A review of nickel toxicity to marine and estuarine tropical biota with particular reference to the South East Asian and Melanesian region

摘要: The South East Asian Melanesian (SEAM) region contains the world's largest deposits of nickel lateritic ores. Environmental impacts may occur if mining operations are not adequately managed. Effects data for tropical ecosystems required to assess risks contaminant exposure and derive water quality guidelines (WQG) manage these risks. Currently, risk assessment tools WQGs tropics limited due sparse research on how contaminants impact biota. As part a larger project develop appropriate ensure sustainable production in SEAM, effects were required. aim this review was compile marine, estuarine, pelagic benthic species, with particular focus SEAM. There high chronic toxicity marine even fewer those relevant Of available, most sensitive SEAM species sea urchin, copepod anemone. is significant lack several ecologically important taxonomic groups including cnidarians, molluscs, crustaceans, echinoderms, macroalgae fish. No available estuarine waters or sediments. very limits our ability conduct robust ecological require additional generation read-across from similar other databases (e.g. temperate) fill gaps. Recommendations testing priorities gaps presented.