Trace elements in soil, lichens, and mosses from Fildes Peninsula, Antarctica: spatial distribution and possible origins

Antarctica is a region of great scientific interest, and several countries have scientific stations installed in that place. The explorationof Antarcticacontinent may be causing an impact on the environment. So, this study aims to evaluate the distribution of Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, and V through the analysis of soil, lichens, and mossesfrom Fildes Peninsula, King George Island, Antarctica. Soil, lichens, and mossessamples were obtained from 13 points along the entire length of Fildes Peninsula, and the trace elements were determined by ICP OES. The concentration ranges (μg/g) were: Soil—Cr 5.92–28.96; Cu 81.59–123.68; Ni 20.11–41.07; Zn 43.25–73.21; V 123.52–206.06; Lichens—Cr 0.76–2.12; Cu 0.74–16.79; Ni < LD-1.88; Zn 4.97–12.06; V 0.96–20.95; Mosses—Cr 2.03–14.74; Cu 27.09–59.64; Ni 2.15–13.71; Zn 13.16–36.69; V 15.79–89.23. In general, these concentrations can be associated with several factors since this region presents intense human occupation and so the use of fossil fuels can be major source of the trace elements investigated.