Mercury Concentrations in Dated Varved Marine Sediments collected off Southern California

Computer Science

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

1

Scientific paper

ANNOUNCEMENTS that mercury concentrations often exceed recommended limits in some oceanic fishes, such as swordfish and tuna, have suggested the possibility that man has polluted the ocean with mercury on a massive scale1. Although there are examples of localized mercury pollution of certain fresh and coastal waters2-4, there are few data on historical levels of this metal in the marine environment distant from specific inputs such as wastewater outfalls. Here we report the concentrations of mercury observed in dated varved sediment layers from the Santa Barbara Basin covering the past 150 yr, as well as in two layers estimated to have been deposited approximately 1,500 yr BP. This basin is approximately 100 mile northwest of Los Angeles, and is sufficiently removed from densely populated areas to be protected from the concentrated effects of localized pollutant inputs. The record investigated includes layers deposited before the beginning of the California mining activity in 1849. Thus, it has been possible to compare near surface sediment concentrations of mercury with those observed in layers deposited before man could have released significant amounts of mercury directly into the California Current.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Mercury Concentrations in Dated Varved Marine Sediments collected off Southern California does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Mercury Concentrations in Dated Varved Marine Sediments collected off Southern California, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Mercury Concentrations in Dated Varved Marine Sediments collected off Southern California will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1221938

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.