Heavy metal distribution in surface sediments from the continental shelf adjacent to Nazaré canyon

The continental shelf surface sediments around the Nazaré canyon have been analyzed for heavy metal contamination. Organic carbon content and grain size were also determined. The shelf area around the Nazaré canyon shows mean concentrations of Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn within the limits recommended by OSPAR (2008). Some enrichment and human impact was found for Cr and especially Pb. Local rivers, mainly the Mondego and southern creeks seem to be the major sources of heavy metals for the Nazaré area, showing similar contamination levels. A set of reference values for non-contaminated fine surface sediments (<63 μm) in the North-Eastern Atlantic are proposed for As, Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn.