Effect of waste treatment at a lead smelter on cadmium levels in American lobster (Homarus americanus), sediments and seawater in the adjacent coastal zone
1986; Elsevier BV; Volume: 17; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1016/0025-326x(86)90416-9
ISSN1879-3363
AutoresJ. F. Uthe, C. L. Chou, D. H. Loring, R.T.T. Rantala, J.M. Bewers, J. Dalziel, P. A. Yeats, R. Levaque Charron,
Tópico(s)Heavy metals in environment
ResumoAbstract In 1980 the cadmium contamination of American lobsters ( Homarus americanus ) in Belledune Harbour, New Brunswick, Canada, was judged to be severe enough to pose a danger to human consumers and the harbour was closed to commercial fishing for lobsters. A lead smelting plant located adjacent to the harbour subsequently improved its waste treatment facilities which resulted in a reduction in the annual emissions of cadmium by over 95% within a year. Cadmium concentrations in lobsters, sediments and water are used to illustrate the substantial reduction in contamination that has taken place between 1980 and 1984. Cadmium concentrations in the digestive glands of lobsters within the harbour decreased after peaking in 1981 and have declined in cooked lobster meat products by approximately 50% in the same period. Concentrations in seawater and surficial sediments of the harbour have also declined although sediment/depth profiles exhibit cadmium-rich layers indicative of pre-1984 spills and elevated cadmium discharges prior to improvements in treatment procedures.
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