Natural SciencesEnvironmental SciencesToxicologyAquatic ToxicologyEnvironmental ChemistryEnvironmental ToxicologyHeavy Metal AnalysisHeavy Metal ContaminationSediment AnalysisSediment ContaminationTrace Metal ChemistryWater PollutionEnvironmental Metal ContaminationHeavy Metal Contamination AssessmentHeavy Metal MonitoringRiver PollutionSediment InvestigationTrace Metal ContaminationTrace Metal DeterminationWaterborne Heavy Metals
In order to assess the trace metal status of sediment, water and fish in the middle and lower Olifants River a preliminary investigation into the occurrence of 20 metals was carried out in December 1990. Data collected for the past 8 years on the trace metal content of the Loskop Dam and the Elands River are presented. In general it can be concluded that low levels. representing natural geological background levels, occur in the study area. Elevated levels of some metals do exist at localised points in the study area and warrant further investigation. Arsenic, cadmium, mercury and lead were not detected in any of the aquatic compartments investigated.