Distribution, variability, and impacts of trace elements in San Francisco Bay

Abstract

Studies conducted to date in San Francisco Bay suggest that the trace elements of greatest concern are Ag, Cu, Se, Cd, and perhaps Hg. The distributions of these elements in the Bay are complex, as are temporal trends. Neither spatial nor temporal variability are fully documented. However, certain locations are considerably metal-enriched, coincident with locations of anthropogenic element input. Some evidence suggests that trace elements may exert detrimental impacts on benthic species in contaminated localities. Broad scale impacts will be difficult to determine without a fundamental understanding of ecological processes and a systematic description of the frequency of patches of metal disturbance in the Bay. © 1988.