3.6. Linking chemicals to biomarkers
DistLM was used to investigate the complex relationship between chemical concentrations and biomarker responses. The CAT, SOD and MN frequency matrix detected in clams with the matrix of prediction variables for our selected class of chemicals (PAHs, trace metals) showed a weak correlation among most of the observed sediment characteristics and biomarker responses. There was no evidence of a correlation among biomarkers and contaminant characteristics when analyzed across the seasons (Tables 1 and 2). None of the selected chemical variables were able to explain the
biological responses in the biomarkers.