粤西湛江港海底沉积物重金属的分布特征与来源

2004年9月23日至10月5日对湛江港海洋沉积物中金属元素的含量及分布进行了调查。共采集样品20个,采用王水-氢氟酸消解,电感耦合等离子体发射光谱法测定样品中的金属元素As、Cd、Co、Cr、Cu、Ni、Pb、Zn、Al、Ca、Fe、Mg和Mn。结果发现,湛江港大多数区域的沉积物未受污染,但霞山区港务局码头附近海域受到Cd、Cu和Pb的轻度污染,特呈岛养殖区也受到Cu的轻度污染。主成分分析结果表明,Al、Cd、Co、Cr、Cu、Fe、Ni、Pb和Zn主要通过陆源输入进入近岸水域的沉积相中,Ca、As、Mg和Mn主要通过海洋环境中水相和沉积相的相互作用进入沉积相中。结合其它调查结果认为,湛江港的Cd污染在水相、沉积相和生物相中均已存在,应引起有关部门的高度重视。     

Vertical distribution of the macrobenthic community and its relationships to trace metals and natural sediment characteristics in the lower Douro estuary, Portugal

Vertical distribution (0–15 cm) of the macrobenthic community and its relationships to natural sediment characteristics and trace metal contents and bioavailability were studied at five locations in the lower Douro estuary, Portugal. An analysis of vertical metal distribution, for the interpretation of anthropogenic impact on the estuarine sediments, was also investigated. Sediment characterisation included organic matter, grain size, metals (Al, Fe, Cu, Pb, Cr, Ni, Cd, Zn and Mn), acid volatile sulphide (AVS) and simultaneously extracted metals (SEM). The macrobenthic community had low diversity (14 species), was dominated by small size opportunists and seemed to be controlled mainly by natural factors such as grain size distribution, Al and Fe contents and sediment depth. The vertically heterogeneous distribution of macrobenthic community appears to affect redox status of the sediments and consequently metal bioavailability. Despite anthropogenic contamination in terms of Zn, Cu, Pb, Cr and Ni having already been detected in the north bank, the analysis of vertical distribution was essential for the identification of current anthropogenic contamination in terms of Zn, Pb and Cd in the south bank.     

海水养殖池沉积物中重金属形态和生物酶活性的关系研究

以连云港市对虾养殖池表层沉积物为研究对象,采用Tessier连续萃取法,研究了表层沉积物中重金属(Cu、Zn、Pb、Cd、Cr、As、Mn)的赋存形态和酶(脲酶、碱性磷酸酶、过氧化氢酶、转化酶)活性的相关性。结果表明,重金属Cu和Zn以有机-硫化物结合态为主要的赋存形态,Pb以铁锰氧化物态为主要的赋存形态,Cd以可交换态(平均33.47%)和碳酸盐结合态(平均31.16%)为主要存在形态,Cr和As主要以残渣态存在,Mn的铁锰氧化物态比例最高。脲酶的活性范围为0.45—8.96mg/(g·24h),碱性磷酸酶活性范围为2.45—6.69mg/(g·24h),过氧化氢酶活性范围为0.14—2.36m L/(g·min),转化酶活性范围为0.45—10.45mg/(g·24h)。脲酶活性与Cd、As的可交换态、Cd的碳酸盐结合态、Cu、As的铁锰氧化物态、Zn、Pb、Cd、Mn的有机硫化物态之间显著相关;碱性磷酸酶活性与Zn、Cd的铁锰氧化物态显著相关;过氧化氢酶活性与Cd的可交换态、碳酸盐结合态及残渣态、Cu、Cd、As的铁锰氧化物态、Zn、Pb、Cd、Mn的有机硫结合态之间显著相关;转化酶活性与Cu、Cd、As的可交换态、Cd的碳酸盐结合态、Cu、Cd、As的铁锰氧化物态、Zn、Pb、Cd、Mn的有机硫化物态、Cd、As的残渣态之间显著相关。酶活性可以用来指示海水养殖池沉积物中重金属的形态转化过程。     

