Spatial clustering of metals in the sediments of the Skagerrak Kattegat

The present work attempts to describe the spatial distribution of heavy metals in the surficial sediments of the Kattegat and Skagerrak. It is based on multivariate statistical analyses. Principal Component Analysis is used to gain information on the chemical characteristics of the metals as a group. Cluster analysis is used to classify the sampling stations into groups regarding the principal components. In addition, cluster analysis is adopted directly on the metals. Together these enable an interpretation of the processes involved in the formation of these coastal sediments. It is seen that the main factors controlling the composition of the clusters are the chemical characteristics of the data and not the sources. A few exceptions are found though, where direct point sources are identified. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.