Cadmium,copper and lead in the western Mediterranean Sea

The results of determinations of cadmium, copper and lead in western Mediterranean waters collected during the PHYCEMED 81 cruise are discussed in this paper. The analyses were carried out according to two different methods: flameless atomic absorption and anodic stripping voltammetry. Very strict conditions of sampling and treatment were maintained in order to reduce the chance of contamination. The concentrations found are considerably lower than those usually reported for Mediterranean waters. The distributions are homogeneous, both vertically and from one station to another. The average concentrations are 8 ng 1^?1 for Cd, 90 ng 1^?1 for Cu and 30–40 ng^?1 for Pb. This homogeneity, as well as the concentrations of cadmium and lead, may be explained by the hydrological conditions of the Mediterranean Sea.