Ecological implications of the analysis of the redox system of organic matter in the streams of vizcaya (Northern Spain)

Eleven physicochemical variables (pH, temperature, oxygen, percentage of oxygen saturation, orthophosphate, nitrite, nitrate, ammonium, orthosilicate, organic matter and organic matter in sediment) have been analysed in 175 sampling sites during four seasons in 1985. A principal component analysis has been applied after standardization of the density function of the variables, according to skewness and kurtosis. Four main groups of sites have been differentiated. These groups represent different degrees in the redox process of organic matter. (A) Very oxygenated sites with high pH values indicating that the mineralization process prevails. Organic matter appears in low concentrations and a reduced state. (B) Sites nutrient enrichment where elements with high oxidation number prevail (nitrite, nitrate, and orthophosphate). (C) Sites supporting high organic pollution. (D) Sites subjected to heavy urban and/or industrial dumping.