptible to such pressures, resulting in high levels of loss of biodiversity and reductions in the numbers and sizes of wild populations. One archipelago that has suffered from human impact has been the Juan Fernández (Robinson Crusoe) Archipelago, a Chilean national park located 667 km west of Valparaíso at 33° S. latitude. The park consists of three principal islands: Robinson Crusoe Island (48 km2); Santa Clara Island (2.2 km2); and Alejandro Selkirk Island (50 km2). The latter island lies 181 kms further west into the Pacific Ocean. No indigenous peoples ever visited or lived on any of these islands; they were first discovered by the Spanish navigator, Juan Fernández, in 1574. From that point onward, a series of European visitors arrived, especially to Robinson Crusoe Island. They began to cut the forests, and such activity increased with the establishment of a permanent colony in 1750 that has persisted to the present day. Pressures on the native and endemic flora increased due to the introduction of animals, such as goats, rats, dogs, cats, pigs, and rabbits. Numerous invasive plants also arrived, some deliberately introduced and others arriving inadvertently. At present, more than three-quarters of the endemic and native vascular species of the flora are either threatened or endangered. The loss of vegetation has also resulted in a loss of genetic variability in some species as populations are reduced in size or go extinct. It is critical that the remaining genetic diversity be conserved, and genomic markers would provide guidelines for the conservation of the diversity of the endemic flora. To preserve the unique flora of these islands, further conservation measures are needed, especially in education and phytosanitary monitoring.

From multi to single-particle analysis: A seasonal spectroscopic study of airborne particulate matter in Zaragoza, Spain

It is distinguished that deficient outdoor air quality is responsible for substantial health and climate issues. The aim of our study was to investigate the air quality in the city of Zaragoza (Spain) by characterizing atmospheric particulate matter (PM₁₀) during two seasons (winter and spring). PM₁₀ samples were collected in 2022 in quartz filters through a low-volume sampler and chemically analysed by complementary analytical techniques: Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), Raman Spectroscopy (RS) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (FESEM-EDS). Results have revealed, together with a temperature inversion phenomenon in winter, the presence of both natural (Al, Ca, Mg, Ti, Sr, Fe, etc.) and anthropogenic particles. The latter mainly formed by black carbon with an origin on fossil fuel combustion emissions. Additionally, chemical analyses of PM₁₀ filters showed the presence of three types of microplastics suspended in the air of the city: polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamides (PA) and polystyrene (PS). The results obtained from this research are of special interest to take into account for future air quality policies, particularly those with the aim of reducing air pollution in cities.