Spatial distribution and seasonal variation of the trace hazardous element contamination in Jakarta Bay, Indonesia

• Trace hazardous elements assessed in a densely populated tropical coastal ecosystem
• Cd, Hg, Cu, Pb, Cr and As concentrations in water, sediments and fishery resources
• Spatial distribution pattern and seasonal variation of the contamination considered
• Comparison of the sediment concentrations with reported sediment quality guidelines

The Jakarta Bay Ecosystem is located in the vicinity of the megacity Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia. Surrounding rivers and canals, carrying solid and fluid waste from households and several industrial areas, flow into the bay. Therefore, the levels of selected trace hazardous elements in water, surface sediments and animal tissues were determined. Samples were collected from two different seasons. The spatial distribution pattern of trace elements in sediment and water as well as the seasonal variation of the contamination were assessed. Quality assessment of sediment using the effects range median (ERM) showed that the concentrations of Hg, Cu and Cr at some stations exceeded the recommended values. Moreover, the concentrations of several trace hazardous elements in the sediments exceeded previously reported toxicity thresholds for benthic species.