Antarctic environment threatened by toxic metals released in a fire

A fire at the Brazilian Antarctic Station in February 2012, in which two people died, released large quantities of toxic metals into the soil, which could leach into the water supply and the neighbouring aquatic ecosystem. This is the conclusion of a comprehensive study into the levels of Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, V and Zn in the ruined buildings and close vicinity, which was published in Microchemical Journal.

The metal concentrations were measured initially by micro-X-ray fluorescence and processed by principal components analysis, followed by ICP-OES, then compared with data measured four years earlier. Massive levels of Cu, Pb and Zn were found at 34,000, 13,700 and 42,200 mg/kg, respectively. Given their mobility in the soil and the potential to leach into the water system during melting episodes, these metals represent a severe threat to the nearby coastal marine areas and local lakes, some of which supply water to the station.

The scientists who carried out the assessment declared that "a complete clean-up procedure ought to be carried out, with barriers to avoid leaching/washing, removal of all debris and underlying soil, and careful disposal of the contaminated material, followed by remediation."