Distribution and possible sources of total mercury in sediments from the Newark Bay Estuary, New Jersey

More than 70 sediment samples were taken from various locations in Newark Bay, NJ, and analyzed for total mercury content at the surface, and at depths between 20 and 80 cm between 90 and 140 cm, and greater than 150 cm. High levels of mercury were found in the surface sediment taken from the Hackensack River and the lower Arthur Kill. In general mercury content was greater in the subsurface sediment, reflecting historical input of mercury, especially during wartime and post wartime manufacturing of paint, ships, and plating from 1940 to 1960. Some of the point source inputs are listed.