The U.S. Government is closed. This site will not be updated; however NOAA websites and social media channels necessary to protect lives and property will be maintained. To learn more, visit www.commerce.gov. For the latest forecast and critical weather information, visit www.weather.gov. 

The U.S. government is closed. This site will not be updated; however, NOAA websites and social media channels necessary to protect lives and property will be maintained. To learn more, visit commerce.gov. 

For the latest forecasts and critical weather information, visit weather.gov.

New chemical analyses reveal that contaminants are present in Sargassum samples collected in Puerto Rico, USVI, and Florida

aerial view of a coastline with sargassum floating just offshore

New chemical analyses reveal that a subset of persistent organic pollutants and trace metals were present in Sargassum samples collected in Puerto Rico, USVI, and Florida. NCCOS scientists will continue to analyze samples for trace metals and legacy organic contaminants as part of this ongoing project.