上海滨岸潮滩根际重金属含量季节变化及形态分布

用Zeeman－5000型原子吸收分光光度计火焰法测定了上海滨岸潮滩沉积物中Cu、Pb、Fe、Mn、Zn、Cr的总量及其5种地球化学形态含量，发现根际沉积物中的重金属含量一般低于表层沉积物，但在重金属含量水平上，均为Fe＞＞Mn＞Zn＞Cu，Pb，Cr；单因子方差分析表明重金属在根限沉积物中存在显著的季节变化（p＜0.05＝，Cu、Pb、Fe、Mn、Zn、Cr在高潮滩芦苇根限沉积物中的含量均在夏、秋季出现最低值或次低值，在中潮滩海三棱Biao草根际沉积物中的季节含量随采样地点不同而变化，但与同一地点表层沉积物中的含量相关性很好，除Cr（r＝0．18）外，相关系数（r）分别达到0．77、0．74、0．65、0．84、0．77；Cu、Fe、Zn、Cr在沉积物中均以残渣态含量为主，Pb、Mn的碳酸盐结合态含量较高，秋季各重金属元素的碳酸盐结合态与铁锰氧化物结合态之间发生形态上的迁移与转化。     

Trace metals in seawater and copepods in the ocean outfall area off the northern Taiwan coast

The distribution, partitioning and concentrations of trace metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn) in seawater, including dissolved and particulate phases, and in copepods in the ocean outfall area off the northern coast of Taiwan were investigated. Normalization of metal concentrations to the background metal concentration to yield relative enrichment factors (EF), which were used to evaluate the contamination of dissolved and particulate trace metals in seawater around the ocean outfall. The EF results indicated that the outfall area was significantly contaminated by dissolved Fe and Zn, and by particulate Fe, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn. In addition, most trace metals were chiefly in the particulate phase. The average percentage of total metal concentrations (dissolved plus particulate phases) bound by suspended particulate matter followed the sequence Al(95%) = Mn(95%) > Pb(88%) > Cu(86%) > Fe(72%) > Zn(32%) > Cr(17.5%) > Cd(3.4%). Therefore, metal contamination is better evaluated in solid phase than in the dissolved phase. The concentration ranges of trace metals in the copepods, Temora turbinata, Oncaea venusta and Euchaeta rimana, near the outfall were: Cd, 0.23-1.81 microg g(-1); Cr, 16.5-195 microg g(-1); Cu, 14-160 microg g(-1); Fe, 256-7255 microg g(-1); Mn, 5.5-80.8 microg g(-1); Pb, 2.6-56.2 microg g(-1); Zn, 132-3891 microg g(-1); and Al, 0.21-1.13%. Aluminum, and probably Fe, seemed to be the major elements in copepods. The concentrations of trace metals in copepods, especially Temora turbinata, near the outfall were generally higher than those obtained in the background station. The mean increase in bioconcentration factor of metals in copepods ranged from 4 to 7 and followed the sequence Al(6.4) > Cu(6.2) > Fe(6.0) > Zn(5.7) > Pb(5.6) > Cr(5.5) > Cd(5.1) > Mn(4.7). Therefore, marine copepods in the waters of northern Taiwan can accumulate trace metals over background concentrations and act as contamination indicators.     

Tapes philippinarum seed exposure to metals in polluted areas of the Venice lagoon

The concentration changes of 12 metals (As, Hg, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Pb, Mn, Ni, V, Zn, Fe, and Hg) in the soft tissues of Tapes philippinarum during growth were investigated. Clams were seeded in two contaminated areas of the Venice lagoon (San Giuliano and Fusina) and in an area of the Marano lagoon (Lignano Sabbiadoro) close to the clam-farm where the seed was produced. Metal trends were very different according to the considered element, the study site and the growth period.Arsenic was always higher in clam tissues than in surface sediments and suspended particles in all the three stations. Mercury, Cd and Cu were higher in the clams from Marano and Fusina but not in those from San Giuliano. Zinc and Co in clams exceeded the concentrations in the sediment and suspended particles only at Marano. The other elements (Cr, Pb, Mn, Ni, and Fe) were always higher in SPM and sediments. In general metal concentrations in clams were more highly correlated to concentrations in the suspended particles rather than in the surface sediments and in suspended clams rather than in bottom clams, nevertheless significant differences between stations and contaminants were found. Metal concentrations in clams were always lower than the European regulatory limits.     

