Heavy metal pollution in coastal areas of South China: A review

Marine Pollution Bulletin

Volumn 76, Issue 1-2, 2013, Pages 7-15

  Wang, Shuai Long ^a,b   Xu, Xiang Rong ^a   Sun, Yu Xin ^a,d   Liu, Jin Ling ^a   Li, Hua Bin ^c  

^a SOUTH CHINA SEA INSTITUTE OF OCEANOLOGY   (China)

^b UNIVERSITY OF CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES   (China)

^c SUN YAT SEN UNIVERSITY   (China)

^d INSTITUTE OF GEOLOGY AND GEOPHYSICS   (China)

Author keywords

Coastal area; Health risk assessment; Heavy metals; Pollution; South China

Indexed keywords

COASTAL AREA; HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION; HEAVY METAL POLLUTION; HUMAN HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT; LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT; PEARL RIVER ESTUARY; RAPID URBANIZATIONS; SOUTH CHINA;

COASTAL ZONES; HEALTH RISKS; POLLUTION; RISK ASSESSMENT; RIVER POLLUTION;

HEAVY METALS;

ARSENIC; CADMIUM; CHROMIUM; COPPER; HEAVY METAL; LEAD; MERCURY; NICKEL; ZINC;

COASTAL ZONE; FOOD SAFETY; HEALTH RISK; HEAVY METAL; INDUSTRIALIZATION; MARINE POLLUTION; POLLUTANT SOURCE; RISK ASSESSMENT; URBANIZATION;

BIOTA; CHINA; CONCENTRATION (PARAMETERS); ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT; HEALTH HAZARD; HONG KONG; HUMAN; INDUSTRIALIZATION; MARINE ENVIRONMENT; MOLLUSC; NONHUMAN; REVIEW; RISK ASSESSMENT; SEA FOOD; SEASHORE; SEDIMENTATION RATE; URBANIZATION; WATER CONTAMINATION; WATER POLLUTION;

CHINA; GUANGDONG; HONG KONG; PACIFIC OCEAN; SOUTH CHINA SEA; ZHUJIANG ESTUARY;

MOLLUSCA;

COASTAL AREA; HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT; HEAVY METALS; POLLUTION; SOUTH CHINA;

CHINA; ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING; ESTUARIES; METALS, HEAVY; SEAWATER; WATER POLLUTANTS, CHEMICAL; WATER POLLUTION, CHEMICAL;

EID: 84886088070     PISSN: 0025326X     EISSN: 18793363     Source Type: Journal    
DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.08.025     Document Type: Review

References (90)

