Trace metals in surface sediments of the Mid-Atlantic Continental Shelf

The concentrations of 9 trace metals (Fe, Pb,Zn, Ba, Cu, Ni, V, Cr, and Cd) in surficial Continental Shelf sediments are low compared to the concentrations reported for average crustal rocks. No evidence for the accumulation of anthropogenic trace metals was found at the 51 locations sampled in this study. Trace metal concentrations generally correlate with the concentration of fine-grained sediment. No seasonal variability in trace metals was observed. This study provides baseline data for trace metals in an area of the Continental Shelf where potential petroleum resource development is expected and where the impact of trace metal additions related to resource development will need evaluation.