Ornithogenic soils of Pravda Coast and Haswell archipelago, East Antarctica: morphological composition and biogeochemical features
https://doi.org/10.30758/0555-2648-2025-71-2-184-200
Abstract
In view of the continuing human expansion in Antarctica, it is crucial to implement a wide range of measures to effectively protect the natural environment and uphold the fundamental principles of the Antarctic Treaty system. Soil is the most important component of all terrestrial ecosystems, which plays a crucial role as the spatial basis of ecosystems. Despite the considerable research performed in different sectors of Antarctica, soils and soil-like bodies of Antarctica remain poorly investigated. The aim of this study is to investigate the processes of biogenic accumulation of substances and biogenic-abiogenic interactions in the soils of the Pravda Coast and the Haswell Archipelago, East Antarctica — vicinities of the Antarctic station Mirny. Field observations and laboratory analyses were conducted, focusing on determining the chemical composition and levels of organic matter in the soils. It was found that the soils exhibit a moderately acidic to near-neutral pH. High levels of organic carbon accumulation were recorded on Haswell Island, influenced by ornithogenic factors. Unlike most soils in East Antarctica, these soils display a presence of humus-like plasma. The soils studied are characterized by low (or moderate) levels of contamination, according to Igeo (geoaccumulation index); however, an increase in pollutant accumulation rates is observed in ornithogenic habitats and on the surfaces of peat horizons.
Supporting agencies: This study was supported by Russian Science Foundation, grant № 24-27-00361, https://rscf.ru/project/24-27-00361/.
About the Authors
I. I. Alekseev
State Scientific Center of the Russian Federation Arctic and Antarctic Research InstituteKarelian Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Science; Karelian Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Science
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
St. Petersburg
Petrozavodsk
E. N. Grek
State Scientific Center of the Russian Federation Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute; State Hydrological Institute
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
St. Petersburg
A. A. Chetverova
State Scientific Center of the Russian Federation Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
St. Petersburg
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Alekseev I.I., Grek E.N., Chetverova A.A. Ornithogenic soils of Pravda Coast and Haswell archipelago, East Antarctica: morphological composition and biogeochemical features. Arctic and Antarctic Research. 2025;71(2):184-200. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.30758/0555-2648-2025-71-2-184-200
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