The two goals of this study were to (i) test the capabilities of the portable instrument relative to detailed standard chemical analyses, and (ii) evaluate instrument response at multiple sediment sites. Results from FPXRF analyses of sediment samples from various locations have been compared with results from standard analyses (ICP, AAS, Laboratory XRF). The data are used to draw correlations between the different methods, and evaluate the universality of the instrument. The ability to reliably detect metals in sediments allows for the generation of data from sediment grabs in a time frame short enough to guide on site decision-making for mapping strategies and detailed sampling.