Phosphorus and metals bound to organic matter in coastal sediments - An investigation of complexes of P,Cu, Zn,Fe, Mn,Ni, Co and Ti by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry with sephadex gel chromatography

Phosphorus and metals bound to organic matter were separated from coastal sediments of Harima Sound in Seto Inland Sea, Japan by extraction with NaOH and fractionated by Sephadex G-25 chromatography. Phosphorus and metals were determined in the eluates by a multi-channel, inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometer. Phosphorus and Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Ni, Cr, Co and Ti bound to organic matter with high molecular weights (OMHMW) (MW ? 5000) were found to be present in the sediments, but no Mo or V were found. The technique provides minimum estimates of the amounts of P and metals bound to organic matter. These organic complexes show surface enrichment in a sediment core (0–20 cm) and their contents decrease with depth. Also, the amounts of eighteen elements, namely: P, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Si, Al, Ti, Pb, Co, Ni, Cr, Mo, V, Na, K, Ca and Mg, in H₂O, ammonium acetate at pH 7 and 5, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxylamine hydrochloride and hydrogen fluoric acid soluble fractions have been determined with a selective chemical leaching technique for the ²¹⁰Pb-dated sediment core sample. Considerable amounts of P (6–19%) and Cu (5–21%) were associated with organic matter, in contrast to other metals such as Fe, Mn, Zn, Ni, Cr, Co and Ti which were associated with sulfide and silicate.     

Heavy metals in sinking particles and bottom sediments from the eastern Turkish coast of the Black Sea

Concentrations of Cd, Cu, Cr, Co, Ni, Zn, Fe, Mn, Pb, As, and Sb were determined in sediment trap and bottom sediment samples collected seasonally from a station on the eastern Turkish coast of the Black Sea. Cd, Pb and Mn concentrations were highest in the sediment trap samples except during the summer period, whereas Co, Ni, Zn and Fe levels were much lower than corresponding levels found in the surface sediments. Cu, Cr, As and Sb levels showed no definite trend with sediment type. In general, with the exception of Cr, relatively lower metal concentrations in the sediment trap material were determined in the summer period. The highest mass flux, 56.5 g m⁻² day⁻¹, was measured during autumn. The highest flux of heavy metals also occurred during autumn and was strongly dependent on particle mass flux. Based on these results, we suggest that the downward vertical transport of particulate heavy metals in this region is related to the high degree of land erosion and the resultant particulate flux dynamics, which occur here. It was noteworthy that the highest concentrations of Cd, Cu, Co, Zn, Fe and Sb in particles were measured during winter a finding which suggests that enhanced fossil fuel combustion, which occurs during this period in adjacent urban and industrial areas plays an important role in the metal composition of sinking particles in nearshore waters.     

Distribution of metal concentrations in sediments of the coastal zone of the Gulf of Riga and open part of the Baltic Sea

The comparison of spatial and temporal distribution of Hg, Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn, Mn and Fe concentrations in sediments from the Gulf of Riga and open Baltic Sea along the coastal zone is presented for the first time. There were considerable differences in Pb, Zn, Mn and Fe levels in sediment at various stations of the Gulf of Riga. A significant difference of Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn levels was found in sediments of various stations in the open Baltic coast. The amount of Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn and Fe levels also differed significantly in the sediments of the Gulf of Riga in different years. A considerable yearly difference in amount of Hg, Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni and Mn levels was found in sediments in the open Baltic coast. The essential highest values of Pb and Zn in coastal sediments of the open Baltic Sea are stated in comparison with the Gulf of Riga. The concentrations of other metals have only a tendency to be higher in coastal sediments of the open Baltic Sea in comparison with the Gulf of Riga. Natural and anthropogenic factors were proved to play an important role in determining resultant metals concentrations in the regions.     

