This study monitored concentrations of nutrients and heavy metals in coastal water and bottom sediments near major estuaries and harbors along southern coast of Taiwan. According to our results, heavy metal concentrations of water samples are lower than EPA water criteria. However, elevated concentrations of ammonia, total phosphate and nitrite were measured in most estuarine water samples that might imply contamination of municipal or livestock wastewater from upstream areas of those rivers. Also, our results from Longkeng area show no evidence of petroleum residue resulted from the spill of the wreckage of a cargo ship, AMORGOS, though keeping monitoring water quality here is recommended. Heavy metal concentrations of bottom sediments collected from stations of Tsengwen Chi estuary are lower than those from nearby estuaries and harbors. Copper concentrations, coincident with copper enrichment factors, of sediments from Anping Harbor coast are higher than those from neighboring areas, Tsengwen Chi and Akontian Chi estuaries. Zinc concentrations of sediments from Akontian Chi estuary, which have highest zinc concentrations than other areas studied. This year, copper and zinc concentrations of sediments from Kaohsiung harbor coast reached their historical high. Finer in particle size might be the reason for these elevated concentrations. Sediments of Lingbian Chi estuary, compared with other areas studied, possess highest concentration in most of heavy metals in this study

Southern Coastal, Environment Annual Monitoring