Interpretation of heavy metal data from mussel by use of multivariate classification techniques

Different strategies of multivariate analysis of metals concentrations (Mn, Fe, Ni, V, Co, Cu, Cd, Hg, Pb, Na, K) in mussel samples from different spa nish markets are used to interpret a data base and identify differences bet ween species and origen of the samples. Principal Component Analysis and Po tential curves are applied to properly classify unknown samples from repres entative mussels samples (Mytilus edulis and Perna canaliculus). Also, Prin cipal Components Analysis is used as display method to visualize the relati on between the variables and objects of interest. (C) 1998 Published by Els evier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.