@article{10272/28675,
year = {2026},
url = {https://hdl.handle.net/10272/28675},
abstract = {Textural and geochemical analysis of intertidal sediments in the southern Atacama region makes it possible to identify sites primarily affected by mining-related pollution, based on a multivariate statistical analysis of the concentrations of five elements (Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Pb) and their geoaccumulation indices. These concentrations are not correlated with grain size, which is dominated by the sandy fractions. Spearman’s matrix and principal component analysis make it possible to distinguish between two groups of elements (group A: Fe-Cu-As; group B: Zn-Pb), with a strong correlation between them (ρ ≥ 0.51; p < 0.01) and the first two components explain 96.3% of the variance. Three heavily polluted sites (Playa Blanca, Bahía Sarco and Chañaral de Aceituno; Igeo Cu > 8) have been identified linked to waste from the washing of tailings, a copper smelter and frequent boat trips. In addition, four moderately polluted sites (Playa Grande, Balneario Caldera, the mouth of the Copiapó River and Carrizal Bajo; 1.7 < Igeo Cu < 8; 1.2 < Igeo Pb < 2.6), mainly due to activities associated with mining and oil refineries, have been identified.},
organization = {This work is a contribution to the ANID/CONICYT/FONDECYT 11180015 project and the TRAMPA/PID2021-127268NB-100 project funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and FEDER, UE. Other funds were provided by the Andalusian Government (project RNM-238). This is a contribution to the Research Center for Historical, Cultural, and Natural Heritage (CIPHCN) at the University of Huelva.},
publisher = {MDPI},
title = {Assessment of Cu, As, Pb, Zn and Fe Enrichment in Intertidal Sediments Along the Atacama Coast, Northern Chile},
doi = {10.3390/min16060643},
author = {Bonnail, Estefanía and Cruces, Edgardo and Santibáñez, John and Muñoz Pichardo, Juan Manuel and Prudencio, María Isabel and Dias, María Isabel and Marques, Rosa and Abad de los Santos, Manuel and Izquierdo, Tatiana and Ruiz Muñoz, Francisco},
}