The bioaccumulation of tungsten and copper by organisms inhabiting metalliferous areas in North Queensland: an evaluation of potential health effects

Aspects of the mining history of major metalliferous sites in North Queensland, Australia are described by reference to areas which formerly were important in the production of metals such as tungsten (wolfram) and copper. Bioaccumulation in organisms inhabiting three derelict polluted areas, within this arid open savanna region, is discussed and potential toxicological implications are described. Certain plant species are noted to possess excessively enhanced bioaccumulatory capacities and the cations within these forage plants may affect herbivorous species such as cattle; skeletons of such herbivores are found to exhibit enhanced metal concentrations. Ultimately humans may be recipients of these toxic elements