1. AQSIQ (General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People's Republic of China), 2001. Safety Qualification for Agricultural Product-Safety Requirements for Non-environmental Pollution Aquatic Products (GB18406.4-2001) (in Chinese).
2. Blackmore G. An overview of trace metal pollution in the coastal waters of Hong Kong. Sci. Total Environ. 1998, 214:21-48.
3. Burger J., Gochfeld M. Heavy metals in commercial fish in New Jersey. Environ. Res. 2005, 99:403-412.
4. Chen K.P., Jiao J.J. Spatio-temporal trends of heavy metals and source apportionment in Tolo Harbour, Hong Kong. Environ. Earth Sci. 2010, 60:1439-1445.
5. Chen Q.X., Yang W., Chu Q.Z. Assessments on contents of heavy metals in the edible parts of 19 mollusks from Naozhou island, Zhanjiang. Ecol. Environ. Sci. 2011, 20:175-180. (in Chinese).
6. Choi S.C., Wai O.W.H., Choi T.W.H., Li X.D., Tsang C.W. Distribution of cadmium, chromium, copper, lead and zinc in marine sediments in Hong Kong waters. Environ. Geol. 2006, 51:455-461.
7. Cornish A.S., Ng W.C., Ho V.C.M., Wong H.L., Lam J.C.W., Lam P.K.S., Leung K.M.Y. Trace metals and organochlorines in the bamboo shark Chiloseyllium plagiosum from the southern waters of Hong Kong. China. Sci. Total Environ. 2007, 376:335-345.
8. Deng B., Zhang J., Zhang G., Zhou J. Enhanced anthropogenic heavy metal dispersal from tidal disturbance in the Jiaozhou Bay, North China. Environ. Monit. Assess. 2010, 161:349-358.
9. Díaz-Somoano M., Kylander M.E., López-Antón M.A., Suárez-Ruiz I., Martínez-Tarazona M.R., Ferrat M., Kober B., Weiss D.J. Stable lead isotope compositions in selected coals from around the world and implications for present day aerosol source tracing. Environ. Sci. Technol. 2009, 43:1078-1085.
10. Ding Z.H., Liu J.L., Li L.Q., Lin H.N., Wu H., Hu Z.Z. Distribution and speciation of mercury in surficial sediments from main mangrove wetlands in China. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 2009, 58:1319-1325.
11. Fang J.K.H., Wu R.S.S., Chan A.K.Y., Shin P.K.S. Metal concentrations in green-lipped mussels (Perna viridis) and rabbitfish (Siganus oramin) from Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong after pollution abatement. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 2008, 56:1486-1491.
12. Fang T.H., Li J.Y., Feng H.M., Chen H.Y. Distribution and contamination of trace metals in surface sediments of the East China Sea. Mar. Environ. Res. 2009, 68:178-187.
13. Fu J.M., Mai B.X., Sheng G.Y., Zhang G., Wang X.M., Peng P.A., Xiao X.M., Ran R., Cheng F.Z., Peng X.Z., Wang Z.S., Tang U.W. Persistent organic pollutants in environment of the Pearl River Delta, China: an overview. Chemosphere 2003, 52:1411-1422.
14. Gao X.L., Chen C.T.A., Wang G., Xue Q.Z., Tang C., Chen S.Y. Environmental status of Daya Bay surface sediments inferred from a sequential extraction technique. Estuar. Coast. Shelf Sci. 2010, 86:369-378.
15. Guo X.Y., Huang C.J. Distribution and source of heavy metal elements in sediments of Zhanjiang Harbor. J. Trop. Oceanogr. 2006, 25:91-96. (in Chinese).
16. Han B.C., Jeng W.L., Chen R.Y., Fang G.T., Hung T.C., Tseng R.J. Estimation of target hazard quotients and potential health risks for metals by consumption of seafood in Taiwan. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 1998, 35:711-720.
17. HKEPD (Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department), 1986-2011. Marine Water Quality in Hong Kong. http://epic.epd.gov.hk/ca/uid/cmarinehistorical/p/1.
18. Huang C.J., Zhao Z. Assessment on contents of heavy metals in seafoods from Zhanjiang Harbor. J. Shantou Univ. 2007, 22:30-36. (in Chinese).
