ISSN:
1573-5117
Keywords:
Heavy metals
;
Paphia
;
seawater, sediment
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Summary Iron-ore tailings have been deposited along the coast of Tolo Harbour from Ma On Shan Iron-ore Mine since its operation in 1906. In order to search for any harmful effects caused by the tailings, the edible clam, Paphia sp. together with sediments and seawater samples were collected from different sites of the iron-ore tailings of Ma On Shan Iron Mine, its nearby seashores and an unaffected site, Cheung Chau. The analysis of metal contents in the tissue and shell of the clams, seawater and sediments was carried out. It was discovered that the clams collected from the tailings had accumulated higher metal contents, e.g. Mn, Fe and Ca while those collected from the nearby seashores were also affected to a less extent. Clams are collected from the seashores within Tolo harbour for consumption by the villagers, but no accident caused by toxic effects of heavy metals has been reported. However, the present investigation further confirmed the potential hazard of the heavy metal contamination within Tolo Harbour reported recently (Wong & Chan, 1976; Wong & Tam, 1977).
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00017514
Permalink