Publication Abstract

Mercury concentrations in surface waters of the English Channel : comparative study

D. Cossa and C.F. Fileman

A cooperative research study was carried out by laboratories of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) and the Institut francais de recherche pour l'exploitation de la mer (IFREMER) to determine mercury concentration levels in the surface waters of the English Channel. Total mercury concentration in unfiltered samples were within the range 0.2 to 4.1 ng/l, the highest occurring associated with highly turbid inshore waters, especially near the Baie de la Seine and in the Solent. Concentrations of dissolved mercury in the two latter areas ranged from 0.3 to 0.5 ng/l, similar to those found in unfiltered surface water from offshore areas. Suspended offshore particulate material contained higher mercury concentrations than near-shore particulates.

Reference:

D. Cossa and C.F. Fileman, 1991. Mercury concentrations in surface waters of the English Channel : comparative study. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 22: 197-200.