Several studies have been described the Pollution Load Index (PLI ; Tomlinson et al. 1980) to assess the extent of pollution status of the trace metal in a site of interest. The pollution load index is calculated as the nth root of the number of multiplied contamination factor (CF) values. However, practically say for example concentration of lead (Pb) was very high, but 9 other metals very low, your answer is going to be low (say for example (baseline level; 1)>PLI; indicating not deterioration by metal pollution)!! How PLI of a site really can be reliable information? Please help me in this regard. Advance thanks
Well,
Pollution Load Index is benefit for general trace elements assessment, where 1>PLI; in general indicating not deterioration by metal pollution, except for pb. Here, the exception must be mentioned.
Sincerely.
Effectively, the PLI softens the differences that exist between the evaluated metals, being able to deliver a misinterpretation of the real state of the sediments under study, but we must not forget that this index is only a tool that allows to unite results under a single value for a better compression of the system under study. Therefore, the first is an expert evaluation of each of the individual parameters and the PLI later to improve the understanding of the metals analyzed as a whole. An evaluation of metals in sediments can not be based only on the PLI is a complement to facilitate the overall interpretation.
Dr. Billah your concerns are genuine and Dr. Cristian has explained nicely. Only PLI is not an effective tool for the complete assessment of metal pollution. Basically, it is complementary information. If you are doing environmental monitoring, do the multivariate analysis.
PLI softens the differences that exist between the evaluated metals,
by the automated mercury analyzer FKV AMA-254;
Heavy metal pollution Index (HPI) is defined as a rating reflecting the composite influence of dissolved heavy metals. HPI is calculated from the point of view of the suitability of ground water for human consumption with respect to metals contamination.
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