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Tracking spatial distribution of human-derived wastewater from Davis Station, East Antarctica, using δ15N and δ13C stable isotopes
journal contribution
posted on 2015-01-15, 00:00 authored by Patricia CorbettPatricia Corbett, C K King, Julie MondonJulie MondonStable isotope ratios, δ15N and δ13C were effectively used to determine the geographical dispersion of human derived sewage from Davis Station, East Antarctica, using Antarctic rock cod (Trematomus bernacchii). Fish within 0-4 km downstream of the outfall exhibited higher δ15N and δ13C values relative to reference sites. Nitrogen in particular showed a stepped decrease in δ15N with increasing distance from the discharge point by 1-2‰. Stable isotopes were better able to detect the extent of wastewater contamination than other techniques including faecal coliform and sterol measures. Uptake and assimilation of δ15N and δ13C up to 4 km from the outfall adds to growing evidence indicating the current level of wastewater treatment at Davis Station is not sufficient to avoid impact to the surrounding environment. Isotopic assimilation in T. bernacchii is a viable biomarker for investigation of initial sewage exposure and longer term monitoring in the future.
History
Journal
Marine Pollution BulletinVolume
90Issue
1-2Pagination
41 - 47Publisher
ElsevierLocation
Camden, LondonPublisher DOI
eISSN
1879-3363Language
engPublication classification
C Journal article; C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalCopyright notice
2015, ElsevierUsage metrics
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No categories selectedKeywords
Antarctic rock-codFishSewageStable isotopeTrematomus bernacchiiScience & TechnologyLife Sciences & BiomedicineEnvironmental SciencesMarine & Freshwater BiologyEnvironmental Sciences & EcologyFISH TREMATOMUS-BERNACCHIIREEF PLANKTIVOROUS FISHNITROGEN ISOTOPESMARINE-ENVIRONMENTSEWAGE POLLUTIONNEW-ZEALANDMOA POINTCARBONDELTA-N-15IMPACTS
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