An algebraic/graphical tool to compare ecosystems with respect to their pollution by PB/CD III: Comparative regional analysis by applying a similarity index

The technique of Hasse diagrams is applied to compare heavy metal pollution of regions in Germany. Four matrices, i.e. moss, leaves, earthworm (Lumbricus Rubellus) and herbs are investigated. Beside the pollution pattern of the regions sociogeographic information, i.e. agriculture, industry, woodland proportion and urban zones are given. With regard to this additional information a similarity search among the four different matrices with respect to their loading pattern is presented. The Tanimoto index is applied and it can be shown that low agricultural activity leads to similar Hasse diagrams for the matrices moss-leaves. Therefore a mechanism related to agricultural intensity may be assumed to exist, which leads to a similar pollution pattern for these two matrices.