Application of a normalization procedure in determining regional geochemical baselines, Gulf of Trieste, Italy.

The regional variability of some geochemical parameters in the Gulf of Trieste is considered in terms of their relationship with Al, used as a normalization factor. Baselines calculated from these relationships are used to determine a simple enrichment factor for each element, defined as the ratio between the actual and predicted baseline value. The normalization procedure permits a new non dimensional reference baseline to be obtained that could help to assess the size of possible anomalies and to provide information on the diffusion and dispersion patterns of pollutants inside the monitored area.