CU, ZN AND AS CONTAMINATION OF SEAWEED BESIDE SHIZUKI AND KANAYAMA METAL MINES IN JAPAN

Abstract

Brown seaweed, Sargassum thunbergii is thought to be effective for As, Cu and Zn sensor.
Green seaweed, Ulvales, red seaweed, Caulacanthus ustulatus and Ahnfeltiopsis flabelliformis are thought to
be effective for just Cu sensor. High Zn concentration and large volume of Zn drainage water from the closed
Kanayama mine flowed into sea and drainage water and groundwater containing Cu, Zn and As contacted
with muck along the coast also flowed into sea in the closed Shizuki mine. Cu, Zn and As concentrations for
many kinds of seaweed sampled at the two mines and no contamination places, the Kii and Izu Peninsula,
were measured. Cu Zn and As concentrations for Sargassum thunbergii are 1000, several 100 and several
100 ppm at the Shizuki mine and 10, several 1000 and 100 ppm at the Kanayama mine, and 10, several 10
and 100 ppm at the no contamination places.