Management and Conservation

Environmental protection of Antarctic soils

Principal Investigator: Jackie Aislabie
Organisation: Landcare Research Ltd.

The goal of this research is to support environmental protection and management of ice-free areas of the Ross Sea region, Antarctica by:

-Increasing fundamental knowledge and understanding of Antarctic soils including soil distribution and climate, microbial diversity, and vulnerability to human impacts; and
-Developing mitigation strategies for management and remediation of hydrocarbon spills on soils.

This programme is linked to the Latitudinal Gradient Project (LGP). Initial investigations will focus on Cape Hallett in Northern Victoria Land, with subsequent field studies further south. At each site along the gradient we will describe the soils, collect samples for microbial and chemical analysis, and measure soil respiration. Soil maps will be developed for the LGP sites and the Wright Valley, and soil vulnerability to human impacts determined. Soil climate stations at 6 locations in the Ross Sea region will continue to be maintained for at least 10 years. At Cape Hallett we will investigate the potential for hydrocarbon degradation in soils and groundwater. Soils data will be added to our Antarctic soils database.

Recent Publications:
Hofstee, E. H. Soils and hydrology of Seabee Hook, Cape Hallett, Antarctica. M.Sc., University of Waikato. 158pp. 2006.

Saul, D.J. et. al. Hydrocarbon contamination changes the bacterial diversity of soil from around Scott Base, Antarctica. FEMS Microbiology Ecology 53: 141-155. 2005.

Aislabie, J. et al. Hydrocarbon spills on Antarctic soils: effects and management. Environmental science and technology 38(5): 1265-1274, 2004.

Farrell, R. L. et al. Toluene-degrading Antarctic Pseudomonas strains from fuel-contaminated soil. Biochemical and biophysical research communications 312: 235-240, 2003.