Combining the use of gradients and reference areas to study bioaccumulation in wild oysters in the Hunter River estuary, New South Wales, Australia.

摘要: Two approaches for measuring the effects of human activities on aquatic biota are gradient studies and comparison impacted areas to external references. Wild oysters were sampled at 12 sites adjacent to, upstream downstream a steelworks in Hunter River estuary two reference estuaries. Regression analyses indicated reduced concentrations with distance from point source some metals PAHs. Data compared estuaries nearest furthest elevated contaminants both near an estuary-wide basis. The approach was useful identifying industrial effluent as bioavailable chemicals. Combining this use provided broad geographic context which interpret results identified effects.