This study is part of a more extensive research program
to characterize pollution in two different lagoons in Italy
using a multitrial biomarker approach in combination
with residue analysis. It looks at levels of 2,3,7,8-chlorinated
PCDDs and PCDFs in crabs and sediments from several
locations in the Venice and Orbetello Lagoons, both affected
by various types of pollution. The PCDD/F levels found
in crabs and sediment from Venice and Orbetello Lagoons
varied between sampling sites: the highest being from
Porto Marghera harbor, a part of the Venice Lagoon
characterized by high industrial impact. Principal Component
Analysis was used to identify groups of similar sediment
samples which can be correlated to possible sources of
contamination. Four different sediment fingerprint
patterns were recognized in the two-dimensional space
formed by the two principal components which were mainly
formed by a combination of highly chlorinated PCDDs
and PCDFs.