A multivariate assessment of metal distribution in inter-tidal sediments of the Blackwater Estuary, UK

摘要: Abstract The Blackwater Estuary, Essex, UK is the primary site for investigation of Managed Retreat: a coastal management technique aimed at restoration salt marshes. success Retreat trials will be judged by development healthy marsh communities. Accretion sediments key part this development. metal content accreting may significant in and has environmental importance. Therefore, information on estuarine sediment geochemistry Estuary valuable interpretation geochemical sites. spatial distribution 15 metals estuary been assessed use multivariate statistical techniques: cluster analysis; multidimensional scaling; principal component canonical variate discriminant analysis. assessment indicated general landward to seaward decrease heavy concentrations estuary. This was effect elevated metals, particularly Pb, Zn, Cd Cu, head resulting from specific discharges associated with congregation anthropogenic activity zone. In comparison, lower estuary, where schemes have instigated, were less contaminated. However, enhanced deposition, which proximal localized source metals. implications incorporated into sites accretion being actively promoted. A depletion calcium observed marshes as compared mudflats throughout