Elevated mercury concentrations in biota despite reduced sediment concentrations in a contaminated coastal area, Harboøre Tange, Denmark.

Metals sequestered in coastal sediments are normally considered to be stable, but this investigation shows - somewhat surprisingly - that mercury concentrations in a previously contaminated area, Harboøre Tange, Denmark, have decreased since the 1980s. Mercury concentrations were determined in sediment and benthic biota and present values were compared to values in the 1980s and values from areas without known; history of mercury contamination. Concentrations in both the upper 20 cm of the sediments and; biota are considerably lower now compared to latest monitoring (1980s).