Characterization of organic matter in sediment cores of the Todos os Santos Bay, Bahia, Brazil, by elemental analysis and 13C NMR

► The impact of human activity on the sediments of Todos os Santos Bay in Brazil was evaluated by EA and 13C NMR. ► This article reports a study of six sediment cores collected at different depths and regions. ► The elemental profiles of cores suggest an abrupt change in the sedimentation regime, corresponds to about 50 years ago, coinciding with the implantation of major onshore industrial projects. ► The results presented illustrate several important aspects of environmental impact of human activity on this bay.