Distribution and temporal changes of lead in the surface seawater in the western Pacific and adjacent seas derived from coral skeletons

Environ Pollut. 2006 Dec;144(3):1045-52. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2005.11.048. Epub 2006 Apr 17.

Abstract

We determined Pb contents together with Pb isotopic compositions in coral skeletons (Porites spp.) collected from the western Pacific and adjacent seas to examine distribution of Pb in sea surfaces. Temporal records of Pb were also investigated using coral skeletons from Hainan and Ogasawara Island, located in China and Japan, respectively. The spatial distribution of Pb showed a clear dilution pattern of Pb from Asian continent to the open ocean. Also the similar trend was found in the Java Sea from Jakarta to the offshore. In addition to the spatial distribution, Pb contents in Ogasawara coral have gradually increased during last 108 years. It may be attributed to Pb emission mainly from industrial activities in Asian countries. Hainan coral, which provided 10 years record of Pb, showed a remarkable decline around 1997 probably due to the partial introduction of unleaded gasoline in China.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anthozoa / chemistry*
  • China
  • Environmental Monitoring / methods
  • Geography
  • Hong Kong
  • Industrial Waste
  • Japan
  • Lead / analysis*
  • Oceans and Seas
  • Seawater
  • Spectrum Analysis
  • Time
  • Water Movements
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / analysis*

Substances

  • Industrial Waste
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • Lead