Nutrient transfer from penguin colonies to the vegetation at Cape Hallett: A measurement of the transfer of organic nitrogen in the form of ammonia

The transfer rate of organic nitrogen in the form of ammonia from the penguin colonies to the vegetation was analysed. Initial estimates were carried out in the 04-05 season.

Ammonia traps were set up to determine the potential for ammonia transfer, ammonia concentrations in air were made at 3 sites around the penguin rookery, bulk ammonia samples were collected in the centre of the rookery, lichens (Usnea sphacelata, Umbilicaria decussata and Xanthoria mawsonii) were collected at varying distances from the rookery for 15N analysis and sites remote from the rookery were identified as suitable for ammonia monitoring (Luther Lake, Red Castle Ridge and Football Saddle).