title: Evaluation of spatial and temporal variations in marine sediments quality using multivariate statistical techniques.
abstract: Spatial and temporal variations of sediment quality in Matanzas Bay (Cuba) were studied by determining a total of 12 variables (Zn, Cu, Pb, As, Ni, Co, Al, Fe, Mn, V, CO₃²⁻, and total hydrocarbons (THC). Surface sediments were collected, annually, at eight stations during 2005-2008. Multivariate statistical techniques, such as principal component (PCA), cluster (CA), and lineal discriminant (LDA) analyses were applied for identification of the most significant variables influencing the environmental quality of sediments. Heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Pb, V, and As) and THC were the most significant species contributing to sediment quality variations during the sampling period. Concentrations of V and As were determined in sediments of this ecosystem for the first time. The variation of sediment environmental quality with the sampling period and the differentiation of samples in three groups along the bay were obtained. The usefulness of the multivariate statistical techniques employed for the environmental interpretation of a limited dataset was confirmed.
authors.forename: Odalys Quevedo
authors.initials: OQ
authors.lastname: Alvarez
authors.forename: Margarita Edelia Villanueva
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Tagle
authors.forename: Jorge L Gómez
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Pascual
authors.forename: Ma Teresa Larrea
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Marín
authors.forename: Ana Catalina Nuñez
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Clemente
authors.forename: Miriam Odette Cora
authors.initials: MO
authors.lastname: Medina
authors.forename: Raiza Rey
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Palau
authors.forename: Mario Simeón Pomares
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Alfonso
mesh_terms: D061006:Bays / Q000737:chemistry; D003462:Cuba; D017753:Ecosystem; D004777:Environment; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry*; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000032:analysis; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D062211:Spatio-Temporal Analysis; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D019216:Metals, Heavy; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical