[Mercury in the Surinamese environment: results of water quality monitoring in the Commewijne watershed]
2000
Quik, J.A.M. (Anton de Kom Universiteit van Suriname, Paramaribo (Suriname). Faculteit der Technologische Wetenschappen)
In order to assess potential negative effects of gold mining activities in the Upper Commewijne River area on aquaculture near the mouth of this river, a water quality monitoring project was carried out. During twoperiods samples of water, sediment and fish were taken and analyzed for mercury content. The results of this project shows a clear decrease in mercury levels ofsediment and predator fish from the Upper Commewijne towards its mouth. The good correlation between mercury levels in sediment and fish indicate the presence of a local contamination source of mercury. The present levels of mercury that were found in water and sediment of the Upper Commewijne pose no direct threat to aquatic life, but suggest that bioaccumulation will take place. That bioaccumulation actually takes place, was confirmed by the mercury levels in predator fish that were sifnificantly higher than in fish in other trophic levels.
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