Potential PhD Project: Mercury bioaccumulation in the Derwent estuary – chemical processes and biological pathways
Heavy metal contamination is a key issue for the Derwent estuary, with current mercury levels in sediments and biota well above nationally recommended environmental and human health guidelines.
While some heavy metals in the most heavily contaminated areas of the Derwent are declining in response to industry regulation/mitigation activities, mercury remains a significant
Contaminant residue levels in key commercial & recreational fish species from S. Temperate Australian waters (focussing on heavy metals in particular mercury residues). Recent studies have indicated significant accumulation of heavy metals in certain important recreational fish species in S. Tasmania. In a number of instances the loadings were sufficiently high as to be of concern for human health
