The current state of heavy metal pollution in Pacific Island Countries: a review

Abstract

Contamination of the environment by pollutants like heavy metals is a growing phenomenon mainly driven by anthropogenic activities. The presence and mobility of metals in ecosystems lead to the contamination of marine resources and several materials. Accurate monitoring of metals concentration in various samples is of importance in order to minimize bio–magnification and health hazards resulting from their exposure. While much works have been carried out in developed countries, very little work has been conducted in Pacific Island Countries (PICs). Consequently, it is essential to have a general understanding of the basic methods of elemental analysis. The present review looks at the analytical methods which have been applied in the South Pacific Islands over the last three decades to characterize and report the environmental presence of heavy metals. The most sensitive techniques of elemental analysis such as atomic absorption/emission spectrometry, mass spectrometry, catalytic kinetic methods and nuclear techniques have been discussed with their applications in a range of sample matrices. An in–depth review of available studies points to activities such as mining, agriculture, manufacturing and poor waste disposal as major sources of these pollutants in PICs. The health impacts and human risk factors have briefly been discussed.

Keywords:

• Spectroscopic analysis
• heavy metal pollution
• Pacific Islands
• review