Multivariate analysis and geochemical approach for assessment of metal pollution state in sediment cores

Vertical distribution of metals (Cu, Zn, Cr, Fe, Mn, Pb, Ni, Cd, and Li) in four sediment core samples (C₁, C₂, C₃, and C₄) from Anzali international wetland located southwest of the Caspian Sea was examined. Background concentration of each metal was calculated according to different statistical approaches. The results of multivariate statistical analysis showed that Fe and Mn might have significant role in the fate of Ni and Zn in sediment core samples. Different sediment quality indexes were utilized to assess metal pollution in sediment cores. Moreover, a new sediment quality index named aggregative toxicity index (ATI) based on sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) was developed to assess the degree of metal toxicity in an aggregative manner. The increasing pattern of metal pollution and their toxicity degree in upper layers of core samples indicated increasing effects of anthropogenic sources in the study area.