Abstract

Past monitoring of heavy metals, organochlorine compounds and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has found that pollutant concentrations are generally low within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and World Heritage Area and are indicative of a relatively unpolluted environment. The exceptions are sites that are adjacent to human activity such as ports and harbours, urban centres and areas adjacent to intensive agricultural activity, These sites have elevated concentrations of a range of pollutants, Concentrations of dioxins have also been found to be elevated in marine park sediments. Elevated pollutant concentrations are generally the consequence of effluent discharge, urban storm,vater, and agricultural and industrial runoff. However, a majority of Great Barrier Reef pollutant data are now dated, and contemporary information is required concerning the distribution and impact of pollutants in the Queensland marine environment. The utility of specialized monitoring tools such as biomarkers for tropical marine environments urgently needs to be examined. With this information, appropriate risk assessment and monitoring can be implemented and effective management strategies developed to protect tropical marine ecosystems including the Great Barrier Reef. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Author Keywords: chemical pollution, Great Barrier Reef, heavy metals, pesticides, petroleum hydrocarbons

KeyWords Plus: POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC-HYDROCARBONS, INDO-GANGETIC PLAIN, TRACE-METALS, INSECTICIDE RESIDUES, NORTH QUEENSLAND, MULLUS-BARBATUS, DUGONG-DUGON, MARINE, SEDIMENTS, FISH

Addresses:
Haynes D, Great Barrier Reef Marine Pk Author, POB 1379, Townsville, Qld 4810, Australia Great Barrier Reef Marine Pk Author, Townsville, Qld 4810, Australia

Publisher: PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD, THE BOULEVARD, LANGFORD LANE, KIDLINGTON, OXFORD OX5 1GB, ENGLAND

IDS Number: 386GQ

ISSN: 0025-326X