Some trace element contents of surficial sediment samples from sampling stations in Lake Manyas (Bird Lake) in Turkey and its tributary rivers have been analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. The mean levels (pgg ' dry weight) of Mn, Fe, Cu, Pb, Ni, and Zn for five sampling stations in the first season (March 1996) and for eight sampling stations in the second season (May 1996) have been listed. The results have been compared with the values given in the literature. A comparison with the available benchmark sediment quality criteria and toxicity guideline values has also been made. The results in the light of those comparisons suggest that a pollution problem especially with respect to Cu, Pb, Zn and Ni exists at several stations which are effected by municipal and industrial effluents and at the middle of the lake.