Contaminant pathways in Port Curtis: Final report - OzCoasts

Contaminant pathways in Port Curtis: Final report2: Dissolved trace metalsChapter 2 Concentrations and sources of dissolved tracemetals in Port Curtis and surrounding coastalwaters2.1 IntroductionThe screening level risk assessment (SLRA) of contaminants in Port Curtisindicated that the concentrations of dissolved metals were in the low- or sub- partsper billion range and below levels of regulatory concern (Apte et al. 2005). Tracemetal concentrations were, however, generally elevated relative to other coastalAustralian waters. This indicated additional sources of metals to the water columnwithin Port Curtis which may be related to local industry or regional geology.This study involved a detailed investigation of cadmium, copper, nickel, lead andzinc concentrations in waters and suspended particulates collected in the PortCurtis Estuary and surrounding coastal waters (Figure 2.1).Great KeppelIslandStudyAreaFitzroyRiverGreat KeppelBayCurtis IslandRamsaysCrossingTheNarrowsFishermansLandingFacingIslandSurvey 1Survey 2Survey 1 and 2GladstoneKilometresRoddsBayHummock HillIslandFigure 2.1. Port Curtis estuary and surrounding waters showing positions of SLRAsampling sites during Survey 1 (!) and Survey 2 (")8