Spatial and Temporal Variations of Metals in Richards Bay Harbour (RBH), South Africa

Little data are available on the level of metals in biotic and abiotic components at Richards Bay Harbour (RBH). The most recent records are from a survey done around the time of the construction of the harbour in 1976. Industrial and human activities in and around this area have increased dramatically in the last 20 years, the impact of which remains unknown. The aim of this study is to establish spatial and temporal variations in metals in RBH through a seasonal biomonitoring programme.

Biotic (mussels and fish) and abiotic (sediments and water) samples were collected from each of the eleven sites on a seasonal basis. Samples were wet digested using a two to one ratio of nitric to perchloric acid. Samples were filtered and analysed for aluminium, chromium and iron using a Varian SpectrAA 50B spectrophotometer.

Aluminium, chromium and iron concentrations in water, sediments and biota showed spatial and temporal variations. Concentrations of iron in sediment samples were found to be higher than concentrations recorded in previous studies.