biostudies-literatureReed KAUNC | University of North Carolina WilmingtonKorea Polar Research InstituteNational Science Foundation16258https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC6214904biostudies-literatureUnknown8(1)Zooplankton in Antarctic maritime lakes face challenges imposed by anthropogenic chemicals. Studies on temperate species suggest that lipophilic chemicals will accumulate in dormant embryos of Antarctic zooplankton and decrease hatching success, thereby threatening centuries of accumulated genetic diversity that would increase population resilience in the face of climate change. We evaluated the potential for lakes to act as sinks for legacy pollutants in the maritime Antarctic by testing sediments for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) previously identified in soil, flora and fauna of lake catchments. Direct tests of embryo permeability to chemicals are confounded by potential adhesion of chemicals to the embryo surface and limited biomass available. Therefore, in order to assess the potentScientific reportsEmbryos of an Antarctic zooplankton require anoxia for dormancy, are permeable to lipophilic chemicals, and reside in sediments containing PCBs.PMC6214904PE18080SURCAPLR Discretionary FundsBleau JMReed KAPark HCovi JALee SGLee SHLee WMunden TNMfalseEmbryos of an Antarctic zooplankton require anoxia for dormancy, are permeable to lipophilic chemicals, and reside in sediments containing PCBs.Zooplankton in Antarctic maritime lakes face challenges imposed by anthropogenic chemicals. Studies on temperate species suggest that lipophilic chemicals will accumulate in dormant embryos of Antarctic zooplankton and decrease hatching success, thereby threatening centuries of accumulated genetic diversity that would increase population resilience in the face of climate change. We evaluated the potential for lakes to act as sinks for legacy pollutants in the maritime Antarctic by testing sediments for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) previously identified in soil, flora and fauna of lake catchments. Direct tests of embryo permeability to chemicals are confounded by potential adhesion of chemicals to the embryo surface and limited biomass available. Therefore, in order to assess the potent2018-01-01T00:00:00Z2018 Nov2026-06-20T03:15:37.223Z2026-06-20T03:10:54.582ZS-EPMC62149043039001510.1038/s41598-018-34689-w