Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2440/14254
Type: Journal article
Title: Heavy metal pollution and coastal environmental change in South Australia: evidence from carbonate sediments in the lower Coorong
Author: Grattan, J.
Gilbertson, D.
Harvey, N.
Bourman, R.
Gell, P.
Citation: South Australian Geographical Journal, 2004; 103:43-61
Publisher: Royal Geographical Society of South Australia
Issue Date: 2004
ISSN: 1030-0481
Statement of
Responsibility: 
John Grattan, David Gilbertson, Nick Harvey, Robert Bourman and Peter Gell
Abstract: This reconnaissance ICP-MS based study of the heavy metal composition of a core in proto-dolomites in a hyper-saline small lagoon in the lower Coorong reveals a distinctive record of eochemical change. A provisional interpretation of the core, estimated to cover a period of ∼2-2.5 thousand years, has been made by inferences to the known chronology of industrial developments on the basis of metal signatures. The heavy metal signatures of nineteenth and twentieth century developments appear clear - for example - in distinctive peaks in the abundance of vanadium, chromium, copper, arsenic, and especially lead and uranium in the top 24 cm of the core, in particular fluctuations in the sources of emissions of lead that have existed - distant industrial sources, local vehicles and domestic sources, off-road recreational vehicles in the vicinity, perhaps power stations, as well as natural sources, may be apparent. A 'lead-focussed' approach may also suggest an earlier but less clear episode in the 19th century associated with the release of copper and arsenic that would reflect the known industrial history of the State. Changes in surface hydrology, re-working, chemical mobilisation and bioturbation are likely to have affected the concentrations of heavy metals deposited at the sediment surface. Distinctive longer term patterns of change are also indicated, on occasion with relatively sharp boundaries. These patterns and the changes between them were perhaps ultimately climatically-driven and modified in their record through complexes of biological, hydrological, geochemical and geomorphic processes. This study is unusual in that it has recovered a history of metal-cycling from an arid, coastal, calc-alkaline sedimentary and environment. It broadens the range of environments from which to infer natural environmental and historical pollution histories.
Keywords: Landforms
metals
pollution
Description: © Royal Geographical Society of South Australia
Published version: http://search.informit.com.au/fullText;dn=200507826;res=APAFT
Appears in Collections:Aurora harvest 7
Geography, Environment and Population publications

Files in This Item:
There are no files associated with this item.


Items in DSpace are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.