The effect of bait-digging on the bioavailability of heavy metals from surficial intertidal marine sediments

Extensive bait-digging has been apparent for the last few months at a site on the northeast coast of England known from previous work to be relatively unpolluted by heavy metals. Recent analyses of surface sediment and components of the meiofauna have indicated that there has been a sudden and dramatic rise in the total concentration and bioavailability of metals at this site and evidence is presented that indicates that this is due to the activities of bait-diggers.