Analysis of heavy metals concentration in wastewater along highways in croatia

Abstract

In this paper we have analysed concetrations of heavy metals (lead, copper, nickel, zink, mercury, cadmium, and chromium) in wastewater along highways in Croatia. We have used standard statistical methods: analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis test and principal analysis. Analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to detect factors that influence the concentration of lead, copper, nickel, and zink in wastewater. We have investigated the influence of the highway sampling location, the side of a highway, and the influence of the season of the year. Principal components were used to identify groups of elements with similar characteristics in wastewater.