Heavy metal pollution
THERE is a need for more collaboration between researchers and government authorities to solve pollution issues in the Suva bay.
University of the South Pacific School of Biological and Chemical Sciences lecturer Dr Matakite Maata said foreshore heavy metal pollution would continue to rise if not curbed.
“More research is needed to establish current heavy metal levels, which can be initiated by university students or professors,” he said.
Dr Maata said rapid expansion of population and industrialisation was increasing the level of pollution in Suva.
“The major sources of heavy metal at the Suva foreshore are steel works from garages, slipway, rubbish dump, battery factory, paint companies, rusty and junk vessels,” he claimed.
“Foreshore was and is still heavily polluted with heavy metal, therefore, there is a need for more public awareness on dangers of pollutants.”
He said heavy metal not only posed a threat to the environment but also affected human health.
“Heavy metal is a type of chemical element, many of which are toxic to humans such as alkylated forms which are very toxic.
“Metals, such as batteries, sinkers for fishing and paint, interfere with growth of children and lower their IQ and it also has neurological effects on the reproductive system. Plating iron and steel weakens the immune response and slows wound healing while industrial dust leads to central nervous system disorders and visual defects.”
Dr Maata said removing the junk ships and collecting waste from the repair and maintenance of ships and disposing them appropriately would contribute towards reducing the level of heavy metal pollution.
“Treating the wastewater before discharging or having a soak pit, improving management and disposal of solid waste and sewage and introducing strict regulations and fines can be very beneficial.”