Trace metals in sediment cores from Deception and Penguin Islands (South Shetland Islands, Antarctica)

► Concentrations of trace metals (Cr, Cu, Mn, Zn, V and Ni) in sediment cores from Antarctic areas were determined. ► No consistent pattern of changes versus depth was observed for trace metals associated with anthropogenic inputs. ► Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn were in the same order of magnitude as previous concentrations measured in sediments of King George Island. ► Human activities may contribute to negligible levels (lower than natural variability) of trace metals in sediments from Deception and Penguin Islands.