Pollutant metal removal and release via reactions with sedimentary pyrite in Galveston Bay

The chemically reactive fraction of trace metals commonly undergoes diagenesis in sediments. Trace metals associated with metal oxides, organic matter, and other reactive components can be released to pore waters as these components are broken down by a variety of biologic and chemical processes. The trace metals may then be transported to overlying waters or be reprecipitated as discrete phases or as coprecipitates with other authigenic minerals.