Recent European Institute for Marine Studies MSc graduate, Fabien Quéroué, developed a method for the shipboard determination of dissolved aluminum (Al) in seawater by flow injection analysis (FIA) based on the work of Brown and Bruland (2008). His research, in collaboration with the International Antarctic Institute, was conducted at the Leibniz-Institut fur Meereswissenschaften an der Universitat Kiel (IFM-GEOMAR). The method is completely automated, has a cycle time of 6min, a detection limit of 0.2 nM Al and a precision of 3.8% based on replicate analyses of a 5,3 nM Al sample. The method was applied to Drake Passage samples collected during the cruise ANTXXIV-3 on the Polarstern. These samples were collected on different bottles and on different station. Results for dissolved Al were controlled using a manual method. The use of low-density polyethylene, polymethylpropylene and polyethylene bottles as sampling method and the distribution of dissolved aluminum along the water column is also discussed. Thanks to this project, Fabien gained valuable experience in Trace metals analysis methods and had the opportunity to start a PhD between the University Of Tasmania (UTAS) and the University of Western Brittany (UBO).
Last year Robert Johnson from the University of Tasmania travelled to Punta Arenas, Chile. His trip was sponsored by the International Antarctic Institute and Universidad de Magallanes and was funded by the Council on Australian and Latin American Relations (COALAR). While in Chile, Rob completed an Independent Research Project that examined the spatial distribution of invasive marine species in the Port of Punta Arenas. Using experimental plastic plates, Rob identified a number of introduced (non-native) macro-algae and invertebrates whose distribution was found to vary with depth. These results have significant implications for the local marine area, as well as the many destinations of tourist and industry vessels based out of the Port of Punta Arenas. This project provided Rob with University course credit as well as valuable experience in project management and communicating with government officials and local residents. Rob is currently finishing his Masters degree at the University of Tasmania while working for the Australian Antarctic Division.
Recent European Institute for Marine Studies MSc graduate, Stefania Klayn, studied the sensitivity of green algae (Chlorella spp.) to the organochlorine insecticide endosulfan. Her research, in collaboration with the International Antarctic Institute, was conducted at the National Antarctic Research Centre in Malaysia. Lab analysis examined the effects of the pesticide on the growth and physiology of Arctic, Antarctic, and tropical algae. Overall, the Antarctic strain was found to be the most sensitive. Since organochlorine pesticides are among the most widespread contaminants in polar environments, as well as some of the most persistent, this is of great concern in these vulnerable ecosystems. Thanks to this project, Stefania gained valuable experience in aquatic toxicology methods and had the opportunity to explore a range of research environments.
Earlier this year, Geoscience major, Manique Talaia-Murray, completed a LARISSA (LARsen Ice Shelf System Antarctica) short course in collaboration with Hamilton College and the International Antarctic Institute. The course provided Manique with a greater appreciation for the subtleties of multi-proxy research, as well as an enhanced understanding of the complexities of the Larsen ice shelf system and, ultimately, the entire Antarctic Peninsula. Throughout the two-week period she was able to explore the many information-gathering techniques that are vital to piecing together the stories behind the unique geomorphology of the land and ice formations in the region. She gained experience using proxies such as gain size analysis, diatom counts, carbon and oxygen isotope analysis, and magnetic susceptibility, allowing her to generate hypotheses relating to the history of Barilari Bay, located on the western side of the Peninsula. Throughout this intensive course, Manique was able to explore the various scholarly avenues offered by Antarctic research, including her special interest in oceanography.
