Trace metals in the surface sediments of the eastern continental shelf of Hainan Island: Sources and contamination

• Trace metal concentrations on the eastern shelf of Hainan Island were analyzed.
• The area’s sediments are characterized by low levels of trace metals.
• Possible trace metal sources are discussed.
• The anthropogenic input of Cd and As is the most significant.

Major (Al) and trace metal (Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, Ni, Cd, and As) concentrations in 29 surface sediment samples from the eastern continental shelf of Hainan Island were evaluated to determine the level of contamination. A multivariate analysis indicated that the sources of Cd, As, and Pb were primarily anthropogenic, whereas the sources of Cu, Zn, Cr, and Ni were primarily natural and/or partially anthropogenic. Enrichment factor (EF) and geoaccumulation index (Igeo) values were calculated to assess the anthropogenic contamination in the region. Both the EF and Igeo values indicated relatively elevated Cd and As concentrations. This study provides a useful aid for sustainable marine management in the region.