Identifying the source, transport path and sinks of sewage derived organic matter.
Since sewage discharges can significantly contribute to the contaminant loadings in coastal areas, it is important to identify sources, pathways and environmental sinks. Sterol and fatty alcohol biomarkers were quantified in source materials, suspended sediments and settling matter from the Ria Formosa Lagoon. Simple ratios between key biomarkers including 5beta-coprostanol, cholesterol and epi-coprostanol were able to identify the sewage sources and effected deposition sites. Multivariate methods (PCA) were used to identify co-varying sites. PLS analysis using the sewage discharge as the signature indicated approximately 25% of the variance in the sites could be predicted by the sewage signature. A new source of sewage derived organic matter was found with a high sewage predictable signature. The suspended sediments had relatively low sewage signatures as the material was diluted with other organic matter from in situ production. From a management viewpoint, PLS provides a useful tool in identifying the pathways and accumulation sites for such contaminants.
Mudge
Stephen M
SM
School of Ocean Sciences, University of Wales, Bangor, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, LL59 5AB, UK. s.m.mudge@bangor.ac.uk
Duce
Caroline E
CE
D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D005068:Eutrophication; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000032:analysis; D019015:Geologic Sediments; D006801:Humans; D016018:Least-Squares Analysis; D045483:Rivers; D012722:Sewage; D013261:Sterols / Q000032:analysis; D018505:Waste Management / Q000379:methods*; D014872:Water Movements; D018508:Water Purification
D005227:Fatty Acids; D012722:Sewage; D013261:Sterols