This study aimed to evaluate the metal concentration of sediments from the Santos Estuarine System (Sao Paulo State, Brazil). during the winter of 2010. Surface sediment samples were collected from 16 sites distributed along with the estuarine system. Aliquots from homogenized samples were sub-sampled for chemical and granulometric analyses. The results were compared with reference values from Canadian Sediment Quality Guidelines. Principal components analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis were used to identify and clarify relationships among sites and chemical parameters. PCA grouped sites close to the industrial area, where sediment contamination seems to be more critical, which was confirmed by cluster analysis. The results confirmed that metal contamination is still a problem for the bent ecosystem of the Santos Estuarine System. Strong efforts must be done to keep allowing recreation, fishing and other activities direct related to coastal areas and to help protect the estuarine ecosystem.
Santos Estuarine System; sediment; metals; contamination; Brazil