厦门西海域沉积物中重金属的赋存状态及潜在迁移性

以厦门西海域沉积物为研究对象,利用改良BCR连续提取法分析了沉积物样品中Zn、Mn、Cr、Cu、Cd和Pb的赋存状态,并通过潜在迁移指数（PMI）探讨了沉积物中重金属的潜在迁移风险.结果表明：6种重金属总量在厦门西海域沉积物中由大到小的顺序为：Mn〉Zn〉Cr〉Pb〉Cu〉Cd,其中Mn和Zn的含量达到了1 471 mg/kg和231 mg/kg.与沉积物质量标准对比,沉积物样品中Zn、Cr、Cu和Pb的含量较高.改良BCR连续提取表明6种金属中Zn、Cr和Cu主要以残渣态存在,Mn和Cd主要以酸溶态存在,Pb则以可还原态为主.厦门西海域沉积物中6种重金属的潜在迁移指数大到小的顺序为：Mn〉Cd〉Zn〉Cu〉Pb〉Cr,其中Mn和Cd的潜在迁移危险最大.     

九龙江口表层沉积物重金属的污染特征与来源分析

为了解九龙江口表层沉积物重金属的污染特征,作者于2013年9月在九龙江口进行了表层沉积物采样调查分析,结果表明:沉积物中Cu、Pb、Zn和Cd的空间分布较为相似,高值区均分布在南溪入海口和海门岛下游海域, Cr含量的高值区也分布在南溪入海口附近。聚类分析将采样点位分为4类:第一类主要分布在河口区外侧,沉积物中油类含量较高;第二类主要分布在南溪出海口,硫化物、Zn和Cr的含量较高;第三类分布在河口区中北部,污染物含量处于中等水平;第四类主要分布在海门岛下游海域,硫化物、TOC、Cu、Pb和Zn含量较高。地质累积系数评价显示:Hg、Cu、Pb、Zn、Cr、As处于未污染到轻度污染水平,Cd为轻度污染到重度污染水平;Zn、Cr、Cd的Igeo指数相对较高,第二类和第四类站位的Igeo指数相对较高。相关分析表明,硫化物与Cu、Zn、Cd正相关性较高,Cu与Zn、Cd、Cr正相关性较高,Pb与Zn、Cd正相关性较高,Zn与Cd、Cr正相关性较高。主成分分析表明,河口沉积物重金属主要有以下几个可能来源:流域和河口的工农业活动和采矿活动、流域水土流失、流域自然风化。针对河口沉积物重金属污染,流域-河...     

Geochemical and geo-statistical assessment of heavy metal concentration in the sediments of different coastal ecosystems of Andaman Islands,India

Spatial distribution of metal concentrations in the surface sediment samples collected from 16 marine locations covering different coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrasses, dead coral and sandy beaches of the Andaman islands, India was studied. pH, EC, sediment grain size and heavy metal (Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) concentrations were determined and contamination factor (CF) and geo-accumulation index (I_geo) were calculated to understand the pollution status of the study area based on the background values. CF of different heavy metals has revealed that different metals have different levels of accumulation viz. Al: 0.01–0.22, Mg: 0.38–1.85, Fe: 0.06–0.74, Mn: 0.04–1.18, Cu: 0.18–2.93, Cr: 0.52–12.6, Zn: 0.3–1.39, Ni: 0.06–0.89, Pb: BDL–0.74, Co: 0.1–0.35 and Cd: 2.3–12.9. In general the metal concentration was less in these ecosystems when compared to similar ecosystems of mainland of India. Concentration of some metals like Cr and Cd was comparatively higher than the background values which is an important issue of concern to the coastal managers of the region. Spatial data on heavy metals, collected now, would help the coastal zone managers to identify the vulnerable sites and take remedial actions.     

Spatial and seasonal variations of the macrobenthic community and metal contamination in the Douro estuary (Portugal)

The macrobenthic community structure and characteristics of sediments were studied in samples collected seasonally at five stations in the lower mesotidal Douro estuary, Portugal. Sediment characterisation included grain size distribution, total-recoverable metals (Al, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cr, Pb, Ni and Cd), acid-volatile sulphides (AVS) and simultaneously extracted metals (SEM) and total organic matter contents. Spatial variation surpassed temporal variation both in terms of environmental parameters and community structure. Clear anthropogenic contamination in terms of Zn, Cr, Cu and Pb, and a positive SEM-AVS, indicating the potential bioavailability of these metals, were detected on the north bank of the estuary. Multivariate analysis revealed that in addition to natural sediment characteristics, the anthropogenic metal contamination was influencing the macrobenthic community structure. In fact, greater concentrations of Zn, Cr, Cu and Pb were associated with lower number of species and/or diversity. Finally, the dry weight-normalised metal concentrations appeared as a more useful tool than the SEM-AVS model in predicting disturbance of the macrobenthic community in the studied area.     

