Total Recovery of Sinker Weights from Lead-Core Fishing Nets

Abstract

The adverse effects of lead poisoning have long been of environmental concern. A large number of research papers have reported many routes of lead poisoning, of which lead sinkers used in fishing require urgent attention. Lead sinkers that are abandoned or scattered from individual fishing gear are notorious for environmental pollution and have been reported in many papers; moreover, lead-core "sinker rope" is used in fishery nets. This paper discusses the latter, which generally has limited public awareness. Preliminary work and field studies were conducted to develop a system for total treatment of lead from fishing nets with lead-cored sinker ropes, in order to prevent environmental pollution and conserve natural resources. Lead sinkers in fishing nets were successfully removed, yielding high-quality lead suitable for commercial purposes. Appropriate management of fishing nets is crucial for environmental protection and resource conservation.