Elevated cadmium accumulation in marine organisms from Terra Nova Bay (Antarctica) during 1989-1991

As a contribution towards identification of the principal environmental factors
involved in cadmium accumulation in Antarctic marine organisms and the
establishment of a baseline near the Italian Antarctic Station Baia Terra Nova,
surface sediments, plankton and benthic organisms were studied in coastal
waters of Terra Nova Bay (Ross Sea). The cadmium content of sediments was
similar to that regarded as background in most marine coastal areas, whereas in
surface water, phyto-and zooplankton it was similar to values measured in areas
of enhanced upwelling. Algal and animal taxa dominating benthic associations
had higher cadmium content than related species from other seas. Very high
concentrations of the metal were found in sponges (10-80 mg/g dw) and in the
digestive glands of molluscs (up to 345 mg/g in Nebucciinum eatoni). The rapid
regeneration of cadmium and its natural occurrence and bioavailability in
highly productive coastal waters seems to be responsible for cadmium
accumulation in the tissue of marine organisms near the Baia Terra Nova
station.