19. Huang W.X., Yan W., Liu Y.X., Wang Z.Y. Distribution and potential ecological risk evolution of heavy metals in surface sediments of Zhanjiang Harbor. Mar. Environ. Sci. 2012, 31:639-643. (in Chinese).
20. Hung C.L.H., So M.K., Connell D.W., Fung C.N., Lam M.H.W., Nicholson S., Richardson B.J., Lam P.K.S. A preliminary risk assessment of trace elements accumulated in fish to the Indo-Pacific Humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) in the Northwestern waters of Hong Kong. Chemosphere 2004, 56:643-651.
21. Ip C.C., Li X.D., Zhang G., Farmer J.G., Wai O.W.H., Li Y.S. Over one hundred years of trace metal fluxes in the sediments of the Pearl River Estuary, South China. Environ. Pollut. 2004, 132:157-172.
22. Ip C.C., Li X.D., Zhang G., Wong C.S.C., Zhang W.L. Heavy metal and Pb isotopic compositions of aquatic organisms in the Pearl River Estuary, South China. Environ. Pollut. 2005, 138:494-504.
23. Ip C.C., Li X.D., Zhang G., Wai O.W.H., Li Y.S. Trace metal distribution in sediments of the Pearl River Estuary and the surrounding coastal area, South China. Environ. Pollut. 2007, 147:311-323.
24. Lai M.Y., Shen P.P., Zhao Z., Zhou H., Gu J.D. Concentrations of heavy metals in the benthic microgastropods Sermyla riqued and Stenothyra devalis at the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar site of Hong Kong. Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 2005, 74:1065-1071.
25. Li X.D., Wai O.W.H., Li Y., Coles B.J., Ramsey M.H., Thornton I. Heavy metal distribution in sediment profiles of the Pearl River estuary, South China. Appl. Geochem. 2000, 15:567-581.
26. Li X.D., Shen Z.G., Wai O.W.H., Li Y.S. Chemical forms of Pb, Zn and Cu in the sediment profiles of the Pearl River Estuary. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 2001, 42:215-223.
27. Liang Y., Wong M.H. Spatial and temporal organic and heavy metal pollution at Mai Po Marshes Nature Reserve, Hong Kong. Chemosphere 2003, 52:1647-1658.
28. Liu J.H., Kueh C.S.W. Biomonitoring of heavy metals and trace organics using the intertidal mussel Perna viridis in Hong Kong coastal waters. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 2005, 51:857-875.
29. Liu W.X., Li X.D., Shen Z.G., Wang D.C., Wai O.W.H., Li Y.S. Multivariate statistical study of heavy metal enrichment in sediments of the Pearl River Estuary. Environ. Pollut. 2003, 121:377-388.
30. Liu J.L., Feng X.B., Yin R.S., Zhu W., Li Z.G. Mercury distributions and mercury isotope signatures in sediments of Dongjiang, the Pearl River Delta, China. Chem. Geol. 2011, 287:81-89.
31. Liu J.L., Feng X.B., Zhu W., Li Z.G., Yin R.S. Distribution characteristics and pollution assessments of heavy metals in Dongjiang River. Chin. J. Ecol. 2011, 30:981-986. (in Chinese).
32. Liu J.L., Feng X.B., Qiu G.L., Anderson C.W.N., Yao H. Prediction of methyl mercury uptake by rice plants (Oryza sativa L.) using the diffusive gradient in thin films technique. Environ. Sci. Technol. 2012, 46:11013-11020.
33. Liu J.L., Xu X.R., Ding Z.H., Jin M.H., Wang S.L., Hao Q. Heavy metals contamination in fish from coral reef ecosystem and ecology risk evaluation. Mar. Environ. Sci. 2013, 32:262-266. (in Chinese).
34. Liu, J.L., Xu, X.R., Chen, K.G., Su, Y.H., Wang S.L., Peng, J.X., Hao, Q., in press. Mercury and methylmercury contamination in fish from Yongxing Island and human health risk evaluation. Mar. Environ. Sci. (in Chinese).
35. MA (Ministry of Agriculture of the People's Republic of China) China Fishery Statistical Yearbook 2011, China Agriculture Press, Beijing, (in Chinese).
36. Meng F.P., Wang Z.F., Cheng F.L., Du X.P., Fu W.C., Wang Q., Yi X.Y., Li Y.F., Zhou Y. The assessment of environmental pollution along the coast of Beibu Gulf, northern South China Sea: an integrated biomarker approach in the clam Meretrix meretrix. Mar. Environ. Res. 2013, 85:64-75.
