A UK scientist who linked old mining operations to serious floodwater contamination in Wales has begun a similar investigation in the Hauraki Plains.
Professor Mark Macklin and fellow researchers at Aberystwyth University made headlines recently after they found that animals could be poisoned by floodwaters redistributing toxic chemicals from industrial sites around the UK.
They found that riverbanks that had stored toxic metals such as lead, zinc and cadmium for generations could have been eroded and the toxins washed downstream or on to pastures.
This year, the fluvial geomorphology specialist is working with Massey University's Innovative River Solutions group. Part of his work will be checking on any impact on the Waihou River from historical gold mining in the area.
Professor Macklin said he was unaware of any such research in the Hauraki and Thames area.
