Pattern recognition and classification of sediments according to their metal content using chemometric tools. A case study: The estuary of Nerbioi-Ibaizabal River (Bilbao, Basque Country)

► Long-term monitoring of pollution in the estuary of the Nerbioi-Ibaizabal River. ► Sediments as indicators of metal pollution in estuaries. ► Combination of chemometric techniques for pattern recognition and classification. ► Chemometric classification of sediments according to their metal content.