Hydrocarbon pollution in coastal sediments of Tierra del Fuego Islands, Patagonia Argentina.

ESTEVES J.L.; COMMENDATORE M.G.; NIEVAS M.L.; MASSARA PALETO V.; AMÍN O.

MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN

Elsevier Ltd.

Año: 2006 vol. 52 p. 282 - 290

0025-326X

The Patagonian coast is well-known world-wide due to its important marine wildlife. Tourism and fishing constitute central economic activities of regional significance. The Patagonia coastal zone is also exposed to oil pollution derived from petroleum exploitation activities, maritime traffic, and port operations. Transport of crude oil by tankers along the coast represents a potential risk of accidental and/or chronic pollution. Some large spills were recorded on the Patagonian coast, such as the Metula tanker spill (Hann, 1975; Schwartz, 1978). A study along the coast of Patagonia from Río Colorado (40ºS) to Punta Loyola (54ºS) showed the presence of anthropogenic hydrocarbons in several locations (Commendatore et al., 2000). Several authors have demonstrated the negative effects that hydrocarbons can have on the ecosystem and therefore on marine biodiversity (i.e. Clark, 1992; Wells et al., 1995; Rice et al., 1996). However, hydrocarbon presence does not necessarily indicate pollution, as these compounds may also have terrestrial (vascular plants) or marine (macroalgae and/or phytoplankton) biogenic origin. To complement information on hydrocarbon pollution obtained along the coasts of mainland Patagonia (Esteves and Commendatore, 1993; Commendatore et al., 2000; Commendatore and Esteves, 2004), levels, distribution, and probable origin (anthropogenic and/or biogenic) of hydrocarbons were assessed in Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego and Isla de los Estados, Tierra del Fuego Province. Results indicated that hydrocarbon pollution in Tierra del Fuego Province can be considered, with some exceptions, relatively low. The Atlantic coast showed low hydrocarbon levels, but with anthropogenic inputs derived from petroleum exploitation and port activities in some places. At Isla de los Estados, hydrocarbon levels were below 1 lg/g dw, with clear biogenic hydrocarbon inputs derived from terrestrial and marine sources. Finally, in some areas of Ushuaia Bay in the Beagle Channel, hydrocarbon levels were relatively high and associated with anthropogenic sources, and can then be considered as having a moderate hydrocarbon pollution. Ushuaia Bay and some sites in the Atlantic coast should be included in a monitoring program to allow the detection of future changes. This will contribute to the development of management and control measures to preserve the coastal and marine environment of Tierra del Fuego.