Sources of heavy metal input to the New Zealand aquatic environment

Abstract

This paper reviews the natural and anthropogenic sources of heavy metal input to the New Zealand aquatic environment. Data on the metal content of each source are presented, and implications briefly assessed. The metals considered are arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, mercury, nickel, lead and zinc. Data on metal imputs to our waters are frequently not adequate to assess possible impacts, so recommendations are made to ensure better information is available with which to assist decision making.

Keywords:

• Water pollution
• water resources
• natural waters
• wastewater
• effluents