Abstract
The adverse effects of lead poisoning have long been of environmental concern. A large number of research papers have reported many routes of lead poisoning, of which lead sinkers used in fishing require urgent attention. Lead sinkers that are abandoned or scattered from individual fishing gear are notorious for environmental pollution and have been reported in many papers; moreover, lead-core “sinker rope” is used in fishery nets. This paper discusses the latter, which generally has limited public awareness. Preliminary work and field studies were conducted to develop a system for total treatment of lead from fishing nets with lead-cored sinker ropes, in order to prevent environmental pollution and conserve natural resources. Lead sinkers in fishing nets were successfully removed, yielding high-quality lead suitable for commercial purposes. Appropriate management of fishing nets is crucial for environmental protection and resource conservation.
Highlights
Lead poisoning is of global environmental concern, and has been the subject of extensive research and numerous published reports
We propose a promising method for the treatment of fishing nets and recovery of lead weights
It was found that lead sinkers comprised 35% - 60% of the total weight of fishing nets, and that recovered lead sinkers were of high quality suitable for resale as base metals
Summary
Lead poisoning is of global environmental concern, and has been the subject of extensive research and numerous published reports. Many researchers have reported concerns regarding environmental and human poisoning caused by lead sinkers used in fishing [3]-[22]. Lead sinkers abandoned in the environment have been a main cause of poisoning via ingestion by animals and even children. Some countries such as Denmark and the United Kingdom (England and Wales) have banned the use of lead sinkers in inland waters, and Canada has banned their use in some areas such as national parks [20]. According to Scheuhammer (2003), the annual loss of lead sinkers and jigs reached approximately 500 tons, representing 14% of abandoned non-recoverable lead in Canada [12]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
