Assessment of copper levels along the Namibian marine coastline
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30574/gscbps.2019.7.3.0101Keywords:
Copper, Choromytilus meridionalis, Coastal pollution, Harbour, Marine, NamibiaAbstract
Elevated trace metal in the aquatic environment is a global challenge. In this investigation, copper (Cu) levels were assessed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) during winter and summer months of 2012. The aim of this study was to determine the pollution status of Central Namibian coastline using copper levels in black mussel, sediments and water as indicators. Results indicated that Cu levels were significantly higher at Walvis Bay Harbour in mussels, sediments and water column (P < 0.05). Levels between summer and winter were not significant (P > 0.05). Black mussels at Walvis Bay Harbour could be regarded safe for consumption as the recorded levels were within the permissible limit set by the European Commission (EC. No.466/2001). However, further monitoring of the coastline is ecologically imperative to avoid human risks and irreversible ecological impacts.
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