TRACE-METALS IN THE SEVERN ESTUARY - A REAPPRAISAL

The salinity/concentration profiles of seven dissolved trace metals in the Severn estuary are reported. The metal concentrations observed in this study are considerably lower than those reported in previous work. Despite known inputs of metals through industrial and waste discharges, river inputs play an important part in the estuarine profiles. The profiles of cadmium, chromium and arsenic appear to be dominated by point source discharges in mid-estuary. Saline end member concentrations are consistent with ranges quoted for the European coastal shelf area. © 1990.