Geochemical and geo-statistical assessment of selected heavy metals in the surface sediments of the Gorgan Bay, Iran

► Surface sediments of the Gorgan Bay were analyzed for heavy metal concentrations. ► Metal enrichment factor was calculated. ► The concentration of metals in sediment at the Gorgan Bay ranged from 3.8 to 52 ppm. ► Heavy metal concentrations in the Gorgan Bay were markedly lower than those in other regions. ► We find that levels of all heavy metals were lower than those of SQG.