Determination of some dissolved trace metals from groundwater in Mauritius using inductively-coupled plasma -mass spectrometry

The concentrations of some dissolved trace metals: aluminium, chromium, manganese, nickel, copper, zinc,  cadmium and lead (Al, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) were determined in groundwater in the Flic en Flac and Grand River North West (GRNW) areas to assess groundwater contamination arising from agricultural and industrial activities of the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Mauritius during 1998. Inputs of dissolved Al, Ni,  Cu, Cd and Pb originating from both anthropogenic and natural activities and leading to the contamination of the  groundwater at both Flic en Flac and GRNW were not significant in 1998. However, dissolved Zn was  significantly higher in rainwater compared to Flic en Flac groundwater samples. The data demonstrated the potential for concentrations of some dissolved trace metals in groundwater samples to be below the proposed revised pollution limits in Mauritius. However, dissolved Cr in groundwater samples in the GRNW catchment area, which may arise from textile industries exceeded the proposed revised environmental inland water limits in Mauritius. There is at present an urgent need to review the guidelines for groundwater standards for trace metals in Mauritius which are to be proposed under Sections 34 and 74 of the Environmental Protection Act 1991 and cited as the new Environmental Protection Regulations 2000.Keywords: Dissolved tracemetals, ICP-MS, groundwater, rainwate

Harmful Elements in Estuarine and Coastal Systems

Estuaries and coastal zones are dynamic transitional systems which provide many economic and ecological benefits to humans, but also are an ideal habitat for other organisms as well. These areas are becoming contaminated by various anthropogenic activities due to a quick economic growth and urbanization. This chapter explores the sources, chemical speciation, sediment accumulation and removal mechanisms of the harmful elements in estuarine and coastal seawaters. It also describes the effects of toxic elements on aquatic flora and fauna. Finally, the toxic element pollution of the Venice Lagoon, a transitional water body located in the northeastern part of Italy, is discussed as a case study, by presenting the procedures adopted to measure the extent of the pollution, the impacts on organisms and the restoration activities

Variations Of Some Major Elements And Nutrients In The Coastal System In Mauritius

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