The results of factor analysis influence the diverse characteristics of source and effect factors.
For river sediments, themain source and effect factors are relatively explicit, indicating the stable characteristics of trace metals in the river environment.
The loading variables of factor analysis reveal a significant mixture process in estuarine sediments.
But there is relatively less anthropogenic discharge in the estuary.
The trace metals of lake sediment show the character of diffusive sources
because of sample locations.
The factor analysis shows the significant effects of sources on sediment texture and composition.