Statistical classification of the toxicity and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon contamination of sediments from a highly industrialized seaport

摘要

AbstractData 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