Publicaciones científicas

Per- and polyfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) are widely distributed, and although PFAS may be deleterious to marine organisms, there is a lack of studies in the southern hemisphere. The presence of 29 PFAS in marine invertebrates and fish from Antarctica (Fildes Bay), Patagonia (La Leona Island, Marchant River Mouth), and northern Chile (Pan de Azucar Bay) were studied here.…

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exhibit widespread global distribution, extending to remote regions including Antarctica. Despite potential adverse effects on seabirds, PFAS exposure among Antarctic penguins remains poorly studied. We investigated the occurrence of 29 PFAS compounds in feathers and excreta of Gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua) from Fildes Bay, Antarctica. Sample collection was conducted during the austral summer (February 2015)…

Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) levels were determined in the faeces of three Antarctic Peninsula penguin species to assess viability as a non-invasive approach for sampling PCBs in Antarctic biota. These determinations were complemented with stable isotope and porphyrins assessments, and together this methodology determined the role of diet and metabolic disruption in penguins. Up to 60% of the…

Semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) are widely distributed across the globe, including polar regions. This study investigates the distribution and bioconcentration of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soils and Colobanthus quitensis, while also estimating potential emission sources. Results indicated high concentrations of PAHs in soils and plants from the…

The Arctic and the Antarctic Continent correspond to two eco-regions with extreme climatic conditions. These regions are exposed to the presence of contaminants resulting from human activity (local and global), which, in turn, represent a challenge for life forms in these environments. Anthropogenic pollution by semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in polar ecosystems has been documented…

Rhizosphere microbial communities exert critical roles in plant health, nutrient cycling, and soil fertility. Despite the essential functions conferred by microbes, the source and acquisition of the rhizosphere are not entirely clear. Therefore, we investigated microbial community diversity and potential source using the only two native Antarctic plants, Deschampsia antarctica (Da) and Colobanthus quitensis (Cq), as models. We interrogated…