Sediment quality in littoral regions of the Gulf of Cádiz: a triad approach to address the influence of mining activities.
To evaluate sediment quality in different areas in the Gulf of Cádiz affected by mining activities, an integrative approach to assessment was used: the Sediment Quality Triad (SQT). Sediment samples were collected at six stations and subjected to replicated sediment acute and chronic toxicity tests, and comprehensive sediment chemistry analyses. Organisms collected synoptically at the same stations were analyzed for histopathological lesions and chemical concentrations in their tissues to determine 'in situ' alteration and bioavailability, in place of benthic community structure. The results obtained for each component were linked to the SQT using different methodologies of interpretation and expression of the integrated approach: (a) multivariate analysis, (b) significant statistical differences compared to the reference stations, (c) ANOVA-based pie charts, and (d) classical methods using triangles and the SQT index of pollution. SQT results indicated that the highest pollution was mainly associated with metals from mining activities and polyaromatic hydrocarbons in the Ría of Huelva. The use of histopathological measures and bioaccumulation of metals, improved the characterization of 'gray areas' of pollution and in the determination of the bioavailability of metals.
Departamento de Química Física, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad de Cádiz, Apartado 40, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain.
I
I
Riba
Jesús M
JM
Forja
Abelardo
A
Gómez-Parra
T Angel
TA
DelValls
D001682:Biological Availability; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D004787:Environmental Pollution; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000737:chemistry*; D019216:Metals, Heavy; D008906:Mining; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; D013030:Spain
D019216:Metals, Heavy; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons