Heavy metal pollution levels in some Tasmanian lakes are among the highest in the world. A new study by Australian National University found that even in the conservation area, which is part of UNESCO’s natural heritage, levels of natural water pollution are much higher than normal.
Consequences of open metal mining
Near the end of the protected lakes of Tasmania, Queenstown and Rosbery since the end of the 19th century, open-pit mining of metals was carried out. The mining industry grew, as did the levels of atmospheric pollution by metals and toxins such as lead, copper, arsenic and cadmium. Although the governments of Australia and the regional government of Tasmania have taken measures to reduce harmful emissions into the atmosphere, the remains of historical developments have had and still continue to have a negative impact on the region’s environment. Scientists are especially worried about mountain lakes and organisms whose survival depends on them.
Protected lakes in danger
Scientists have studied the chemical composition of water in six Tasmanian lakes. Four of them are located in the depths of the conservation zone, and two on its border are much closer to the old mines. One of the studied reservoirs - the mountain lake Dove, is a popular place among tourists and local residents. Levels of heavy metals in Dove Lake were critical.
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As for the lakes Owen Tarn and Bazin bordering the reserve, their water pollution is the highest in the world. Lead researcher and report author Larisa Schneider compared the pollution levels of these two lakes with the dirtiest rivers in the world, including the Kurang River in Pakistan and the Shur River in Iran.
Harmful to human and animal health
According to Larisa Schneider, in the USA in rivers and lakes with significantly lower content of heavy metals, toxins were banned from catching fish because its consumption in food can be dangerous to human health. Heavy metal poisoning negatively affects the reproduction of fish in lakes, as well as the health of birds that feed on fish.
Schneider argues that it is necessary to conduct a number of studies to thoroughly study the effect of water pollution on the condition and reproduction of fish, algae and bacteria.
