Assessments of physico-chemical parameters, nutrient load and trace metal levels in spring and river water using multivariate statistical methods, South Gondar Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

Physico-chemical and selected heavy metals were investigated. Seven water samples were collected. The results of water quality parameters ranged pH, EC, TSS, turbidity, TDS, total alkalinity, DO, temperature, Salinity, Chlorides, NH3, PO4 − 3, SO4 − 2, NO3 − 2, NO2− 0.015 to 0.139 mg/L, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Pb and Cd. Most of the results are comparable with WHO standards, in contrast some of are above permissible limits. Evaluated data through multivariate statistical techniques Principal correlation analysis (PCA), Cluster analysis and correlation matrix were performed. The sampling points extracted three clusters for nutrient water quality which suggested similar pollution sources. The water sample was polluted due to the anthropogenic effects of Mekan Eyesus Town while in the spring water high concentrations of Cl−, NH3 and PO4 − 3 were recorded. These might be natural sources of pollution. Most of the physicochemical parameters and the nutrients showed significant relationships except for TSS with all other parameters.