The total and acid leachable composition of Golden Horn surface sediments have been investigated for Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni, Co, Mn and Fe. Quantitatively, the majority of the Pb, Zn and Cu defined to be from anthropogenic origin and the sediments classified as contaminated with respect to these elements. The natural change in the depth of halocline, results in the remobilization of loosely held metals from sediments. Mediterranean water is more effective in remobilization of the loosely held metals than the brackish Black Sea water. © 1991, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.