Temporal and spatial distribution of trace metals in the Rufiji delta mangrove, Tanzania.

Spatial and temporal distribution of trace metals and their cycling is a key issue for understanding the ongoing biogeochemical processes in coastal environments. Sediment cores were collected from six different sampling locations from the Rufiji delta mangrove forests in southeastern coastal Tanzania that are perceived to be impacted by urban development and agricultural activities in the catchment, and pollution in upstream sections of the Rufiji River. The chronology and sediment accumulation rates at these sampling sites were derived based on the distribution of 210Pbexcess method. The trace metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) were sequentially extracted as per the BCR method and analyzed. The results indicate that the mass accumulation rates range from 0.40 g cm-2 year-1 (cores NR3 and NR4) to 1.75 g cm-2 year-1 (core SR1). Trace metals in the cores are mainly associated with the residual phase and their abundances in sediments are ranked as Cr > Zn > Ni > Cu > Pb > Cd. The results imply that trace metals in the Rufiji delta mangroves are mainly of crustal origin, and they are less sensitive to weathering. Further, these metals are least available for uptake by plants and they pose limited threat to the biota.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination of surface sediments and oysters from the inter-tidal areas of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Surface sediment and oyster samples from the inter-tidal areas of Dar es Salaam were analyzed for 23 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) including the 16 compounds prioritized by US-EPA using GC/MS. The total concentration of PAHs in the sediment ranged from 78 to 25,000 ng/g dry weight, while oyster concentrations ranged from 170 to 650 ng/g dry weight. Hazards due to sediment contamination were assessed using Equilibrium Partitioning Sediment Benchmarks and Threshold Effect Levels. Diagnostic indices and principle component analysis were used to identify possible sources. Interestingly, no correlation between sediment and oyster concentrations at the same sites was found. This is supported by completely different contamination patterns, suggesting different sources for both matrices. Hazard assessment revealed possible effects at six out of eight sites on the benthic communities and oyster populations. The contribution of PAH intake via oyster consumption to carcinogenic risks in humans seems to be low.

Metals in Nile perch (Lates niloticus) and suspended particulate matter from Lake Victoria, Tanzania.

A study was conducted to assess the levels of pollutant metals in suspended particulate matter and Nile perch from Lake Victoria. The metals in particulate matter were determined to ascertain their concentrations at the base of the food chain. Nile perch samples were collected in September 2003 from five major fish processing factories at the shores of Lake Victoria in Mwanza and Musoma. The concentrations of total Hg, Pb, Cd, and Cu were generally low in particulate matter and in most locations were close to or below their limits of detection. The concentrations of Zn were high in suspended particulate matter, the highest being 219.4 +/- 153.0 microg L(-1) found in particulate matter from Nungwe Bay in the southern part of Lake Victoria. Nile perch generally contained low levels of heavy metals; the range for Pb was <0.01-0.08 microg g(-1) ww, Cd was <0.001-0.04 microg g(-1) ww, Cu was 0.01-0.97 microg g(-1) ww, and Zn was <0.01-18.94 microg g(-1) ww. The concentration of total mercury ranged between 31.0 and 684.2 ng g(-1) ww; generally, it was below the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations/World Health Organization (1000 ng total Hg g(-1) ww for piscivorous fish species) maximum allowable level. Indeed, all Nile perch samples that weighed less than 10 kg had less than 200 ng total Hg g(-1) ww and therefore are safe for regular consumption by at-risk groups such as children and pregnant women. Levels of mercury and other heavy metals in Nile perch at present is, therefore, not a severe environmental issue; however, urgent regulatory measures should be taken to minimize metal input into the lake to maintain the current levels in the fish.