For the first time a state-of-the-art of present metal pollution along the coastline of Latin America is provided. This collection of papers from a conference held in August 1986 in Rio de Janeiro Brazil is designed to inform readers of recent advances in an important interdisciplinary field. Primary focus is on: - Metal Surveys Metals in Sediments Metals in Biota Metal Transport and Cycles Metal Monitoring. A final chapter combines conclusion outlook and recommendations of how to master the critical situation of metal concentrations in coastal environments of Latin America. This book fills a long-standing gap in the literature and will be of prime interest to researchers students and professionals in geology biology and chemistry.