Variability of trace metals in coastal and estuary: Distribution, profile, and drivers

Abstract

Ongoing global changes such as increasing sea-surface temperatures, decreasing acidity levels, and expanding oxygen-minimum zone may impact on the biogeochemical cycles of trace metals in ocean systems. Each trace metal has unique characteristics and a distinctive distribution pattern controlled by chemical, biological, and physical processes that occur in ocean systems. The correlations of variability drivers in trace metals are interesting topics for investigation. Following up on ocean research in the coastal and estuary area, we specifically review the distribution of trace metals in seawater and suspended and surface sediment. The marginal seas usually feature significant terrestrial inputs accompanied by several active water-mass currents. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of variability related to trace-metal distribution in coastal and estuary systems and to specifically describe the distribution, profile and drivers that affect trace metals variability.

Keywords: Coastal; Distribution; Estuary; Ocean systems; Trace metal; Variability.