Ship Breaking in the Waters of the Bay of Cadiz

Abstract

This paper reviews existing levels of heavy metals and other compounds which are toxic for human health and the environment in the waters of the Bay of Cadiz. It addresses the impact of the ship-dismantling activity by analysing and discussing the data provided by the Andalusian Regional Government’s Sampling Network, stressing some of the compounds which are susceptible of being present at the time of the breaking up of a ship or vessel. We have compared the available official information with other studies of reference in the area, in addition with those related to the world’s largest ship-breaking facilities. Compared to baseline studies, the results for pollutant concentrations in the study area do not show significant indexes, which suggests it is necessary to carry out in-depth studies in the proposed area. Finally, we make a series of recommendations about the needs and sustainability priorities in the ship-recycling industry.