Heavy metals in the Derwent Estuary

摘要: Analyses of the concentrations Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Pb, Mn, Hg, Ni, and Zn in filtered waters, suspended particulates, sediments, shellfish, fish, airborne sewage have confirmed work other investigators showing that Derwent Estuary is heavily contaminated, particularly withmercury, cadmium, lead, andzinc, added further information regarding distribution each metal. Apparently most contamination originated from earlier operation a zinc refining plant. A study shellfish growing variously contaminated regions found more than 20 species could be listed order their respective abilities to accumulate heavy For example, mussel (Mytilus edulis) was good indicator cadmium mercury contamination, but less valuable as an zinc. The surf barnacle, (Catophragmus polymerus) one sensitive biological indicators contamination. An indication steps by which waste metal eventually accumulated at high even toxic seafoods, may seen comparison relative mercury, mussels, waters. recorded for metals include: 1,100 µg/g 10,000 Zn, 862 Cd dried sediments; 1,500 dust fallout; 200 100,000 oysters; 16 µg/l 15