In conclusion, the examined heavy metals in
sediments of the Eastern Coast of the Gulf of Thailand
showed wide ranges of concentrations due to
spatial variations of metal distribution. The differences
could be attributed to the sediment characteristics
and land-based point and non-point inputs,
especially from industrial activities. The two approaches
in evaluating heavy metal pollution, comparing
with Thailand’s sediment quality guidelines
and use of the geoaccumulation index gave quite
similar information that the sediments were polluted
with Pb and Cu, but no categorization of the degree
of pollution based on the former approach. In addition,
the present study showed that anthropogenic
activities for heavy metals contribution in the area
were marked at minimal.