Decrease of Zn, Cd and Pb concentrations in marine fish species over a decade as response to reduction of anthropogenic inputs: The example of Tagus estuary

► Seven fish species were captured in 1998 and 2010 in the coastal area adjoining to adjoining to the Tagus estuary. ► Zn, Cd and Pb concentrations decreased in muscle tissues over the decade. ► Decreases were more accentuated in pelagic and demersal fishes than benthic species. ► Metal decreases in muscle are in line with reduction of anthropogenic sources.