Statistical zonation of sediment samples using ratio matching and cluster analysis

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Geochemistry
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Sediment analysis is crucial for understanding environmental contamination.
• Traditional methods may struggle to differentiate sediment origins influenced by dilution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and present a novel zonation technique for sediment samples.
• To utilize contaminant ratios for identifying sediment origins and depositional patterns.

Main Methods:

• A zonation technique based on contaminant ratios (heavy metals, PCBs) of sediment samples.
• Calculation of similarity coefficients between sample ratios.
• Analysis using hierarchical agglomerative cluster analysis.

Main Results:

• Sediment samples of common origin clustered together.
• Samples influenced by unique factors (transport, point sources) formed separate clusters.
• Successful application demonstrated on Great Lakes samples from Hamilton Harbour and Port Hope.

Conclusions:

• The contaminant ratio zonation technique effectively distinguishes sediment origins.
• This method aids in understanding sediment transport and pollution source attribution.
• The technique offers a robust approach for sediment sample analysis in complex environments.