Output details

Metal contamination in water, sediment and biota from a semi-enclosed coastal area

Significance of output:

Past and present industrial activity has left a major legacy of pollution in coastal environments . We have demonstrated that within poorly-flushed enclosed bays there are significant concentrations of heavy metals, including mercury and arsenic, which cause contamination of sediment and water at concentrations which exceed international quality standards . Metals had accumulated in the tissues of edible marine species, including significant concentrations of mercury, silver and nickel in common cockles which pose risks to people and protected wildlife. The sources of these metals are from past industrial uses, including shipbuilding and munitions works, and present day stormwater drainage systems.