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Statistical classification of the toxicity and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon contamination of sediments from a highly industrialized seaport
Author(s) -
Alden Raymond W.,
Butt Arthur J.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
environmental toxicology and chemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.1
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1552-8618
pISSN - 0730-7268
DOI - 10.1002/etc.5620060905
Subject(s) - sediment , environmental science , dredging , contamination , environmental chemistry , polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon , statistical analysis , pollution , geology , chemistry , ecology , oceanography , biology , statistics , mathematics , paleontology
Data from a comprehensive series of toxicity bioassays and chemical surveys were analyzed by discriminant analysis to statistically classify sediment quality in the Port of Hampton Roads, Virginia. A consensus “map” indicating sediment quality was developed to classify stations into “clean” vs. “contaminated” groups. The “clean” group, which produced few biological effects, included stations with low levels of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), while significant biological effects were associated with “contaminated” sediments containing high levels of PAHs. The statistical analysis clearly indicated different characteristic patterns of PAHs in the various geographic regions. Both the toxicological and PAH data indicated a change in the sediment quality between dredging operations. The multivariate statistical approach to the classification of sediment quality has been shown to provide an effective, objective means of evaluating dredged materials being considered for ocean disposal.