长江口及其邻近海域表层沉积物中重金属分布和潜在生态危害评价

对长江口及其邻近海域表层沉积物中重金属Cu、Mn、Pb、Zn、Cr、Fe、Hg、Cd的含量分布以及富集状况进行分析,并采用Hakanson潜在生态危害指数法评价该海域中Cu、Pb、Zn、Cr、Hg、Cd污染的程度及其潜在的生态危害,结果表明:长江口及其邻近海域表层沉积物中Cu、Mn、Pb、Zn、Cr、Fe的分布特征表现为由近岸向远岸递减的趋势,整体上象山县和舟山群岛近岸海域的含量高于研究区北部含量;Hg在长江口南端含量较高,呈由西向东递减的趋势;Cd在长江口南端以及象山县东含量较高,在研究区中部含量较低。潜在生态危害评价结果表明,长江口及其邻近海域表层沉积物只有部分站点处于生态危害的中等级别,大多站点生态危害轻微,污染程度顺序为Cd>Hg>Cu>Pb>Cr>Zn;对长江口及其邻近海域生态环境具有潜在影响的重金属元素首先是Cd,其次是Hg。对底质环境质量进行系统聚类分析结果显示,象山县和长江口外以及济州岛西南近海海域的底质环境较差,应予以重视。     

Acid-leachable trace metals in sediments from an industrialized region (Ennore Creek) of Chennai City,SE coast of India: An approach towards regular monitoring

The article presents the results for enrichment of acid-leachable trace metals (ALTMs) from Ennore Creek in north Chennai, a metropolis on the southeast coast of India. ALTMs Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Co, Pb, Zn and Cd along with sediment texture, OC and CaCO₃ were analyzed in surface sediments collected during two different seasons, pre-monsoon (PRM) and post-monsoon (POM) seasons to identify and observe the input of trace metals in the creek from various sources in the city limits. The most prominent feature of the ALTMs is the enrichment of Fe, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in the sediments, which is mainly attributed to the intense industrial activities around Chennai, and to the rapid industrialization policies. The ALTMs also indicate their association with the finer fractions, OC and Fe–Mn oxyhydroxides. The enrichment is very well supported by the correlation, grouping and clustering of ALTMs in statistical analysis. The differential behavior of ALTMs in POM season compared to PRM season is possibly due to the excess level of industrial effluents in the channel feeding Ennore Creek. Comparative results of ALTMs with other estuarine regions also indicate that the study area has been enriched with trace metals during the past two decades. The results of the present study suggest the need for a regular monitoring program which will help to improve the quality of Ennore Creek.     

Trace metal distribution in different chemical fractions of nearshore marine sediments

The major objective of this study was to carry out sequential chemical extractions for the partitioning of particulate trace metals in sediment samples, collected from False Bay. Eight metals, Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn, were examined in each of 65 samples. Three chemical fractions of the sediments were separated and the concentrations of the trace metals were determined in each, by atomic absorption techniques. The three different leaches used were hydroxylamine hydrochloride-acetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and nitricperchloric acids. Fe and Pb were concentrated mainly in the fraction extracted by nitric-perchloric acid, while Cu, Zn and Ni were found mainly in the peroxide fraction. Most of the metals in the peroxide phase were found in the finer sediments in the central area of the bay, where the concentration of organic meterial was high. The metal concentrations (except for Pb) correlated well with the organic content of the sediments.     

大亚湾表层沉积物中重金属分布特征

为了解大亚湾沉积物中重金属分布及污染状况,于2016年8月对大亚湾海域表层沉积物中重金属元素（As、Cd、Cr、Pb、Zn和Cu）展开调查,并将获得的各元素含量与粒度、Fe、Mn和总有机碳（TOC）等相关理化要素进行相关性分析。结果表明：大亚湾沉积物中重金属受陆源输入影响较大,含量基本呈现为沿岸高、湾内低的趋势,总体质量较好,基本符合第一类海洋沉积物质量标准要求;澳头湾和范和港附近海域人类活动密集,重金属含量较高。通过相关性分析结果发现,大亚湾重金属主要来源为岩石的风化和侵蚀、工业污水排放和渔业养殖等;Cu与铁锰氧化物结合性弱于其他元素,在还原性环境中被沉积物吸附形成金属Cu硫化物可能是喜洲岛附近海域Cu元素含量异常高值的原因;作为湾内有机质主要来源的水生浮游生物的生长状态对Cr、Zn和Pb含量影响较大;Cr、As和Pb与粉砂结合为主,Zn与粘土结合为主。     

