DISSOLVED METAL CONCENTRATIONS IN THE TORRES-STRAIT AND GULF-OF-PAPUA

Dissolved copper, cadmium and nickel concentrations were accurately me asured in surface water samples from the Torres Strait and the Gulf of Papua. The data indicated that there are significant inputs of dissol ved metals to the region from the river systems that drain the mineral ized areas of Papua New Guinea. The Purari River was identified as a m ajor source of cadmium and nickel whereas the Fly River, which receive s inputs from a large copper mine, was a major source of dissolved cop per. Offshore, the concentrations of trace metals are close to backgro und concentrations and were consistent with recent data for Australian coastal waters and the Pacific Ocean. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.