37. Nicholson S., Szefer P. Accumulation of metals in the soft tissues, byssus and shell of the mytilid mussel Perna viridis (Bivalvia: Mytilidae) from polluted and uncontaminated locations in Hong Kong coastal waters. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 2003, 46:1039-1043.
38. Nicholson S., Hui Y.H., Lam P.K.S. Pollution in the coastal waters of Hong Kong: case studies of the urban Victoria and Tolo Harbours. Water Environ. J. 2011, 25:387-399.
39. Ouédraogo O., Amyot M. Mercury, arsenic and selenium concentrations in water and fish from sub-Saharan semi-arid freshwater reservoirs (Burkina Faso). Sci. Total Environ. 2013, 444:243-254.
40. Ouyang T.P., Zhu Z.Y., Kuang Y.Q., Huang N.S., Tan J.J., Guo G.Z., Gu L.S., Sun B. Dissolved trace elements in river water: Spatial distribution and the influencing factor, a study for the Pearl River Delta Economic Zone, China. Environ. Geol. 2006, 49:733-742.
41. Pan K., Wang W.X. Reconstructing the biokinetic processes of oysters to counteract the metal challenges: physiological acclimation. Environ. Sci. Technol. 2012, 46:10765-10771.
42. Pan K., Wang W.X. Trace metal contamination in estuarine and coastal environments in China. Sci. Total. Environ. 2012, 421:3-16.
43. Peterson S.A., Ralston N.V.C., Peck D.V., Van Sickle J., Robertson J.D., Spate V.L., Morris J.S. How might selenium moderate the toxic effects of mercury in stream fish of the western US?. Environ. Sci. Technol. 2009, 43:3919-3925.
44. Qin C.Y., Fang Z.Q., Tang Y.J., An D., Yang X.B. Contents and evaluation of heavy metals in common aquatic from Lingding Yang in Pearl River Estuary. South China Ocean 2010, J.S. China Normal Univ., pp. 104-114 (in Chinese).
45. Qiu Y.W., Zhu L.S., Li M.Q., Wang Q. Distribution characteristics of heavy metals and grain size of sediments from Hailing Bay. Mar. Sci. Bull. 2004, 7:69-76. (in Chinese).
46. Qiu Y.W., Ya W., Wang Z.D., Zhang G. Distributions of heavy metals in seawater, sediments and organisms at Daya Bay and their ecological harm. J. Trop. Oceanogr. 2005, 24:69-76. (in Chinese).
47. Qiu Y.W., Lin D., Liu J.Q., Zeng E.Y. Bioaccumulation of trace metals in farmed fish from South China and potential risk assessment. Ecotoxicol. Environ. Saf. 2011, 74:284-293.
48. Qiu Y.W., Yu K.F., Zhang G., Wang W.X. Accumulation and partitioning of seven trace metals in mangroves and sediment cores from three estuarine wetlands of Hainan Island, China. J. Hazard. Mater. 2011, 190:631-638.
49. Rainbow P.S. Trace metal concentrations in aquatic invertebrates: why and so what?. Environ. Pollut. 2002, 120:490-507.
50. Rainbow P.S. Trace metal bioaccumulation: models, metabolic availability and toxicity. Environ. Int. 2007, 33:576-582.
51. Rainbow P.S., Luoma S.N. Metal toxicity, uptake and bioaccumulation in aquatic invertebrates-modelling zinc in crustaceans. Aquat. Toxicol. 2011, 105:455-465.
52. Sherman L.S., Blum J.D., Franzblau A., Basu N. New insight into biomarkers of human mercury exposure using naturally occurring mercury stable isotopes. Environ. Sci. Technol. 2013, 47:3403-3409.
53. Shi J.B., Ip C.C.M., Tang C.W.Y., Zhang G., Wu R.S.S., Li X.D. Spatial and temporal variations of mercury in sediments from Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 2007, 54:480-485.
54. Shi J.B., Ip C.C.M., Zhang G., Jiang G.B., Li X.D. Mercury profiles in sediments of the Pearl River Estuary and the surrounding coastal area of South China. Environ. Pollut. 2010, 158:1974-1979.
