A nontarget search for organic micropollutants in suspended particulate matter and sediments of Admiralty Bay, Antarctic Peninsula

Abstract

Anthropogenic contamination in remote polar environments is a critical concern, demanding comprehensive assessment methods that go beyond targeted analysis. This study aimed to characterize the broad scope of organic contaminants in Admiralty Bay, a scientifically significant area in the Antarctic Peninsula, by applying a dual-matrix, nontarget screening approach. Surface sediments were analyzed by GC-HRMS and LC-HRMS, while suspended particulate matter (SPM) was analyzed only by GC-HRMS. Both analytical techniques were coupled with Quadrupole Time-of-Flight (QTOF) high-resolution mass spectrometry. The screening initially detected over 10,000 chemical features in SPM samples and over 17,000 in sediments (Level 5). After data processing, 48 compounds were tentatively identified (Levels 2 and 3) in the SPM samples. For the sediment samples, 54 compounds were identified by GC analysis and 19 by LC analysis at the same confidence levels. Most of the features detected were classified as natural compounds. High-confidence identification using analytical standards (Level 1) confirmed the presence of 6 anthropogenic contaminants in SPM and 5 in sediments, including flame retardants, personal care products, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The profiles in SPM and sediment were distinct, highlighting that SPM reflects dynamic, current pollution while sediments represent a recent deposition. This dual-matrix approach provides a more realistic contamination assessment, delivering essential data for environmental management under the Madrid Protocol.