Bibliothèque de L'IMIST/CNRST

This thought-provoking and ambitious volume surveys the causes and extent of environmental contamination in Antarctica, and looks critically at future prospects. It highlights the key role that modern techniques of analytical chemistry play in achieving reliable empirical data in this field and their impact on shaping legal provisions. Written by prominent scientists and experts in Antarctic sciences, this work gives an overview of the studies undertaken by countries to assess the impact of pollution phenomena on the uniquely clean environment of Antarctica. Empirical studies and regulatory issues are evaluated in context with the goal of providing a model approach to more polluted areas of the world.

Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

Description based on print version record.

Cover -- Contents -- Contributors -- Preface -- Chapter 1. Environmental chemistry in Antarctica: the quest for accuracy -- Chapter 2. A scientific framework for environmental monitoring in Antarctica -- Chapter 3. Trace element determination in polar snow and ice. An overview of the analytical process and application in environmental and paleoclimatic studies -- Chapter 4. Natural isotopic variations in lead in polar snow and ice as indicators of source regions -- Chapter 5. Trace metals in Antarctic sea water -- Chapter 6. Trace metals monitoring as a tool for characterization of Antarctic ecosystems and environmental management. The Argentine programme at Jubany Station -- Chapter 7. Biomethylation in the Southern Ocean and its contribution to the geochemical cycle of trace elements in Antarctica -- Chapter 8. Trace metals in particulate and sediments -- Chapter 9. Polychlorobiphenyls in Antarctic matrices -- Chapter 10. Certified reference materials in Antarctic matrices: development and use -- Chapter 11. Preparation and production control of certified reference material of Antarctic sediment -- Chapter 12. Antarctic Environmental Specimen Bank -- Chapter 13. The future role of quality assurance in monitoring and research in the Antarctic -- Chapter 14. The Italian environmental policy of research in Antarctica, with special regard to the Antarctic Treaty and the Madrid Protocol -- Chapter 15. The duty of prior environmental impact assessment of Antarctic activities under the Madrid Protocol and its implementation in the Italian legal system -- Author index -- Subject index -- Last Page.