Title: Heavy metals in UK estuaries : PML data and mapping programme. Draft report (365/3/N)
Author: G.W. Bryan
Author: G.R. Burt
Author: W.J. Langston
Document Type: Monograph
Abstract:
A floppy disk containing information on concentrations of heavy metals in sediments and
benthic indicator organisms from most estuaries in England and Wales has been created
for NRA use. The data are the results of measurements carried out at the Citadel Hill
site of the Plymouth Marine Laboratory over the past 20 years. Metals determined
included Ag, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, Zn. Indicator organisms
employed (13 in number) include the seaweed Fucus vesiculosus, ragworms Nereis
diversicolor and clams Scrobicularia plana or Macoma balthica. Also included on the
disk is a Windows program for displaying concentrations as vertical bars on maps
showing the geographical distribution of metal contamination in estuarine sediments or
organisms in specific areas of the UK. Sample types and metals are all selectable and a hard
copy can be produced. This note is intended to accompany the disk, providing instructions for using the disc and map program and information on the data. Separate descriptions
are given of the data for sediments and indicator organisms but both include information
on sampling, sample treatment and metal determinations. Also included are tables giving
examples of the the extent to which concentrations of metals in sediments and biota vary
among UK estuaries. To aid the interpretation of the biological data the metal indicator abilities of the different species are described and compared. Finally, two bibliographies are provided. The first comprises literature references to projects involving the data on the disk and the second includes recent references to heavy metals in sediments and organisms in UK estuaries.
Publisher: National Rivers Authority
Publication Date: 1992
Publication Place: Bristol
Subject Keywords: Metals; Estuaries; Sediments; Maps; Indicator organisms
Geographic Keywords: United Kingdom
Extent: 43; + appendices
Permalink: http://www.environmentdata.org/archive/ealit:3933
Total file downloads: 300
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