Use of chemical markers in Antarctic ecosystem studies of Demaria Mount

Abstract

Research is devoted to using chemical markers for studying and description of ecosystems. Photosynthetic pigments – carotenoids and chlorophylls, and soil polymers – humic, fulvic acids and their salts, were used as chemical markers. Correlations between concentrations of these markers in samples and parameters of “total nitrogen” and ash were studied. Complex chemical analysis for nine samples collected on a Demaria hill in the altitude range from 47 m to 408 m above see level was carried. It was concluded that in meager antarctic-like ecosystems the content of carotenoids and chlorophylls adequately reflects the quantity of a whole phytomass and of biomass. Total content humic and fulvic acids can be used to estimate quantity of organic substances in soils. Comparison of photosynthetic pigment concentrations with “total nitrogen” parameter allows to separate biogenic phytomass nitrogen and animal waste products.

Keywords

• chemical markers
• ecosystem
• carotenoids
• chlorophylls
• humic acids