Sediment quality evolution (2001-2011) in the Ebro River basin (Spain).
Spatio-temporal variations in sediment quality (20 sample sites) of the Ebro River basin between 2001 and 2011 have been assessed. The self-organizing map classified the sediment samples according to similarities in their chemical compositions. Its powerful visualization tools helped establish the main pollution contribution on each sample. Most of the samples showed low values of the mean-probable effect concentration quotient through time. However, six samples presented several quality issues related to some trace elements or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Finally, geoaccumulation index values calculated using estimates of background trace element concentrations suggested anthropogenic influences in more than half of the samples.
Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Zaragoza, C/ Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009, Saragossa, Spain, themachineiq@hotmail.com.
Oscar
O
Veses
Rosa
R
Mosteo
Maria P
MP
Ormad
Jose L
JL
Ovelleiro
D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D019015:Geologic Sediments; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / Q000032:analysis; D045483:Rivers / Q000737:chemistry*; D013030:Spain; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000032:analysis; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*; D014877:Water Pollution, Chemical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D060753:Water Quality
D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; D014131:Trace Elements; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical