The assessment of trace metal distribution in marine sediments allows: i) the evaluation of the current status of environmental pollution, ii) the identification of the potential sources of pollution, iii) an adequate understanding of mechanisms ruling trace metals mobility and bioavailability in order to verify the existence of a real environmental risk. Since a reliable dataset is essential to that relevant purpose, a correct procedure of sampling, storage, treatment and analysis of marine sediments plays a key role; the aim of this report is to describe in detail a protocol for preparation and analysis of sediment samples for determination of trace metals content using atomic emission spectrometry. All operating procedures were developed and checked for precision, reproducibility and accuracy in the geochemical laboratories of IAMC – CNR of Naples equipped with a VARIAN ICP-AES VISTA-MPX
