Metals and Synthetic Organic Compounds in Plankton from the Estuary and Harbor area in Osaka City

Abstract

This study was made in order to evaluate the feasibility of net plankton analysis for monitoring pollution due to heavy metals and synthetic chemicals in seawater. Plankton was collected by using a phytoplankton net in the harbor area of Osaka City, Japan. Heavy metals, organochlorine and organophosphorus compounds in the net plankton and also in the corresponding seawater were determined. The heavy metal concentration in the seawater increased in the order of, Hg < Pb