Different granulometric fractions of surface sediment samples and dissected sediment cores taken from Matanzas Bay and from three inflowing rivers were investigated for the content of metals (Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) and organic matter. the data on 'total' and easily extractable metal fractions were normalized and statistically treated with the aim of finding procedures applicable for assessment of the sources and levels of contamination. the results show clearly that the investigated area is not much contaminated with respect to those determinands. However, sewage effluents, urban runoff and industrial discharges from Matanzas City draining to the bay via two rivers cause elevated heavy metal levels in sediments of the rivers and of the adjacent coastal areas. in addition, a tannery discharge was revealed as a contamination 'hot spot' for chromium.
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