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Application of Multivariate Statistical Techniques for the Characterization of Ground Water Quality of Lahore, Gujranwala and Sialkot (Pakistan)

Journal article published in 2011 by Asif Mahmood ORCID, Waqas Muqbool, Muhammad Waseem Mumtaz, Farooq Ahmad
This paper is available in a repository.
This paper is available in a repository.

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Preprint: policy unknown
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Postprint: policy unknown
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Abstract

Multivariate statistical techniques such as factor analysis (FA), cluster analysis (CA) and discriminant analysis (DA), were applied for the evaluation of spatial variations and the interpretation of a large complex water quality data set of three cities (Lahore, Gujranwala and Sialkot) in Punjab, Pakistan. 16 parameters of water samples collected from nine different sampling stations of each city were determined. Factor analysis indicates five factors, which explained 74% of the total variance in water quality data set. Five factors are salinization, alkalinity, temperature, domestic waste and chloride, which explained 31.1%, 14.3%, 10.6%, 10.0% and 8.0% of the total variance respectively. Hierarchical cluster analysis grouped nine sampling stations of each city into three clusters, i.e., relatively less polluted (LP), and moderately polluted (MP) and highly polluted (HP) sites, based on the similarity of water quality characteristics. Discriminant analysis (DA) identified ten significant parameters (Calcium (Ca), Ammonia, Sulphate, Sodium (Na), electrical conductivity (EC), chloride, temperature (Temp), total hardness(TH), Turbidity), which discriminate the groundwater quality of three cities, with close to 100.0% correct assignment for spatial variations. This study illustrates the benefit of multivariate statistical techniques for interpreting complex data sets in the analysis of spatial variations in water quality, and to plan for future studies. Water is called matrix of life because it is an essential part of all living systems and is the medium from which life evolved and in which life exists [1]. The quality as well as the quantity of clean water supply is of vital significance for the welfare of humanity [2]. Polluted water is a source of many diseases for human beings [3].