LAUSR

Sequential extraction was used to determine the geochemical distribution of trace metals in coastal sediments from Trinidad and Tobago. The results showed that there was considerable variation in the bioavailability, mobility and ecological risk of the metals determined. Cadmium had very high ecological risk: 57-88% of cadmium was associated with the exchangeable and carbonate bound metal fraction (F1). Ecological risk decreased in the order manganese> nickel> lead> zinc. Copper had the lowest ecological risk: lowest percentages of copper were associated with F1 (1-15%) and F2 (3-15%), while considerable percentages (48-55%) were associated with the residual fraction. Management of the risks posed by these metals in the marine environment requires a holistic approach including reduction in trace metal inputs from point and non-point sources of pollution, particularly off the west coast of Trinidad, and public education on the impacts of trace metals in the environment and on human health.