Sampling petroleum contaminated soils for microbes at the historic huts

Soil samples were taken at Cape Evans where the remains of 2 petroleum depots are located near the hut (1999-2000 season) to ascertain if hydrocarbons were present. Additional sampling was carried out the following season (2000-2001) to determine the depth and extent of the contamination. Petroleum was also stored at Hut Point and Cape Royds by early explorers and soil samples were taken from suspected locations within the historic boundaries to identify possible contaminated areas. In the following season (2001-2002) further samples were taken. The oil spill site at Cape Evans was mapped. Soil samples collected from Cape Evans from upper and lower fuel depot and total weight was 2 kg, Cape Royds from the garage area next to the hut with unknown weight.