Detection of seasonal variations in surface water quality using discriminant analysis

Type Journal Article - Environmental monitoring and assessment
Title Detection of seasonal variations in surface water quality using discriminant analysis
Author(s)
Volume 162
Issue 1-4
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2010
Page numbers 15-20
URL http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10661-009-0772-5
Abstract
In the study, discriminant analysis (DA) was applied to water quality data set monitored in winter and summer months along 3 years to investigate seasonal variations of Tahtali Reservoir water quality. The variables were divided into two categories as “parameters naturally found in surface waters—Al, Fe, Mn, F, Ba, Cl, and SO4” and “pollutants—biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, and NO3”. Linear discriminant functions were calculated to distinguish between winter and summer samples. Results revealed that water quality variables (naturally found in surface water and also pollutants) were distinctly different between two seasons. Seasonal changes of water quality caused by anthropogenic activities should be taken into consideration by the water managers especially in summer seasons in which higher concentrations were observed. The study showed that DA can be applied successfully to establish the seasonal variation in surface water quality and make it possible to design a future temporal sampling strategy in an optimal manner.

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