Metal concentrations in marine sediments around Scotland: a baseline for environmental studies

Samples of sediment collected from the seabed by the British Geological Survey (BGS) have been analysed to measure their concentrations of metals. This information can be combined with our knowledge of the nature of the seabed sediments, the processes by which they are transported and deposited and the rocks from which they are derived, to provide a unique baseline of naturally occurring metals. In addition, the data can be used to assess the inputs of metals to the marine environment due to human activities. As the samples were collected during the 1970s and early 1980s they can contribute to assessments of the environment prior to the main phase of industrial activity at the Atlantic margin.