Summary
A series of fuel spills (diesels and lubricating oils) have occurred on Macquarie Island associated with fuel storage and power generation for the Island’s research station. The Australian Antarctic Division is currently remediating these sites. To contribute to the development of appropriate remediation targets, this study examines responses of Collembola to Special Antarctic Blend (SAB) diesel. As organic carbon plays a crucial role in determining bioavailability of organic contaminants in soils, Collembola community response to SAB was examined in 30 plots (1 m²) across a natural organic carbon gradient. Seven pairs of soil cores (75 mm wide x 70 mm deep) were sampled from each plot and spiked with SAB by injection (7 concentrations, 0 – 10,000 mg/kg) and incubated under field-simulated conditions (8°C, 16 h light / 8 h dark) for 15 days. Surviving invertebrates were extracted using a temperature gradient extraction cabinet. Collembola were counted and identified, and matched cores were analysed for physical and chemical properties. Community assemblage response to SAB contamination and interactions with TOC and other physical and chemical variables were determined. This work contributes to a multinational project investigating hydrocarbon contamination in cold region soils aimed at developing site specific clean-up and remediation guidelines.
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