Long-term monitoring of atmospheric pollution in the Maritime Antarctic with the lichen Usnea aurantiaco-atra (Jacq.) Bory: a magnetic and elemental study

Abstract Antarctica is a natural research laboratory thanks to its unique climate, geography, flora and fauna. The conservation of Antarctica's environment monitored through the Madrid Protocol; however, there are local pollution problems associated with human activities such as tourism; in particular, negative impacts on air quality from use fossil fuels. In this work, we studied for first time magnetic elemental characteristics lichen Usnea aurantiaco-atra (Jacq.) Bory collected during different years various sites King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula, well some samples supporting substrate, long-term monitoring atmospheric pollution. Several anthropogenic elements (Ni, Pb, Mo, Cd Zn) have been identified close activities, but also far them. We found that proxies U. show spatial correlation influence (scientific bases or airstrips). observed between parameters Ni and, lesser extent, Cr, Co, V Ag. results suggest by using these techniques it possible implement bioindicator origin.