Spatial and temporal variations of metals in Richards Bay Harbour (RBH), South Africa

Little data are available on the level of metals in biotic and abiotic comp onents at Richards Bay Harbour (RBH). The most recent records are from a su rvey done around the time of the construction of the harbour in 1976. Indus trial and human activities in and around this area have increased dramatica lly in the last 20 years, the impact of which remains unknown. The aim of t his study is to establish spatial and temporal variations in metals in RBH through a seasonal biomonitoring programme. Biotic (mussels and fish) and abiotic (sediments and water) samples were co llected from each of the eleven sites on a seasonal basis. Samples were wet digested using a two to one ratio of nitric to perchloric acid. Samples we re filtered and analysed for aluminium, chromium and iran using a Varian Sp ectrAA 50B spectrophotometer. Aluminium, chromium and iron concentrations in water, sediments and biota s howed spatial and temporal variations. Concentrations of iron in sediment s amples were found to be higher than concentrations recorded in previous stu dies. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.