Title: Bioaccumulation of metals in the Thames Estuary
Author: J. McEvoy
Author: W.J. Langston
Author: G.R. Burt
Author: N.D. Pope
Document Type: Monograph
Annotation: EA additional title info: Thames estuary environmental quality Series no 2
Abstract:
The primary objective of the current study was to determine the occurrence and bioavailability of metals in the Thames Estuary and to contribute to an in-depth assessment of contamination and impact in this major UK tidal waterway. The report will also serve as a reference document for future assessment studies. Concentrations of silver (Ag), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), iron (Fe), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), selenium (Se), tin (Sn) and zinc (Zn) were determined in inter-tidal biota, sediments and water along an axial profile of the tidal Thames. Sampling took place during July 1997 at a total of 27 sites, from Teddington Lock seawards to Foulness on the northern shore of the outer estuary, and Shell Ness, on the Isle of Sheppey, to the south. Water analyses represent a 'snapshot' of metal concentrations at the time of sampling, yet, despite this limitation, interesting features were revealed. Concentrations of most metals were elevated at inner and mid-estuarine sites, though only copper and zinc consistently exceeded EQS values (5 and 40 microns/l, respectively). Even in the outer estuary, concentrations of several metals (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) were markedly higher than typical background values for the North Sea. Anthropogenic enrichment in the Thames was similar to that in other heavily industrialised European estuaries.
Publisher: Environment Agency
Publication Date: 1997
Publication Place: Reading
Subject Keywords: Bioaccumulation; Rivers; Estuaries; Metals; Biota; Sediment pollution; Biological monitoring; Mollusca; Metallic elements; Indicator organisms
Geographic Keywords: Thames
Extent: 116
Permalink: http://www.environmentdata.org/archive/ealit:388
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