Nicholson GJ (Victoria, Marine Science Laboratories), Fabris J (Victoria, Marine Science Laboratories), Gibbs CF (Victoria, Environment Protection Authority)

Mercury concentrations in surface sediments collected from sites in Corio Bay Vic ranged from less than 0.005 micrograms/gram tin the centre of the bay to 0.5 micrograms/gram near the site of the disused Corio Shire tip and 0.8 microgram/gram adjacent to the Oyster Cove Drain number 2 which carries most of the cooling water from the Shell Oil Refinery. In general, concentrations reached a maximum 20-30 cm below the surface, then gradually decreased to concentrations equal to or less than, those at the surface. Mercury contamination of sediments in Corio Bay is not as severe as in many locations elsewhere in Australia or overseas (A).

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