Trace metals in harbour and slipway sediments from the island of Malta, central Mediterranean

► This is the first systematic study into concentrations of metals in fine grained sediments from Malta. ► Concentrations of many metals exhibit little variation among the harbours and slipways sampled. ► Based on Al- and baseline-normalisation enrichment is greatest for Cu and Pb. ► Relative to sediment quality guidelines Pb poses the greatest risk to ecosystem health.