The determination of trace metal contents directly from a solid sample is a trend in modern atomic spectrometry. The aim of this study was to develop an analytical method for the routine determination of Cd in lichens using solid sampling graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (SS-GF-AAS). For the determination of Cd, the temperature program of the graphite furnace was optimized using a mixed matrix modifier (Pd + Mg (NO3)2 + Triton X-100). The limit of detection and the limit of quantification were 0.9 μg/kg and 3 μg/kg, respectively. The analytical method for Cd determination in the plant matrix was verified by the analysis of certified reference materials of lichens, seaweed, and rye grass. The developed procedure was applied to the study of Cd distribution in thalli of Usnea antarctica lichen from James Ross Island, Antarctica. The SS-GF-AAS analytical method is particularly suited for use in environmental studies and plant physiology (the microanalysis of anatomical structures).

• Keywords
• AAS, Cadmium, Lichen, Solid sampling,
• MeSH
• Graphite * MeSH
• Cadmium * analysis   MeSH
• Environmental Pollutants * analysis   MeSH
• Lichens * chemistry   MeSH
• Environmental Monitoring MeSH
• Islands MeSH
• Spectrophotometry, Atomic MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Geographicals
• Antarctic Regions MeSH
• Islands MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Graphite * MeSH
• Cadmium * MeSH
• Environmental Pollutants * MeSH

Lichens are efficient and cost-effective biomonitors of the environment. Their geographic distribution together with their slow growth rate enable investigation of the deposition patterns of various elements and substances. In this research, levels of cadmium, lead, and mercury in Usnea antarctica lichens in the area of James Ross Island, Antarctica, were investigated. The lichens were microwave-digested, and the metals were determined by means of atomic absorption spectrometry with graphite furnace and a direct mercury analyzer. Median total contents of Cd, Hg, and Pb were 0.04, 0.47, and 1.6 mg/kg in whole lichens, respectively. The bottom-up distributions of these metals in the fruticose lichen thalli were investigated, and it was revealed that the accumulation patterns for mercury and lead were opposite to that for cadmium. The probable reason for this phenomenon may lie in the inner structure of thalli. The total contents of metals were comparable with those published for other unpolluted areas of maritime Antarctica. However, this finding was not expected for mercury, since the sampling locality was close to an area with some of the highest mercury contents published for Antarctic lichens. In short, lichens proved their usability as biological monitors, even in harsh conditions. However, the findings emphasize the need to take into account the distributions of elements both in the environment and in the lichen itself.

• Keywords
• Antarctica, Biomonitoring, Heavy metals, Lichen,
• MeSH
• Ascomycota MeSH
• Quinolones MeSH
• Cadmium analysis   MeSH
• Metals analysis   MeSH
• Air Pollutants analysis   MeSH
• Lichens chemistry   MeSH
• Environmental Monitoring methods   MeSH
• Lead analysis   MeSH
• Islands MeSH
• Mercury analysis   MeSH
• Spectrophotometry, Atomic MeSH
• Usnea chemistry   MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Geographicals
• Antarctic Regions MeSH
• Islands MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Quinolones MeSH
• Cadmium MeSH
• Metals MeSH
• Air Pollutants MeSH
• Lead MeSH
• rosoxacin MeSH Browser
• Mercury MeSH

More than 400 seal mummies and skeletons are now mapped in the northern part of James Ross Island, Antarctica. Decomposing carcasses represent a rare source of both organic matter and associated elements for the soil. Owing to their high trophic position, seals are known to carry a significant mercury body burden. This work focuses on the extent of the mercury input from seal carcasses and shows that such carcasses represent locally significant sources of mercury and methylmercury for the environment. Mercury contents in soil samples from the surrounding areas were determined using a single-purpose AAS mercury analyzer. For the determination of methylmercury, an ultra-sensitive isotopic dilution HPLC-ICP-MS technique was used. In the soils lying directly under seal carcasses, mercury contents were higher, with levels reaching almost 40 μg/kg dry weight of which methylmercury formed up to 2.8 % of the total. The spatial distribution implies rather slow vertical transport to the lower soil layers instead of a horizontal spread. For comparison, the background level of mercury in soils of the investigated area was found to be 8 μg/kg dry weight, with methylmercury accounting for less than 0.1 %. Apart from the direct mercury input, an enhanced level of nutrients in the vicinity of carcasses enables the growth of lichens and mosses with accumulative ability with respect to metals. The enhanced capacity of soil to retain mercury is also anticipated due to the high content of total organic carbon (from 1.6 to 7.5 %). According to the results, seal remains represent a clear source of mercury in the observed area.

• Keywords
• Antarctica, Mercury, Methylmercury, Seal, Soil,
• MeSH
• Bryophyta MeSH
• Soil Pollutants analysis   MeSH
• Lichens MeSH
• Environmental Monitoring methods   MeSH
• Soil chemistry   MeSH
• Mercury analysis   MeSH
• Seals, Earless * MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Geographicals
• Antarctic Regions MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Soil Pollutants MeSH
• Soil MeSH
• Mercury MeSH