DETERMINATION OF PAH IN ATMOSPHERIC PARTICULATES IN THE AREA OF THE ITALIAN BASE IN ANTARCTICA - REPORT ON MONITORING ACTIVITIES DURING THELAST 3 SCIENTIFIC EXPEDITIONS

Concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in atmospheri c particulates have been determined in the frame of the control activi ties for environmental protection during the VI (1990-91), VII (1991-9 2) and VIII (1992-93) Italian expeditions in Antarctica. Samples were collected at the four cardinal points at about 200 m from the central area of the Italian scientific base. Data show low levels of the indiv idual PAH (95% in the range 1-50 pg m-3) confirming the absence, up to now, of significant contamination from the base. These results could be used as a reference for the assessment of the air pollution due to combustion sources present in the base. Any possible variation in the base's activities in the future should be analysed and evaluated with respect to these findings.