Analysis of Trace Metals in Bottom Sediments in Support of Deep Water Biological Processes Studies on the U.S. North Atlantic Continental Slope and Rise. Final Report November 1984-September 1987

摘要

The study is part of a multidisciplinary program conducted on the U.S. continental slope and rise off the North, Middle, and South Atlantic states to characterize the biology, chemistry, and geology of the sea floor in anticipation of exploratory drilling for petroleum resources. The distribution of sediment types and associated trace metals from natural sources will be used to help predict the fate and transport of sediment-reactive contaminants that may be introduced to the water column during future exploration and development activities. Sediment samples collected during the first three cruises to the continental slope and rise off the North Atlantic states have been analyzed for 12 metals. The metal concentrations are lower than those reported for world average shales, indicating an absence of major contamination.