Abstract:
The concentrations of trace metals Be, Bi, Cd, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, Zn , aluminum and iron were determined in sediments collected in Antarctica (Terra Nova Bay}Ross Sea . Samples were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry with either flame or flameless techniques. Chemical data were evaluated taking into account the textural and compositional character of the sediments. The mean concentration levels of the elements in the <2 mm granulometric fraction were (mg/kg ): Be: 2.04±0.25; Bi <0.8; Cd: 0.26±0.16; Cr: 20.3±8.3; Mn: 359±108; Ni: 6.31±3.5; Pb: 20.7±2.8; Sn: 2.12±0.71; Zn: 42.3±10.4; Al: 56 100±3900; Fe: 16 400±"4800.
