Trophic ecology drives trace element concentrations in the Antarctic octopod community

Despite the Antarctic Ocean being considered a pristine environment, elevated trace element concentrations have been reported in many marine organisms. The is particularly vulnerable to climate change, which can also affect bioaccumulation of biota. While octopods are key components regional food webs as prey for variety predators (e.g., seals, fish, and seabirds), their contamination state by elements remains largely unknown. This study investigated relation trophic ecology octopods. Stable isotope values (?13C ?15N) (Ag, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, V, Zn) were measured eight different species (Adelieledone polymorpha, Pareledone aequipapillae, P. albimaculata, aurata, charcoti, cornuta, felix, turqueti) sampled near Elephant Island, close Peninsula. isotopes ?15N varied among species, with significant differences between A. polymorpha aurata suggesting potential niche segregation. Trace differed sampling depth, likely reflects ecology. data presented this provides first insight into these endemic habitat stable values.