Measuring redundancy in data from pollution impact studies

• Published in: Environmental management (New York) Vol. 24; no. 3; pp. 415 - 420
• Main Authors: Saiz-Salinas, J.I, Gonzalez-Oreja, J.A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer Nature B.V 01-10-1999
• Subjects: Environmental impact; Environmental management; estuaries; fauna; Spain
• ISSN: 0364-152X; 1432-1009
• DOI: 10.1007/s002679900243

Redundant variables in data from pollution-impact studies consist of those that produce only noise when attempting to relate an adverse effect to its human-induced cause. Results are presented from two consecutive field surveys conducted in the Bilbao Estuary, Spain, in which biota inhabiting sediments from the polluted estuary were quantified directly by classical destructive procedures and indirectly by counting burrows made by unknown animals on intertidal mudflats. The objective of the surveys was to identify changes in organisms in space along the estuary that were attributed to human activities. Results showed that the benthic community structure sharply declined to close azoic conditions in almost three-fourths of the watercourse bed. This spatial variation was equally clear for both direct and indirect faunal descriptors of biotic structure along the estuary. The nondestructive method of counting burrows appeared to be a versatile tool for identifying biological degradation in the polluted sediments, giving rapid and reliable results inexpensively, compared to the destructive method, with no apparent loss of relevant information.