Indicators of trace metal pollution in Galveston Bay

Abstract

Sediments and organisms are usually more reliable and more convenient media for trace metal analysis than is water. Even polluted bay and estuarine water is very low in trace metal concentration, making it difficult to analyze reliably. Furthermore, concentrations in water are subject to rapid changes with changing metal inputs. Sediments and organisms have higher metal concentrations and they integrate values over time so less frequent sampling is needed.