55. Storelli M.M. Potential human health risks from metals (Hg, Cd, and Pb) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) via seafood consumption: estimation of target hazard quotients (THQs) and toxic equivalents (TEQs). Food Chem. Toxicol. 2008, 46:2782-2788.
56. Tam N.F.Y., Wong Y.S. Accumulation and distribution of heavy metals in a simulated mangrove system treated with sewage. Hydrobiologia 1997, 352:67-75.
57. Tam N.F.Y., Wong Y.S. Spatial variation of heavy metals in surface sediments of Hong Kong mangrove swamps. Environ. Pollut. 2000, 110:195-205.
58. Tang C.W., Ip C.C., Zhang G., Shin P.K.S., Qian P.Y., Li X.D. The spatial and temporal distribution of heavy metals in sediments of Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 2008, 57:816-825.
59. Tanner P.A., Leong L.S., Pan S.M. Contamination of heavy metals in marine sediment cores from Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 2000, 40:769-779.
60. USEPA (the United States Environmental Protection Agency), 2012. Region 3 Fish Tissue Screening Levels, November 2012. http://www.epa.gov/reg3hwmd/risk/human/pdf/NOV_2012_FISH.pdf.
61. Vane C.H., Harrison I., Kim A.W., Moss-Hayes V., Vickers B.P., Hong K. Organic and metal contamination in surface mangrove sediments of South China. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 2009, 58:134-144.
62. Wai O.W.H., Wang C.H., Li Y.S., Li X.D. The formation mechanisms of turbidity maximum in the Pearl River estuary, China. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 2004, 48:441-448.
63. Wan L., Wang N.B., Li Q.B., Sun B., Zhou Z.C., Xue K., Ma Z.Q., Tian J., Song L. Distribution of dissolved metals in seawater of Jinzhou Bay, China. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2008, 27:43-48.
64. Wang X.L., Sato T., Xing B.S., Tao S. Health risks of heavy metals to the general public in Tianjin, China via consumption of vegetables and fish. Sci. Total Environ. 2005, 350:28-37.
65. Wang S.S., Cao Z.M., Lan D.Z., Zheng Z.C., Li G.H. Concentration distribution and assessment of several heavy metals in sediments of west-four Pearl River Estuary. Environ. Geol. 2008, 55:963-975.
66. Wang Z.H., Jia X.P., Lin Q., Gan J.L., Cai W.G., Chen H.G. The content variation characteristics and risk analysis for heavy metal in crassostrea rivularis along the coast of Guangdong Province, China. J. Agro-Environ. Sci. 2012, 31:607-612. (in Chinese).
67. Wei T.L., Yang W.L., Lai Z.N., Zhang Q., Liu M. Residues of heavy metals in economic aquatic animal muscles in Pearl River Estuary, South China. J. Fish. Sci. China 2002, 9:172-176. (in Chinese).
68. Wen W.Y., He Y.Q. Pollution of lead in the estuary of Lingdingyang. Trop. Oceanol. 1985, 4:53-58. (in Chinese).
69. Wong C.K.C., Yeung H.Y., Cheung R.Y.H., Yung K.K.L., Wong M.H. Ecotoxicological assessment of persistent organic and heavy metal contamination in Hong Kong coastal sediment. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 2000, 38:486-493.
70. Wong C.S.C., Wu S.C., Duzgoren-Aydin N.S., Aydin A., Wong M.H. Trace metal contamination of sediments in an e-waste processing village in China. Environ. Pollut. 2007, 145:434-442.
71. Wu X.Y., Yang Y.F. Heavy metal (Pb, Co., Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) concentrations in harvest-size white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei tissues from aquaculture and wild source. J. Food Compost. Anal. 2011, 24:62-65.
72. Xia P., Meng X.W., Yin P., Cao Z.M., Wang X.Q. Eighty-year sedimentary record of heavy metal inputs in the intertidal sediments from the Nanliu River estuary, Beibu Gulf of South China Sea. Environ. Pollut. 2011, 159:92-99.
73. Xia P., Meng X.W., Feng A.P., Yin P., Wang X.Q., Zhang J. Pb-210 chronology and trace metal geochemistry in the intertidal sediment of Qinjiang River estuary, China. J. Ocean Univ. China 2012, 11:165-173.
