Bacteriological investigation of the pollution at Syowa Station in Antarctica

Abstract

Bacteriological investigation of pollution caused by human being was conducted at Syowa Station. Special attention was paid to the contamination of Enterobacteriaceae (E. coli). The soil, water, air, snow and ice were examined both at Syowa Station and Mizuho Camp. The following results were obtained. E. coli was not detected at the bacteriological pollution monitoring points which were set up by the 15th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE-15). On the other hand, in the waterworks and in the drinking water at Syowa Station, E. coli was detected from many parts. But no pathogenic bacteria have been found so far. However, some means of effective prevention should be considered to ensure healthy living at Syowa Station. Some birds were also examined in terms of bacteriological pollution.