Temporal distributions of anthropogenic Al, Zn and Pb in Hong Kong Porites coral during the last two centuries

► A 182-year coral record of trace metal concentrations from Hong Kong. ► Coral chemistry records anthropogenic activity (land reclamation, mining, and ship building activities). ► High levels of Zn, Pb and Al are coincident with local wars, possibly contributing to partial colony mortality. ► Pb/Ca indicate that the coral may be recording local rather than hemispheric contamination implying a continuous supply of Pb-based contamination to southern China.