Dissolved metal concentrations in the Torres strait and Gulf of Papua

Abstract

Dissolved copper, cadmium and nickel concentrations were accurately measured in surface water samples from the Torres Strait and the Gulf of Papua. The data indicated that there are significant inputs of dissolved metals to the region from the river systems that drain the mineralized areas of Papua New Guinea. The Purari River was identified as a major source of cadmium and nickel whereas the Fly River, which receives inputs from a large copper mine, was a major source of dissolved copper. Offshore, the concentrations of trace metals are close to background concentrations and were consistent with recent data for Australian coastal waters and the Pacific Ocean.