Effect of sample pretreatment on the reliability of solid speciation data of heavy metals — implications sesfor the study of early diagenetic processes

Experimental data on anoxic freshwater sediments from the Hamburg harbor indicate that commonly performed storage and pretreatment methods including aeration by drying strongly change the original associations of heavy metals with different sediment components. Oven-drying as well as freeze-drying under ‘vacuum’ affects metals originally bound to carbonate (Fe, Mn) and to the sulfidic/organic fraction (Zn, Cd, Cu, Pb), as indicated by sequential chemical extractions. While the easily oxidizable Cu and Pb portions are transferred mainly into the moderately reducible fraction, those of Zn and especially Cd are found in easily reducible and labile exchangeable fractions upon aeration of the sediment. Metals from only the latter fractions are potentially mobilizable via pore-water fluxes. Useful information on solid speciation influencing the mobility of contaminants in biogeochemically reactive sediments by the chemical leaching approach requires, therefore, proper and careful handling of the anoxic sediment samples.     

Variability of metal contents in the sea rush Juncus maritimus-estuarine sediment system through one year of plant's life

Metal accumulation by Juncus maritimus and the effect this plant might have on the physico-chemical composition of sediments, from Douro river estuary (NW Portugal), were investigated through one year of plant's life. The contents of Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn were determined (by atomic absorption spectrophotometry) in sediments, rhizosediments (those among plant roots and rhizomes) and different tissues of J. maritimus. Two estuarine sites with different characteristics were studied, one a sandy sediment with relatively low organic matter content, the other a muddy site. The role of the plant seemed to be markedly dependent on the sediment composition. At the sandy site, significant variations throughout the year (a decrease from winter to summer and an increase in autumn) either in rhizosediment and sediment or in J. maritimus roots were only observed in Cd and Cu levels. These variations were the same in both compartments, probably caused by tidal water movements and the activity of the plant. At the muddy site, variations throughout the year were observed for all studied elements but Pb. Changes in the Cd and Zn contents of roots were opposite to those in the rhizosediment (uptake of Cd and Zn by J. maritimus roots in summer may have caused a decrease in rhizosediment levels). Fe and Mn showed similar patterns of variation in both roots and rhizosediment (contents significantly increasing in summer). Higher contents of Fe and Mn in roots in summer could be related to changes in mass, higher availability of the elements, or accumulation at the surface of the root in (hydr)oxides forms. For the remaining elements no significant correlations between rhizosediment and roots variations were observed, indicating that their uptake and release by roots were not based on single exchanges with the sediment. J. maritimus showed capacity to accumulate Cu, Zn and particularly Cd, thus appearing to be useful for the phytostabilization of these metals.     

Metal concentrations in sediments and clams in four Moroccan estuaries

Metals (Cd, Cu, Ni, Zn, Mn and Fe) were analyzed seasonally over three years in sediments and in tissues of the clam Scrobicularia plana in four Moroccan Atlantic estuaries: Loukkos, Sebou, Bou Regreg and Oum er Rbia. Of these metals, Cd was at the lowest concentrations in sediment. Concentrations of Cu, Zn, and to a lesser extent Ni, in sediments suggest greater contamination in Sebou and Bou Regreg than in the other estuaries. The fluctuations of Mn and Fe concentrations in the fine surface sediments reflect their continental origin and show seasonal variations that indicate soil run-off following rain events. Concentrations of Cu, Zn, and especially Ni in clam tissues in these estuaries were generally higher than in some other common bioindicator bivalve species. The seasonal variations in S. plana's tissue metal concentrations are linked to patterns of reproductive activity for all metals except Cd and possibly Zn, whose tissue concentrations may be regulated. Mn and Fe concentrations in S. plana were positively correlated to sediment levels of these metals.