Metal contamination among endangered, threatened and protected marine vertebrates off south-eastern Australia

摘要: Abstract Ambient concentrations of many essential and non-essential trace elements in coastal waters off New South Wales (NSW), Australia are among the lowest reported anywhere Southern Hemisphere. Nevertheless, various contaminants regional migratory marine biota have been recorded above existing, established thresholds, with possible implications for negative biological effects. We quantified 24 57 individuals from 13 species (dolphins, sharks, rays teleosts) caught bather-protection gillnets deployed northern NSW at 29°S. While muscle most were below detection limits, >50% specimens (mostly larger sharks) had Hg exceeding thresholds that might damage biomechanical processes, while several others As Cd elevated to within ranges values previously demonstrated cause effects other species, including deformities eggs, embryos or larvae. Future research is warranted quantify broader extent observed contaminant loads any physiological impacts on wild populations.