Overview of the 20th century impact of trace metal contamination in the estuaries of Todos os Santos Bay: Past, present and future scenarios

► Distribution of metals is very variable within and between estuaries. ► The contamination of the Subaé estuary seems to be promoting harmful effects in macrofauna. ► Seasonal variability is significant for SPM, but not for sediments. ► Studies dedicated to the water column, fluxes and processes are lacking. ► Insufficient knowledge regarding pollution hinders the development of ecosystem management.