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Heavy metal pollution in the Derwent estuary: history, science and management
Citation
MacLeod, C and Coughanowr, C, Heavy metal pollution in the Derwent estuary: history, science and management, Regional Studies in Marine Science, 32 Article 100866. ISSN 2352-4855 (2019) [Refereed Article]
Copyright Statement
© 2019 Published by Elsevier B.V
DOI: doi:10.1016/j.rsma.2019.100866
Abstract
In this review we provide an overview of the Derwent estuary, Tasmania, Australia. The Derwent flows
through the centre of Hobart, a city with a population of approximately 200,000 people. It provides a
mechanism for trade and transport, and plays a key role in community recreation. There is significant
metal contamination throughout the estuary as a result of historic industry practices, to the extent
that the Derwent has an unenvied reputation as one of the most highly metal polluted estuaries in
the world. The most recent sediment survey (2012) showed zinc, copper, lead, cadmium, arsenic and
mercury levels as still particularly high; with levels in the mid-estuary exceeding 14000, 550, 1800,
120, 420 and 45 ug/g respectively. Zinc is the most abundant metal contaminant in the Derwent,
with water column levels in the mid-estuary ranging between 30–60 ug/L. Considerable management
and research efforts over the last 50 years have been focused on addressing these legacy issues. As a
result, the Derwent Estuary Program was instigated and has proven to be a highly successful body for
co-ordination of both remediation and research efforts in the estuary. Whilst the legacy issues have
been a key focus for management to date, like other waterbodies worldwide, the estuary is also facing
contemporary issues associated with increased urbanisation, changes in catchment usage and climate
change. This review provides a comprehensive summary of management initiatives and research to
date, and outlines those emerging issues.
Item Details
| Item Type: | Refereed Article |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | science, history, management, metal contamination, monitoring, environmental impact assessment, multiple use management, community engagement |
| Research Division: | Environmental Sciences |
| Research Group: | Environmental management |
| Research Field: | Natural resource management |
| Objective Division: | Environmental Management |
| Objective Group: | Coastal and estuarine systems and management |
| Objective Field: | Assessment and management of coastal and estuarine ecosystems |
| UTAS Author: | MacLeod, C (Professor Catriona MacLeod) |
| ID Code: | 150318 |
| Year Published: | 2019 |
| Web of Science® Times Cited: | 9 |
| Deposited By: | Directorate |
| Deposited On: | 2022-06-07 |
| Last Modified: | 2022-09-20 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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