Microbial ecology of terrestrial Antarctica [electronic resource] : Are microbial systems at risk from human activities?

Published:: Arlington, Va. : National Science Foundation (U.S.), 1996.
Oak Ridge, Tenn. : Distributed by the Office of Scientific and Technical Information, U.S. Dept. of Energy.
Physical Description:: 28 pages : digital, PDF file
Additional Creators:: Lockheed Idaho Technologies Company, National Science Foundation (U.S.), and United States. Department of Energy. Office of Scientific and Technical Information

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Summary:

Many of the ecological systems found in continental Antarctica are comprised entirely of microbial species. Concerns have arisen that these microbial systems might be at risk either directly through the actions of humans or indirectly through increased competition from introduced species. Although protection of native biota is covered by the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, strict measures for preventing the introduction on non-native species or for protecting microbial habitats may be impractical. This report summarizes the research conducted to date on microbial ecosystems in continental Antarctica and discusses the need for protecting these ecosystems. The focus is on communities inhabiting soil and rock surfaces in non-coastal areas of continental Antarctica. Although current polices regarding waste management and other operations in Antarctic research stations serve to reduce the introduction on non- native microbial species, importation cannot be eliminated entirely. Increased awareness of microbial habitats by field personnel and protection of certain unique habitats from physical destruction by humans may be necessary. At present, small-scale impacts from human activities are occurring in certain areas both in terms of introduced species and destruction of habitat. On a large scale, however, it is questionable whether the introduction of non-native microbial species to terrestrial Antarctica merits concern.

Report Numbers:

E 1.99:inel--96/0319
inel--96/0319

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Note:

Published through SciTech Connect.
08/01/1996.
"inel--96/0319"
"DE96015372"
": Agreement DPP-9102787"
White, G.J.

Funding Information:

AC07-94ID13223

View MARC record | catkey: 14140968