Organochlorine, heavy metal and polyaromatic hydrocarbon pollutant concentrations in the Great Barrier Reef (Australia) environment: a review

Past monitoring of heavy metals, organochlorine compounds and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has found that pollutant concentrations are generally l ow within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and World Heritage Area and ar e indicative of a relatively unpolluted environment. The exceptions are sit es that are adjacent to human activity such as ports and harbours, urban ce ntres and areas adjacent to intensive agricultural activity, These sites ha ve elevated concentrations of a range of pollutants, Concentrations of diox ins have also been found to be elevated in marine park sediments. Elevated pollutant concentrations are generally the consequence of effluent discharg e, urban storm,vater, and agricultural and industrial runoff. However, a ma jority of Great Barrier Reef pollutant data are now dated, and contemporary information is required concerning the distribution and impact of pollutan ts in the Queensland marine environment. The utility of specialized monitor ing tools such as biomarkers for tropical marine environments urgently need s to be examined. With this information, appropriate risk assessment and mo nitoring can be implemented and effective management strategies developed t o protect tropical marine ecosystems including the Great Barrier Reef. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.