74. Xie W.P., Wang S.B., Zhu X.P., Chen K.C., Pan D.B., Hong X.Y., Yin Y. Residues and potential ecological risk assessment of metal in sediments from lower reaches and Estuary of Pearl River. Environ. Sci. 2012, 33:1808-1815. (in Chinese).
75. Xu F.L., Lam K.C., Zhao Z.Y., Zhan W., Chen Y.D., Tao S. Marine coastal ecosystem health assessment: a case study of the Tolo Harbour, Hong Kong, China. Ecol. Modell. 2004, 173:355-370.
76. Xu Z.C., Yang X.Y., Wen Y., Chen G.H., Fang J.D. Evaluation of the heavy metals contamination and its potential ecological risk of the sediments in Beijiang River's upper and middle reaches. Environ. Sci. 2009, 30:3262-3268. (in Chinese).
77. Yang M.L., Lin Q., Wang Z.H., Zhou G.J. Analysis on the content and variation trend of heavy metal in the marine organisms in Daya Bay. Mar. Environ. Sci. 2004, 23:41-43. (in Chinese).
78. Yang Y.Q., Chen F.R., Zhang L., Liu J.S., Wu S.J., Kang M.L. Comprehensive assessment of heavy metal contamination in sediment of the Pearl River Estuary and adjacent shelf. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 2012, 64:1947-1955.
79. Ye F., Huang X.P., Zhang D.W., Tian L., Zeng Y.Y. Distribution of heavy metals in sediments of the Pearl River Estuary, Southern China: Implications for sources and historical changes. J. Environ. Sci. - China 2012, 24:579-588.
80. Yu X.J., Yan Y., Wang W.X. The distribution and speciation of trace metals in surface sediments from the Pearl River Estuary and the Daya Bay, Southern China. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 2010, 60:1364-1371.
81. Yu X.J., Li H.X., Pan K., Yan Y., Wang W.X. Mercury distribution, speciation and bioavailability in sediments from the Pearl River Estuary, Southern China. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 2012, 64:1699-1704.
82. Zeng H.W., Uthus E.O., Combs G.F. Mechanistic aspects of the interaction between selenium and arsenic. J. Inorg. Biochem. 2005, 99:1269-1274.
83. Zeng Y.Y., Huang X.P., Ye F., Tian L. Statistical analysis of accumulation patterns of heavy metals in biota from the Pearl River Estuary, South China. Aquat. Ecosyst. Health Manage. 2012, 15:185-191.
84. Zhang W., Wang W.X. Large-scale spatial and interspecies differences in trace elements and stable isotopes in marine wild fish from Chinese waters. J. Hazard. Mater. 2012, 215:65-74.
85. Zhang J.H., Li X.M., Lan S.Y. Current situation and assessment of heavy metal contents in benthons in Guangxi inshore. Guangxi Sci. 2006, 13:143-146. (in Chinese).
86. Zhang W., Huang L., Wang W.X. Biotransformation and detoxification of inorganic arsenic in a marine juvenile fish Terapon jarbua after waterborne and dietborne exposure. J. Hazard. Mater. 2012, 221:162-169.
87. Zhang W.F., Liu X.P., Cheng H.F., Zeng E.Y., Hu Y.N. Heavy metal pollution in sediments of a typical mariculture zone in South China. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 2012, 64:712-720.
88. Zhong L.F., Yan W., Li J., Tu X.L., Liu B.M., Xia Z. Pt and Pd in sediments from the Pearl River Estuary, South China: Background levels, distribution, and source. Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res. 2012, 19:1305-1314.
89. Zhou H.Y., Peng X.T., Pan J.M. Distribution, source and enrichment of some chemical elements in sediments of the Pearl River Estuary, China. Cont. Shelf. Res. 2004, 24:1857-1875.
90. Zhou F., Guo H.C., Hao Z.J. Spatial distribution of heavy metals in Hong Kong's marine sediments and their human impacts: a GIS-based chemometric approach. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 2007, 54:1372-1384.