Effect of penguin and seal excrement on mercury distribution in sediments from the Ross Sea region, East Antarctica

► Geochemical features of Hg in ornithogenic sediments of the Ross Sea region were investigated. ► Organic matter is the main Hg carrier in all the five sediment profiles. ► Penguin guano is the main source of Hg in the ornithogenic sediments. ► Seal excrement can cause a greater enrichment of Hg in the sediments. ► High Hg enrichment may not impose adverse effect upon local wildlife.