Abstract Contamination of the environment by pollutants like heavy metals is a growing phenomenon mainly driven by anthropogenic activities. The presence and mobility of metals in ecosystems lead to the contamination of marine resources and several materials. Accurate monitoring of metals concentration in various samples is of importance in order to minimize bio–magnification and health hazards resulting from their exposure. While much works have been carried out in developed countries, very little work has been conducted in Pacific Island Countries (PICs). Consequently, it is essential to have a general understanding of the basic methods of elemental analysis. The present review looks at the analytical methods which have been applied in the South Pacific Islands over the last three decades to characterize and report the environmental presence of heavy metals. The most sensitive techniques of elemental analysis such as atomic absorption/emission spectrometry, mass spectrometry, catalytic kinetic methods and nuclear techniques have been discussed with their applications in a range of sample matrices. An in–depth review of available studies points to activities such as mining, agriculture, manufacturing and poor waste disposal as major sources of these pollutants in PICs. The health impacts and human risk factors have briefly been discussed.

中文翻译：

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太平洋岛国重金属污染现状：综述

摘要 重金属等污染物对环境的污染是一种日益严重的现象，主要由人为活动驱动。生态系统中金属的存在和流动会导致海洋资源和多种材料的污染。准确监测各种样品中的金属浓度非常重要，可以最大程度地减少因接触而导致的生物放大和健康危害。尽管在发达国家开展了大量工作，但在太平洋岛国（PIC）开展的工作却很少。因此，对元素分析的基本方法有一个大致的了解是必不可少的。本综述着眼于过去三十年来在南太平洋群岛应用的分析方法，以表征和报告重金属的环境存在。已经讨论了最灵敏的元素分析技术，如原子吸收/发射光谱、质谱、催化动力学方法和核技术，以及它们在一系列样品基质中的应用。对现有研究的深入审查指出，采矿、农业、制造业和废物处理不当等活动是 PIC 中这些污染物的主要来源。已简要讨论了健康影响和人类风险因素。已经讨论了催化动力学方法和核技术及其在一系列样品基质中的应用。对现有研究的深入审查指出，采矿、农业、制造业和废物处理不当等活动是 PIC 中这些污染物的主要来源。已简要讨论了健康影响和人类风险因素。已经讨论了催化动力学方法和核技术及其在一系列样品基质中的应用。对现有研究的深入审查指出，采矿、农业、制造业和废物处理不当等活动是 PIC 中这些污染物的主要来源。已经简要讨论了健康影响和人类风险因素。