Distributions of trace metals (TM), organic carbon, SPM and physico-chemical parameters were studied in the highly stratified Krka River estuary in winter/summer periods. The nonconservative behaviour of Zn, Cd, Pb and Cu in the brackish layer (plume), easily spotted due to very low inputs by the river, was mainly caused by their inputs from the pleasure boats, nautical marinas and harbour (e.g. release from antifouling paints). Contrarily, Ni and Co followed near-conservative behaviour. The extremely low SPM discharged by the river,