Abstract
Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) is one of the most successful species on Earth and serves as the largest potential protein bank for both Antarctic animals and humans. Research on this species is of great value for exploitation of Antarctic biotic resources. In this study, the metabolomics of E. superba were investigated using the GC-MS method. A total of 293 compounds were initially identified; these compounds could be divided into several classes, including amino acids, sugars and polyols, metabolic intermediates, small molecules and other metabolites. However, a serious problem was that both 2-hydroxybiphenyl and dioctyl phthalate were also detected in these krill tissues. Moreover, some intermediates of pesticides and medicinal or chemical compound products were found in krill tissue as well. This is the first survey to investigate the occurrence of chemical contamination in metabolites of Antarctic krill. These findings suggest that international contracts or policies should be developed to protect the pristine ocean.